Xbox One

Dylan Lies, Staff writer


Email This Story

The debate on whether Xbox One or PlayStation 4 is the superior console has been going on for years. When it comes down to it, Xbox is the best choice because the PS4 lacks in many spots.

One of the big reasons that make Xbox One the better console is that it has backward compatibility. Backward compatibility means that games made for the older Xbox 360 are able to be played on the Xbox One. There are some exceptions, so not every single game is compatible with the Xbox One. However, new games are frequently released. Another benefit is that every game bought for Xbox comes with a free Windows PC copy.

Another feature that the Xbox One has is game sharing. Once a user is logged into an Xbox One, it lets everyone on that Xbox play that user’s games. The system creates a new Cloud save for each user, which lets each user complete their own achievements along the way.

Microsoft also makes it very easy for people to change their usernames on the Xbox, and even lets them change it for free for the first time. With the PS4, once it is created it cannot be changed.

Exclusive games are a big argument between the two consoles. Xbox has more popular shooter and racing exclusives such as Halo, Gears of War, and the best in class racing game, Forza. They also still support third party hits such as Call of Duty, Destiny, and Battlefield.

Microsoft has a deal with Electronic Arts called EA Access. This allows Xbox users to have access to popular franchises such as Fifa, Madden, Battlefield, and Skate 3. For five dollars a month or 30 dollars a year, it gives ten percent off all digital EA purchases and pre-release trials to some of EA’s biggest games, along with an all-you-can-play buffet of all EA’s games.

This year, new generations of each console were introduced, the Xbox One X and the PS4 Pro. The Xbox One X is the most powerful video game console aside from a PC.

wThe Xbox One is able to play 4K Blu Rays, unlike the Playstation.

The Xbox’s controller selection is significantly larger than the PS4’s. They are customizable with dozens of colors or designs to choose from. Microsoft also gives gamers the option to splurge on the Xbox Elite controller to enhance their experience. Along with that, the design of the Xbox controller is more comfortable to hold and is not as bulky as the PS4’s.

Xbox overall has a better online experience. Xbox Live is completely stable, unlike Playstation Plus which has had significant outages. In a 2016 IHS Markit study, Xbox was reported to offer better speeds and better reliability than PS4. Xbox One also offers a family gameshare service, wheras PlayStation offers nothing alike. Xbox is also partnered with Comcast, Xfinity, NFL, and Time Warner Cable to enhance the entertainment aspect of the console.