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The wait is over.
The PlayStation 4 hits shops today in the UK, one week after the Xbox One was released. For those who aren’t gaming aficionados but want to know the differences between the consoles, we’re here to help with the basics.
Which is cheaper?
PlayStation 4 at £349, Xbox One is priced at £429.
Which looks better?
They’re both black, rectangular boxes. But the PlayStation 4 is less chunky than the Xbox One, and looks slightly sleeker. Both use a matte and gloss finish.
Which offers more?
The Xbox One comes with its camera, the Kinect 2.0, the PlayStation 4 camera costs £45 extra. With a subscription, PlayStation also offers free games every month, where Xbox One will only offer discounts. Xbox One comes with Skype, but both have Netflix and Lovefilm. Sony are rumoured to be releasing a bundle pack before Christmas, which will include a PS Vita – so you can play games remotely from the TV.
How much will it cost to play online?
PlayStationPlus costs £39.99 for a one-year subscription and £11.99 for a 90-day subscription. Xbox Live Gold is £39.99 for 12 month subscription, £14.99 for 3 months, or £5.99 for one month.
How much will the games cost?
There were originally some complaints that some PS4 games were over £60, but now it’s been announced that cross-platform games will cost the same on both consoles’ digital stores.
Which has the better launch games?
Xbox One: Forza Motorsport 5 is the one to beat for racing fanatics, Ryse: Son of Rome shows off an incredible landscape and combat that relies on good timing, and Zoo Tycoon is adorable, as you play as the manager who can get involved with tending to the animals.
PlayStation 4: Killzone: Shadow Fall shows off the PS4’s graphics, Resogun (free with PlayStation plus) will take you back to days of gaming yore with a modern edge on a Space Invaders style, and Knack is an old-fashioned playable platformer.
Who will have the better games in future?
PlayStation 4 have confirmed developers Naughty Dog will release an Unchartered game for PS4, plus Octodad: Dadliest Catch (the clue is in the title) will be out next year.
Xbox One will release Kinect Sports next year, plus EA and Respawn Entertainment’s exciting upcoming title Titanfall should be released early 2014.
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