Consoles from Microsoft and Sony have been fighting for market leadership for a long time. Each generation of consoles strives to win the hearts of buyers with improving technical characteristics, the presence of interesting exclusives and other advantages.

Today we will find out which is better - PS4 or Xbox 360. These consoles belong to different generations, but it is not possible to immediately make a final conclusion about which one to buy today.

What's good about the Xbox 360?

The previous generation console from Microsoft has a number of positive qualities. The first advantage is the cost, because such a set-top box will require less expenditure from you. For some, developed piracy on this console will also be a plus - after purchasing it, you will be able to play not only licensed versions of games. In all other respects, it lags behind the Sony PS4.

What's good about the Sony PlayStation 4?

Only one feature of the Japanese corporation's set-top box is confusing - its price. You'll have to pay a hefty sum for the PS4. All other parameters are satisfactory. Let's take a closer look at them.

• Technical components. The set-top box uses the DDR5 memory standard, which is faster than that installed in the most modern console from Microsoft - Xbox One. The Japanese company also beats its competitor due to the fact that it offers a larger volume for gaming needs. random access memory, since her operating system takes up less space.

• I'm pleased with the high performance of the graphics accelerator - the picture quality on Sony and Microsoft consoles is different, and not in favor of the latter. There is a nuance here: the developers are trying to optimize the game for the characteristics of a particular console, so you won’t notice much of a difference in performance.
• Joystick. The gamepad is an important element of any console. The Xbox is almost flawless - the ergonomics are excellent, it’s convenient to operate, but it lacks some components that Sony considered necessary to add to its version of the device. The PS4 gamepad is equipped with a special touchpad, which is actively used by developers as additional button. There is a built-in speaker that improves immersion in the game. There is an indicator light with support for brightness adjustment. It also has a regular headset port - a great option for those who want to chat with friends while playing.
• Other possibilities. PS4 can remember the last 15 minutes of your game. This video can be saved or sent to a friend with a couple of clicks. If you have a camera, you can broadcast the gameplay. When you go into sleep mode, the console remembers where you finished playing.

The confrontation between gaming platforms will probably never end. While "Sony Fights" will defend exclusives on PS4, Juan owners will insist on the convenience of the controller and Xbox One X power.

“PC boyars”, looking at everything that is happening, as usual, from the outside, will not mind reminding everyone about 4K and 60 FPS, forgetting to specify the cost of such a computer, but now there’s no time for them.

If you don't understand half of what is written above, don't worry. Now we will try objectively assess the situation, consider the pros and cons of the main representatives of console gaming, and at the end we will summarize and tell you what to buy: PS4 or Xbox One.

And yes, we will not present you with a dry specification, tell you about the teraflops of the Xbox One X, name the models of processors and video chips, but rather concentrate benefits for the average user, who does not want to understand the technical aspects. In addition, the console is purchased in order to play games as comfortably as possible and not think about upgrades and so on.

PS4 and Xbox One versions

On this moment, both Sony and Microsoft are emphasizing on latest versions consoles. At the moment there are 2 of them on each side: PS4 Slim and Pro, as well as Xbox One S and X.

Fat versions of both consoles are already almost never sold in large stores, and settled in the secondary market.

The policy of both companies is extremely simple and concise - There is simple version and there is an improved one, there is no other option. They slowly got rid of the first versions and are no longer selling them.

PS4

The Slim version is the same PS4 Fat, only in a more attractive and compact case. Except HDR support and a couple of minor adjustments, there is nothing new in it. The same cannot be said about PS4 Pro, which is in many ways superior to its “sisters”.

Again, we will not talk about all the technical advantages of the Pro modification, you can see them yourself on the Internet, we will only note what is really important - 4K gaming. You can say that since the Pro version is better, it means it’s worth buying and unnecessary discussions are no longer necessary, but this is not so.

PlayStation 4 repair

Firstly, even though Pro is more powerful, you won’t notice a noticeable difference in either graphics or performance. It will, of course, manifest itself in some specific moments, but this is often only noticeable in direct comparison. The absence of a colossal difference in games is due to the fact that very few games were released for the Pro version, and those that exist are only patched versions, released for PS4 Fat.

Secondly, Pro requires 4K TV. Only after you buy it, you will be able to experience all the charm of the advanced version of the console, and if you connect it to the same 1080p monitor, there will be practically no difference in pixels and other things.

Conclusion: if you don’t want to spend 30 thousand rubles on a PS4 Pro, and even more so if you don’t have a 4K TV, buy the slim version, or, in extreme cases, Fat-ku, it will also serve you for a long time.

The PlayStation 4 Pro is worth taking only with a reserve for the future, if you want to later buy a TV and play in good quality.

Xbox One

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft's main focus is on Xbox One S and Xbox One X. Therefore, we will not consider the standard version, since it is no longer relevant.

Xbox One S is a kind of “remaster” of the first version of the console. In relation to her, he became smaller, more beautiful, and most importantly - contains a power supply, which used to be just huge.

Traditionally, we didn’t see anything super new; it’s still the same Xbox One, only in a stylish new package. With its appearance, no one is talking about the bulky, heavy box that was presented before.

The Xbox One Scorpio, which later became known as the Xbox One X, is something truly new in terms of performance. According to Microsoft, this console 40% more powerful than any console, released before its appearance. True, there is nowhere to realize this potential, since there are practically no exclusive games.

Produced in our workshops Xbox One repair. You can confidently trust the many years of experience of our specialists. Call and make an appointment!

The high performance of the X version is quite expensive - approximately 40 thousand rubles. All its advantages, like those of the PS4 Pro, are revealed with a 4K monitor, although the difference in graphics is very noticeable compared to the Xbox One S.

Conclusion: For the money you can spend on an Xbox One X, you can buy one “thin” version of the console— PS4 and Xbox One (each approximately 18-20 thousand rubles).

Only if you have a 4K-capable TV will purchasing the X modification be justified. Well, or if you just like to spend money on pleasure and not deny yourself anything, since the price on PS4 and Xbox One of the most productive modifications differs by almost 10 thousand rubles.

What to choose: PS4 or Xbox One

Let's go back to the very beginning of the article, about disputes between owners of consoles from different manufacturers. This topic is so popular that it is reflected even in foreign TV series.

Fans of The Big Bang Theory will most likely remember the moment when Sheldon chooses PS4 or Xbox One and still can’t stop at just one thing. The theme called "PS4 vs Xbox One" in "South Park" was also touched upon by the writers. On the eve of Black Friday, guys could not unanimously choose one platform, on which everyone would play together, which led to a division into 2 opposing camps.

It’s the same in life, you can watch a comparison of two consoles, where Sony will come out as the undisputed winner, but when you open the next video, you will hear that its authors give preference to Microsoft. At such moments, you either want to buy nothing at all, or buy both consoles at once, to see for yourself in the correctness or incorrectness of the reviewers' judgments.

Let's move on to the comparison. Here we will not touch on gamepads and other things, as we have described this in other articles. Now we will look at what has changed since the release of consoles and consider only the most important aspects when choosing a console in 2018.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is subscriptions.

PlayStation has one standard subscription, which is called PlayStation Plus. Microsoft decided to do things differently and gave users a choice from three options: Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass and EA Access.

PS Plus and Live Gold allow you to play multiplayer and receive monthly several free games: from indie projects to high-quality toys. In addition, all subscribers are often provided with various discounts.

Game Pass will be a great solution for those who just recently purchased an Xbox One and don't have enough games. With this subscription you can gain access to an extensive library of games.

Well, the last one is EA Access, with which you get access to games from Electronic Arts(Star Wars Battlefront, FIFA 18, etc.), as well as discounts on in-game currency in games from this studio.

When it comes to free games with a subscription, things are not so clear cut. There are a lot of jokes around this topic, for example, about the fact that Sony is trying its best to support indie game developers who are constantly included in the monthly distribution. This is less of a problem on Xbox One. Most free-to-play games are really good, and low-budget arcade games are rarer.

Well, since we're talking about games, it's worth paying attention for exclusives, and everything that relates to them.

Recently, all Xbox One exclusive games have become Microsoft exclusives, which suggests that the console has lost its games altogether. Now they will be released on PCs with Windows 10.

Against this background, Sony is the undisputed leader, especially given the release of the long-awaited update to the God of War franchise, the game Shadow of the Colossus, as well as the announcement of the promising Death Stranding. No matter what anyone says, the PlayStation 4 in 2018 is head and shoulders above its opponent in terms of the number of games, which you can only play on it.

In addition, some Microsoft exclusives eventually become multi-platform, like Rise of the Tomb Rider, which can already be played on PS4.

According to the laws of the modern console market, a console that has few exclusives, loses its meaning.

The next point is the cost of games. On PS4 and Xbox One there will be no difference in the price of games, but there is such a thing as discounts. They play a role when choosing a particular console.

Previously, in the PS Store you could hardly find any a really worthwhile game at a low price, while on Xbox Live the discounts were pretty good. However, in Lately, Sony has reconsidered its approach to discounts and sales, and the situation has more or less stabilized.

Well, the last nuance - Online Games. A trend that has been observed over the past few years shows that developers are trying to increase the number of games with sophisticated multiplayer mode. Accordingly, the situation on PS4 is much better, given that more than 73 million people purchased this console, versus 36 million Xbox One owners. Of course, this does not mean that no one plays online on Xbox One, and in general, such conversations were relevant at the start of console sales, and now you can easily find a server with players on both one console and another.

Conclusion

So what to choose: Playstation 4 or Xbox One? According to most surveys not only of ordinary users, but also of experts, the Xbox One, as a game console, still looks very lackluster. Initially, it was presented as a multifunctional media combiner, the gaming component of which was on par with watching television.

PlayStation vs Xbox Battle at the Black Friday Exhibition

PlayStation 4 motto: "For Players"— is confirmed by the presence of truly interesting exclusives. The only thing that sometimes prevents you from enjoying them is the extremely slow operation of the PS Store, but that’s not about that now. It's just that Sony focuses exclusively on games, unlike its competitors. Most likely, this was the reason for the popularity of the PS4.

If you already have one of the consoles, then, for example, exchanging PS4 for Xbox One- doesn’t make any sense, but if you change in the opposite direction, then this is still a little justified by the presence of games that cannot be played on other platforms.

In 2018 It's best to buy a PlayStation 4 Slim. Its price is completely justified, and the power will last for the next 5 years, if not more. Only if you have 4K monitor, you might consider buying a PS4 Pro.

Today, the PlayStation 4 is more like a gaming platform designed to meet the needs of gamers.

You can buy Xbox One as an additional console, but, as practice has shown, PS4 is often chosen as the main platform.

Besides, PS4 is cheaper than Xbox One.

Probably, with the release of the 9th generation consoles, Microsoft will reconsider its approach to the gaming platform and fix errors(or will completely lose fans), but so far their console still does not reach Sony’s level.

Today there are many different devices on the gaming industry market. Games are released on smartphones, tablets, computers, and, of course, game consoles. Among the latter there are many various models, but the two main top-end devices are and . And if you can’t decide which company to give preference to, the American Microsoft or the Japanese Sony, this article is for you, in which comparison of xbox one and ps4.

Playstation 4: general information

The world first saw this device in the second half of 2013, a year earlier than Microsoft released its product. This allowed us to conquer the market - today the PS 4 community is 3 times larger than that of the Xbox. The console is positioned by Sony as a gaming device, and its multimedia functions are secondary. Because of this, it has more powerful hardware installed.

The first version of PlayStation 4 is presented with the following technical characteristics:

• The processor is an eight-core AMD x86-64 “Jaguar” with a core frequency of 1600 MHz. It is completely enough to play all modern games in Full HD resolution.
• GPU is installed in the device AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next. Its tests give a result of 1.84 Tflops. (Teraflops is a value that shows the number of floating point operations per second. Nothing clear, right? In short, the higher this value, the higher the graphics performance.)
• The amount of RAM is 8 GB with a bandwidth of 178 GB/sec. You won't notice its lack in games.
• The hard drive has a size of 500 GB, it is enough to install 4-5 games.

General information on hardware is given, a more detailed list is available on our website.

Now let's look at the configuration of the device. In addition to the console itself, the box contains a power cable, headphones, USB and microUSB cables, an HDMI cable, and a controller - Dualshock 4.

New versions of PlayStation

But times are changing, developers are releasing new, more demanding games, and the regular Playstation 4 is outdated. In August 2016, Sony released two new versions of the device: Slim and Pro.

The slim version is almost no different from the regular one. The case has been reduced and improved, USB 3.1 ports have been added, and minor changes in performance have been added. A larger volume appeared HDD. But the new version of PS 4 Pro is a separate topic for discussion.

The main purpose of the PS 4 Pro is gaming in 4K resolution. Therefore, the performance of the device has been significantly increased. Now the test GPU gives a result of 4.5 Tflops. The frame rate per second has also been increased. However, for a high-quality picture you will need a 4k TV that meets the requirements.

Xbox One: General Information

Microsoft provided its console a year later, losing a lot in the community. The device is positioned as a media center for the home. And although the main purpose is games, the functions of watching movies and communicating on the Internet are clearly expressed in the Xbox. Now, keeping up with market trends, Microsoft has introduced new version– Xbox One S. Also announced for the fall of 2017 is the Xbox One Project Scorpio with support for 4K resolution in games with a 6 Tflops GPU.

The first model of the Xbox Van has the following characteristics:

• Processor - 8-core x86-64 APU, clocked at 1.75 GHz. Game of Full resolution HD is also possible.
• GPU: AMD Radeon GCN. Tests have shown that its performance is 1.3 Tflops.
• RAM – 8 GB with a bandwidth of 68.6 GB/sec.
• In the first version, the hard drive has a capacity of 500 GB, but in the S version there are variations with 1 TB or 2 TB.
• You can also see more detailed specifications on our website http://site/.
• The kit includes a gamepad, an HDMI cable, a power supply, a set of batteries and a two-week subscription to Xbox Live.

A special word should be said about Kinect technology. Kinect is a wireless controller for the Xbox console. The PlayStation has no analogue. However, its presence does not make the Microsoft product better. In the S version it is completely removed. It is not used in most games and is mostly useless.

Xbox One S version

There are no significant differences from the first version. The case is reduced by 40% and the absence of a power supply is quite a nice bonus, but not worth 25 thousand rubles.
There is now the ability to watch movies in 4K, useful for those few who have a 4K TV. There are no big differences in hardware, and if you have an Xbox Van, then you don’t need the S version.

Clash of the Titans: xbox one s vs ps4

Somehow we got too carried away by the technical characteristics, let's move on to the main question: Whatis it better xbox one or ps4? Here we will consider the latest versions capable of competition: PS 4 Slim and Xbox One S. We will not consider the PS 4 Pro version in this comparison, since Microsoft has nothing to compete with Sony yet.

We will compare according to the following criteria:

1. Specifications;
2. Appearance;
3. Controllers;
4. Community;
5. Exclusives;
6. Price;
7. Manufacturer support.

Criterion 1 – “Filling”

All the internals of the updated models from both companies remained the same as the first ones. Only the appearance has undergone changes.

In the technical confrontation xbox one s vs ps4 slim, the second one wins. It’s not surprising, since the Sony console is positioned as a gaming console, while the Xbox is more intended for media functions. Most of the Xbox functions are not available in Russia; they only work in the United States.

Criterion 2 – “Beauty”

The first thing that is compared is the dimensions of the device. And, although Microsoft reduced the size of the device by 40% (Sony by 17%), the PS 4 Slim is smaller in size. Before the update, the Microsoft product resembled a small PC, now it’s better, but in comparison with the PlayStation 4 it loses a lot.

Both companies did their best with the design; there is no better one. Everything is subjective. Whichever console you like best, choose that one.

Criterion 3 – Input devices

In addition to gamepads, which will be discussed below, consoles have additional input devices. PS4 has a camera and sound controls. Xbox One has a camera, sound controls and Kinect 2.0.

In version S, the built-in Kinect was removed from the Xbox, but the external connection function of this development remained. This solution made it possible to reduce the size of the case and place the power supply inside the console.

Since the Xbox One is positioned as a media center, it has a better camera than the Ps 4. The sound controls are the same on both devices.

Now about the most important component of gameplay - the controller. There are no significant differences in structure. The usual joystick handles, slightly improved. Both devices have good response and excellent controllability. The main difference is in the power source. PS 4 has a built-in battery, Xbox one has replaceable batteries. On the one hand, the removable battery can be recharged, and you won’t need to buy anything else. But it only lasts for 6 hours. But the batteries, after they are discharged, can be replaced and continue playing. But they need to be purchased additionally.

Criterion 4 – Gaming Community

The early release date allowed Sony to grow its community three times larger than Microsoft's. Both companies provide ways to share gaming content on Twitch or YouTube. But PlayStation 4 implements this function more simply and conveniently.

A simple rule will help in choosing a console for the community: if one of the consoles prevails in your close circle, buy it. This way you can play with your friends.

Another advantage of PS 4 is the lack of protection on discs. They can be easily exchanged with friends.

Criterion 5 – Exclusives

Developers specifically release games for consoles. They are easier to develop and optimize. And besides, payment is guaranteed - they will not be uploaded to torrents like PC games. Each console comes with its own exclusives, and choosing between these two devices should also be based on what games you want to play.

Sony's exclusives policy looks better than Microsoft's. U last game comes out on both console and PC. Owners of PlayStation 4 feel more unique in this regard, because exclusive games are released only for their platform.

Criterion 6 – Manufacturer support

It's always nice if someone takes care of you, even if they are console manufacturers. Let's look at how manufacturing companies support users.

Microsoft allows you to use Xbox One as a media center for watching movies, communicating on the Internet, etc. In Russia, most of these functions are not available, only gaming activities are possible. But the company has located servers in Europe, and the speed of downloading data from the servers is higher than that of its competitor.

Sony guarantees free repair of its consoles in the Russian Federation. A nice bonus. But the connection speed to the servers is not as fast as Microsoft. If you have an Internet speed of 1 Gb/sec, you will not be able to use it fully.

Criterion 6 – Cost

The price for 500 GB will be 18,900 rubles, at . 1 TB versions cost 19,900 and 25,990 respectively.

Bottom line

So, finally, let’s answer the question: “Playstation or Xbox, which is better?” Let's say right away that we did not consider the “ps4 pro or xbox one” pair due to the lack of competitive products from Microsoft.

In our subjective opinion, buying a Ps 4 Slim is more profitable than buying an Xbox One S. Firstly, greater performance allows you to play more modern games. Secondly, the price is lower. Thirdly, a more beautiful appearance. Fourthly, the gaming community is 3! times more than the Xbox. If you choose a console for games, then the PlayStation 4 is the best option.

But this is a subjective opinion, choose what you like best.

Where to buy?

Our online store sells popular devices, including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. We have several advantages:

1. Price. The cost of products is lower than that of competitors and even more so than that of wholesale stores. We have no costs for renting premises.
2. Quality. All products are thoroughly inspected before being sent to the consumer.
3. Guarantees. If you receive a defective product or are not satisfied with it, you can return it within 14 days.
4. Free consultation. If you have questions about the installation and operation of equipment, you can always contact the company manager, who will explain everything to you.
5. Warranty service. Our technicians will repair your devices quickly. We always have spare parts in stock.
6. Free delivery throughout St. Petersburg. Couriers deliver parcels throughout the day.
7. Possibility of self-pickup. You can pick up your goods from the company's office.
8. Stock. Our store constantly holds various promotions on products, and we also have sales on holidays.

In the world of game consoles, 2013 is quite rich in important events. Two of the three leading manufacturers of game consoles (Sony and Microsoft) announced completely new models of video consoles in the spring. This, and the product from. The third player, Nintendo, after the release of Wii U in 2012, apparently took a break and is unlikely to please its adherents with anything. But new participants intend to settle in the video console market: the leading manufacturer of graphics processors, NVIDIA, with the Shield project, and independent developers with the OUYA prototype, who received funding and worldwide fame using the popular fundraising service Kickstarter.

Why have we all been waiting so long for new consoles? Because quite a lot of reasons have accumulated for their improvement. Well, of course, this primarily concerns graphics, which can no longer compete with modern combinations of processors and video cards used in personal computers. Microsoft and Sony have already revealed the latest secrets of their new consoles, you can read about this in the PS4 and XBOX One sections. Microsoft is preparing TV content for the XBox, powerful online services and is developing the concept of centralizing home entertainment. With the release of the PlayStation 4, Sony is going to abandon all restrictions, placing its main bet on gamers. There's also Nintendo's Wii U, which you can buy today. However, the new Wii is still far from sane competition with other market players.

Before we pit Sony and Microsoft against each other, let's go back to where it all began.

If you look closely, you will notice that in the last generation there was a lot in common between the consoles from Sony and Microsoft:

• 512 MB RAM
• HDD
• optical drive
• support for wireless networks and Bluetooth.

Of course there were differences. For example, processors with a common architecture based on IBM PowerPC have different configurations of actuators. RAM, unlike Xbox, where the CPU and graphics processor share the entire available space, in Sony's set-top box the memory is divided in half - into the system and video parts (256 + 256 MB). And the video processors in the consoles are different, Microsoft in the XBOX 360 generation preferred development from ATI (Xenos chip), and Sony chose a solution from NVIDIA called RSX Reality Synthesizer.

The optical drives installed in the consoles were also taken from competing companies. These are Blu-ray Disc for PlayStation and regular DVD-ROM (later failed HD-DVD) for Xbox. Compared to personal computers of that time, both consoles were powerful, advanced gaming solutions that were almost as good as top-end configurations. In terms of CPU computing power, the consoles were not inferior to the latest dual-core processors AMD Athlon X2 and Intel Core 2 Duo, and in terms of peak power they were significantly superior to them. The video subsystem also successfully competed with its desktop counterparts.

CPU in Xbox 360

• Developer: IBM.
• Name: Cell.
• Architecture: IBM PowerPC.
• Frequency: 3200 MHz.
• Number of execution devices: 3 cores * SMT technology (two threads per core, 6 threads in total).
• Peak performance: 115 GFL0PS double precision.
• Manufacturing technology: 90 nm (later 65 and 45 nm).

CPU in PlayStation 3

• Developers: Sony, Toshiba and IBM.
• Name: Cell.
• Architecture: IBM PowerPC.
• Frequency: 3200 MHz.
• Number of actuators: 1 main core + 8 auxiliary coprocessors.
• Peak performance: 230.4 GFLoPS single precision and 100 GFL0PS double precision.

One more thing worth noting important point: Having one consistent hardware configuration allows game developers to optimize their products very effectively, getting the most out of the hardware. In terms of multimedia capabilities, game consoles were significantly ahead personal computers that time. For example, the presence of a Blu-ray drive in the PlayStation 3 was often the deciding factor when purchasing, since the disc drive purchased separately of this type The price was comparable to the console itself. And the presence of an HDMI output made it possible to get by with just one cable to connect a large-diagonal TV and a multi-channel sound system. Wireless network technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, flash card reader, etc., began to be widely used in the PC world only after a few years.

Video processor in Xbox 360

• Developer: ATI (AMD).
• Name: Xenos (C1).
• Frequency: 500 MHz.
• Number of transistors: 232 million
• Production technology: 65 nm.
• Shader processors: 240 (5x48, VLIW5 architecture).
• Rasterizers: 8.
• Memory size and type: up to 512 MB DDR3.
• Memory bus: 128 bits.

The Xenos chip, despite supporting unified shaders, is only compatible with DirectX 9 Shader Model 3.0. This processor is a transitional processor between the generations of desktop chips R500 and R600. The latter already have a unified architecture and are compatible with DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0.

Video processor in PS 3

• Developer: NVIDIA.
• Title: RSX Reality Synthesis.
• Frequency: 550 MHz.
• Number of transistors: 278 million
• Manufacturing technology: 90 nm (later 65 nm).
• Shader processors: 24 pixel and 8 vertex.
• Rasterizers: 8.
• Memory size and type: 256 MB GDDR3.
• Memory bus: 128 bits.

The RSX processor, in fact, is one of the modifications of the G70/G71 generation graphics chips (GeForce 7800/7900), having similar functionality and slightly lower performance due to the use of a narrower memory bus. Supports multi-threaded shader pipeline processing.

New generation of game consoles: XBOX One vs PS4, which is better?

Sony was the first to announce its console, so we’ll start the review with it. There have been rumors for a long time that the latest consoles from manufacturers will be based on a specially designed next-generation processor from AMD. After the official presentations of the consoles, this information was confirmed.

Sony console: PS4

The basis of the PlayStation 4 was an 8-core APU (Acceleration Processor Unit) based on the economical Jaguar architecture developed by AMD and integrated into a single chip with a graphics part very close in characteristics to the desktop video adapter Radeon HD7850.

One more distinctive feature This processor is able to work with high-speed GDDR5 memory, which until now was only possible for graphics processors. Thus, the use of ultra-fast GDDR5 memory and a single address space allows you to perform non-graphical calculations much more quickly. As is known, modern graphics processors in a certain range of tasks are capable of calculating digital data tens and sometimes hundreds of times faster than universal ones. central processing units. Therefore, today video processors are increasingly used not only for their intended purpose, but also for a variety of calculations. AMD and Intel are paying great attention to this technology, introducing an open standard called OpenCL for their APUs, which regulates non-graphics computing.

The video processor, located on the same chip with the CPU, is currently the undisputed leader in performance and graphics power among all embedded video cores. AMD has always been good at integrating a graphics processor that is significantly faster and often more functional than its competitor's counterparts. However, this time AMD engineers have outdone themselves by doubling the number of cores in the consoles compared to the most powerful desktop APU. Due to the fact that console games have a higher level of optimization, the graphics in the games promise to be unsurpassed. In addition, support for the standard (aka 4K) with a resolution of 3840x2160 and higher is announced, so such a powerful GPU will clearly not be superfluous.

The console will come with a new DualShock 4 controller with rich equipment:

• touchpad
• gyroscope
• accelerometer
• vibration function
• 4-color backlight
• speaker

The console is equipped with two cameras with a resolution of up to 1280x800 pixels and a viewing angle of 85 degrees (PlayStation 4 Eye technology), which can track the position of the DualShock controller in space.

The system on a chip that formed the basis of the Xbox One is very similar to its direct competitor. Current characteristics known at the moment:

• 8-core AMD processor based on Jaguar architecture
• 8 GB RAM
• GCN architecture video card with 768 cores
• 500 GB hard drive and Blu-ray drive
• a full set of network interfaces: gambit Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

However, there is a rather noticeable difference - the platform works with the “usual” type of memory: DDR3. There will be no support for fast GDDR5, as in the PlayStation 4. So far Microsoft is silent about the intricacies of the system. For example, when talking about some changes to the graphics part of the processor, the developers paid attention to such a factor as the number of simultaneously executed tasks. If the desktop video card Radeon 7000 generation is capable of solving one graphic task or two computing ones, then the processor designed for Xbox One can simultaneously solve up to 64 non-graphical tasks. The Xbox One CPU and GPU have one distinctive feature - it is accelerated from 1.6 GHz to 1.75 GHz. Microsoft also accelerated the GPU by 6%.

The developers promise us an improved Kinect game controller built into the console. It is an HD camera that allows you to shoot video in resolutions up to 1080p and control the console using gestures. In addition, it was especially noted at the presentation that new console We tried to make it as quiet as possible.

It is likely that there are other interesting details that will become known closer to the start of sales. new generation consoles. The operating system, as expected, will be of its own design, based on the Windows 8 kernel and, according to the Redmond people, taking all the best from the OS used in the Xbox 360. We are also promised native support for Skype, some expanded TV functionality and improved social services based on Xbox Live. Fortunately, alarming rumors about the mandatory connection of the console to the Internet. This feature can only be implemented on the initiative of individual developers.

Learn more about AMD's Jaguar processor

Jaguar is the successor to the cost-effective Bobcat architecture, widely used in netbooks, nettops, home theaters and a variety of embedded systems. According to the developers, processors based on the Jaguar architecture have a higher rate of instruction execution per clock compared to their predecessors while simultaneously reducing power consumption. Considering the compact bodies of set-top boxes, the moderate heat dissipation of the processor will come in handy. In addition, playmakers now have access to eight full-fledged computing cores, which, according to optimistic estimates, will have a positive effect on modern game engines supporting “real” multi-cores. And the use of the popular and well-known x86 architecture will significantly reduce the barrier to entry into the gaming market for new developers who will not have to master the specific architecture of the previous generation of consoles. Moreover, now the process of porting games from one console platform to another and to personal computers will be greatly simplified, which will allow you to quickly and efficiently minimal costs release games that can run on both consoles and PCs. It is important to note that Jaguar-based solutions have a modular design and consist of Compute Units containing 4 cores. The PlayStation 4 processor includes two modules. Jaguar has added new streaming SIMD extensions SSE 4.1 and SSE 4.2, advanced AES encryption instructions, the AVX instruction set and other extensions.

Central processing unit used in PlayStation 4

• Developer: AMD.
• Name: unknown.
• Frequency: unknown.
• Memory type: GDDR5.

CPU used in Xbox One

• Developer: AMD.
• Architecture: AMD x86-64.
• Frequency: supposedly 1600 MHz.
• Number of actuators: 8 cores.
• Memory size and type: 8 GB GDDR3.
• Peak performance: 1.23 TFL0PS.
• Production technology: 28 nm.

Video processor used in PlayStation 4

• Developer: AMD.
• Name: unknown.
• Frequency: unknown.
• Production technology: 28 nm.
• Computing cores: supposedly 768.
• Memory type: GDDR5.
• Memory bandwidth: 176 GB/s.

Video processor used in XBOX One

• Developer: AMD.
• Name: unknown.
• Frequency: unknown.
• Production technology: 28 nm.
• Computing cores: 768.
• Memory type: DDR3.
• Memory bandwidth: 68.3 GB/s.

Comparison table of technical characteristics of PS4 and XBOX One

	Sony PlayStation 4	Microsoft XBOX One
Processor (CPU)	AMD Jaguar. 8 cores 1.6 GHz	AMD Jaguar. 8 cores 1.75 GHz
RAM
Video Processor (GPU)		AMD. 768 core (GCN architecture)
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Optical drive
Peripheral ports	USB 3.0. HDMI, audio 7.1	USB 3.0, HDMI. audio 7.1
Cameras	PlayStation Eye. 1280p
Network devices	Ethernet 10/100/1000, 802.11b/g/n. Bluetooth 2.1/1Gbit Ethernet. WiFi 802.11n	Ethernet 10/100/1000, 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 / 1Gbit Ethernet. WiFi 802.11n
Input Devices	DualShock 4. PlayStation Move	XBOX One Controller. Kinect 2.0
operating system

Comparison of functionality between PS4 and XBOX One

PlayStation 4. Sony PlayStation 4 is no longer a secret object: it is known that the console is equipped with powerful hardware (see comparison table above) and scores additional points due to the possibility of free use of classic games and a full offline mode. PS4 has a modern, angular design. Classic game discs can be exchanged, gifted or sold without restrictions, at least. for single player mode. PS4 will be able to work offline without restrictions and will not have regional restrictions. All these innovations became a clear challenge to the main competitor - Microsoft, which intended to bind the user with strict restrictions.
Sony says it wants to make PS4 the ideal platform for future development and give game makers a variety of tools. A special role is given to integration with social networks. The DualSliock 4 controller comes with a Share button that makes it easy for gamers to upload their gaming episodes and favorite videos to Facebook, YouTube or Sony's video portal. User interface will also provide access to numerous social functions - from downloads and chats to screenshot galleries of your own making.
As for the games announced for the future PS4, there are many multi-platform ones among them, but work is also underway on exclusive products. The imminent release of many of them has already been confirmed, information about others has not yet been clarified. We are talking, in particular, about the new Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet 3, Motorstorm 3. Multiplatform games, the release of which has already been announced, include, for example. Watch Dogs, Metro Last Light, Destiny and Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.

XBOX One. Microsoft wants even more, and if the Xbox 360 primarily satisfies the needs of passionate gamers. then the Xbox One should become the centerpiece of the living room, connected to all kinds of communication networks. The concept is based on the Xbox live online service and the Kinect motion sensor. Along with series and other TV content, Xbox Live will soon offer sports broadcasts, such as NFL (American football) competitions, at least in the United States. A Blu-ray drive and its own video service (Video on Demand Service) will allow you to watch high-definition movies at any time. The Kinect motion sensor will allow you to get rid of the remote control. Its improved version offers the use of voice commands and gestures to navigate menus, launch games, movies or applications. If voice and movements are not enough, special software for tablets and smartphones will come to the rescue.

Initially, it was stated that when playing offline, the Xbox One must be checked on the Microsoft server every 24 hours. In addition, games purchased for first use were planned to be strictly linked to an Xbox Live account. Fortunately, Microsoft got rid of these restrictions - the company changed its policy and abolished the requirement for a constant connection to the Internet, regional blocking and linking games to an account.

When Microsoft announced that a Kinect sensor would be required to run the Xbox One, it also came under fire. Information has been revealed that Kinect can act as a tool for spying on users. However, a little later the company clarified the matter by clarifying the scope of the sensor’s functions. Kinect, they claim, is an integral part of the Xbox One and can be turned on using the "Xbox on" voice command. When turned off, the Kinect should only respond to these two words. While the console is not active, all other conversations are completely ignored. It is also noteworthy that the Xbox One will not be sold without Kinect.

The release of PlayStation 4 consoles from Sony and Xbox One from Microsoft is getting closer and I don’t want to postpone the choice of a future next-gen console. According to its characteristics, it looks like a game console, while the Xbox One console looks more like a multimedia center. Let's try to understand the difference in performance between both consoles and how to compensate for them in the future.

Comparison of XBOX One and PS4: photos

Differences between consoles: PS4 vs XBOX One

From the information in the first half of the article, it became clear that the performance of the PlayStation 4 in games will be higher than that of the Xbox One. It should be noted that after the announcement of the technical features of the new generation consoles, Sony and Microsoft decided to quickly change some of the characteristics of their consoles. Now we have to get acquainted and compare everything key features, which play a significant role in performance.

CPU

An interesting fact is that Microsoft, since the announcement technical characteristics its Xbox One overclocked the console's processor from 1.6 GHz to 1.75 GHz. Despite the fact that Sony has not yet officially announced at what frequency the processor of its PS4 operates, most believe that clock frequency The crystal is still the same base 1.6 GHz. The difference of 150 MHz is indeed insignificant, and these 150 MHz will not affect the overall performance picture, but still.

Video card

Both consoles use AMD Radeon graphics chips. The Xbox One GPU clocks at 853 MHz, while the PlayStation 4 runs at 800 MHz. But more importantly, the PlayStation 4 graphics chip has 18 computing units, while the Xbox One GPU has only 12. In total, the Sony console's GPU uses 1,152 stream processors, as opposed to the 768 that Microsoft's console uses. If we consider the issue from the point of view of performance in games in which the main work is assigned to the graphics subsystem of the console, it turns out that it is almost one and a half times higher for the PlayStation 4 than for the Xbox One. It is worth noting that an important indicator here is the frequency of the graphics core, which in total gives about 40 percent of the advantage over the competitor.

RAM

New generation consoles are equipped with 8 GB of RAM. However, in the case of Xbox One, DDR3 memory is used. In the case of the PlayStation - GDDR5, which promises to increase the overall graphics processing speed. The stumbling block in this case is the additional 32 MB of ultra-fast ESRAM memory used in the Xbox One, which in theory should tip the scales in terms of actual bandwidth towards Microsoft's console. But Sony's GDDR5 is faster.

Gaming performance

Nowhere performance differences between PS4 and XBOX One consoles are not as noticeable as the resolutions that consoles support, especially when considering the results in multi-platform games. A striking example is Call game of Duty: Ghosts. The game runs very smoothly on the XBOX One (60 fps) at 720p resolution. In turn, the version for PlayStation 4 is capable of running at 1080p (although it should be noted that some journalists who had the opportunity to get to PS4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts before everyone else noted some drops in frames). The same difference exists in Battlefield games 4. The game from DICE will run at 720p on the Xbox One, and 900p on the PlayStation 4. The same 32 MB of ESRAM memory used in the Xbox One console cannot support 1080p resolution. Plus, ESRAM will add “hemorrhoids” during optimization.

New generation console capabilities

Currently, the Xbox One looks paler than its competitor. But the Xbox One has another ace up its sleeve that will allow it to compete with Sony's console - accessories. For example, the Kinect sensor, which allows you to switch between games, TV programs and the Skype messenger by voice control. True, the usefulness of this function, especially for those who do not know English language doubtful. The important thing is that these functions use 10 percent of the console's graphics subsystem, which will be taken away from game developers. Previously, most developers noted that, compared to the PlayStation 3, developing games for the Xbox 360 was much easier. Now Sony has created a game console with a simple architecture, and Microsoft has done the opposite. As we already know, games on the XBOX One are low resolution compared to the PS4, and the reason for the lower resolution is the previously vaunted eSRAM from the Xbox One.

Graphics in games on next-gen consoles

To “hush up” resolution problems, Microsoft is now “broadcasting” on all corners about the extensive multimedia capabilities of the Xbox One. Microsoft forgets about the main one target audience consoles - ordinary gamers. As you have now seen, there are indeed differences in the performance of both consoles. And time will tell us their importance. No one is betting on the XBOX One's merits as a multimedia center, but gamers who don't require this functionality may be disappointed. The two companies' sales will largely depend on pre-orders.

The PlayStation 4 was released in the US on November 15th. Europe (including Russia) and Australia received the console on November 29. The Xbox One will go on sale in these territories on November 22; in Russia you will have to wait for the console in 2014. Will you wait?

Glossary

• Texture- in fact, this is a picture that “wraps” around the “frame” of a three-dimensional model in the displayed game scene.
• ARM is a central processor architecture developed by ARM holding and licensed by third-party developers.
• DirectX is a library created by Microsoft together with video processor manufacturers to simplify and unify the development of computer games. Allows you to run games on video cards from different manufacturers and get almost identical display of graphic video.
• GCN- the latest architecture of AMD video cards.
• PhysX— a physics engine that processes collisions and interactions of both solid and soft bodies, as well as liquid and gas, in real time. Widely used in some games, for example in Mafia 2, Batman Arkham Asylum, etc., allowing you to achieve more realistic behavior of objects in the scene. After NVIDIA absorbed the development company Ageia, improved physics was available only to owners of the latest generation GeForce video cards.
• x86-64 is a central processor architecture developed by Intel and AMD. Until recently, it was represented mainly on the desktop PC market, and now on consoles.

Quite a lot of time has passed since the presentation of the Sony PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game consoles. The two companies managed to release updated versions of the devices, but the question is still relevant - which is better Xbox One or PS4

Xbox One

Xbox One was developed as a replacement for the eighth generation Xbox 360. The console was released on May 21, 2013.

Microsoft chose the name "One" due to the console's positioning as an all-in-one device, including various features directly related to the development of entertainment content.

Xbox One allows watch movies, music, television, use the Internet through a personalized home screen. To facilitate interaction with the device, voice and gesture control through an external Kinect sensor was developed.

Sony PlayStation 4

PS4 was introduced in 2013 and is still one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market. With a large library of games, an advanced controller and design, and a variety of connected services for online gaming and media streaming, the device is an excellent choice as a primary gaming system.

Besides the console itself, an important piece of hardware is the controller DualShock 4. Standard system comes with one controller, but two can be supplied in the kit. The user can always purchase additional devices separately. PS4 supports up to four controllers simultaneously.

Specifications

Both consoles use the same x86-64 architecture. The devices are equipped with an 8-core Jaguar processor from AMD. The only difference is in the frequencies: on Xbox One, 1.75 GHz, while on PS4, 1.6 GHz. In practice there is almost no difference between the two processors. Unlike standard PCs, console processors and their GPU systems share memory, giving developers much more flexibility in how they allocate resources.

The PlayStation 4 has more powerful RAM - 8 GB of fast GDDR5 memory with a high-speed 32 MB cache versus the slow DDR3 from the Xbox One. It seems that Sony's console has an advantage here, too, but you should also take into account the fact that the PlayStation 4 operating system requires more RAM.

When comparing the two consoles, there are many differences that need to be taken into account when choosing a device. However, in terms of hardware characteristics, the choice between Xbox One or PlayStation 4 is not so obvious. To make things easier, the main characteristics are included in the following table:

	PlayStation 4	Xbox One
CPU(CPU)	8-core AMD "Jaguar" 1.6 GHz	8-core AMD "Jaguar" 1.75 GHz
Video card(GPU)	AMD GCN 800 MHz, 18 compute modules	AMD GCN 853 MHz, 12 compute modules
RAM(RAM)	8 GB DDR5 (5500 MHz)	8GB DDR3 (2133 MHz)
HDD	500 GB, removable	500 GB non-replaceable + connection for external hard drive
Drive unit	Blu-ray/DVD	Blu-ray/DVD
Wireless modules	Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	WiFi
External ports	USB 3.0 (2 pcs.)	USB 3.0 (3 pcs.)
Controller	DualShock 4	Xbox One controller
average price	29,000 rubles	26,000 rubles

Graphic arts

It’s impossible to say unequivocally that the graphics are better on Xbox one or Playstation 4. Each console has its own characteristics.

The PS4 graphics core contains 50% more compute units, providing parallel graphics power that is used for in-game effects, including real-time in-game physics calculations.

Many cross-platform games on PS4 launch with resolution 1920×1080, while on Xbox One there is a limit on the maximum allowed resolution - 1600x900. This difference is offset by stable frame rates in some areas on the Xbox One, but overall Sony's device remains far superior when it comes to fully immersive gameplay.

Appearance and equipment

Now let's move on to the comparison between Xbox One and PS4.

Sony has packed all of the console's components into a compact and flat body, focusing the user's attention on the retro-futuristic design. The thin body makes the console space-saving. The only drawback The compact design is that the audibility of the cooler, even during idle moments, leaves much to be desired.

Included PlayStation 4 includes:

• PS4 (500 GB, internal power supply);
• DualShock 4 controller (battery installed)
• mono headset;
• HDMI cable;
• management
• Micro-USB cable

On the front panel there are two USB 3.0 ports, which can be used to charge DualShock 4 wireless controllers, or to connect accessories and external devices. The device connects to your TV via HDMI and supports media playback at up to 4K resolution, but gaming resolution is limited to 1080p. In addition to audio, the PlayStation 4 has an optical output for digital surround sound.

Xbox One has more bulky design and takes up a lot of space for a modern gadget. This design move is explained by the fact that a significant part of the console is empty, which was done to provide the necessary space for good ventilation.

The One's design is dominated by matte and glossy black halves, which house the Blu-ray disc connector and LED touch button with the designation of the device brand. The button serves as a system switch if it is not possible to use the controller. Given voice controls, the user does not need to directly interact with the device unless it involves changing the drive or adjusting the gamepad.

Due to the structural features, ventilation holes on the top side should not be closed - it is better to leave the device free, but not in a vertical position. The positive aspects of the design include the following: console almost inaudible while working.

The package includes:

• Xbox One (500 GB, external power adapter);
• Xbox One Controller (two AA batteries);
• HDMI cable;
• power cable.

On Xbox One, USB port located to the left of the device, next to the controller registration pairing button. The rear panel houses an HDMI port, a Kinect port, an Ethernet port, an optical audio port, two USB ports, and a power jack.

Comparison of gamepads

Both Sony and Microsoft have developed good and ergonomic controllers. Xbox One controller is a revision Xbox controller 360, because there is nothing unique in its form factor: for example, it does not have additional functions or special buttons to collaborate with content, which can be found on the DualShock controller from PlayStation 4.

DualShock 4 connects via wireless network via Bluetooth and can be charged via micro-USB. The luminous light strip along the front of the controller can be used in conjunction with additional camera PlayStation to control motion and provide atmospheric lighting in games. In addition to the standard Jet Black, the controller is available in a variety of colors including Magma Red, Glacier White, Wave Blue or Urban Camouflage, as well as unique limited edition color designs.

The DualShock 4 has two analog sticks, four directional buttons, four action buttons (triangle, circle, cross, square), two bumpers and two triggers. New features in this version include capacitive touchpad , built-in speaker and 3.5 mm audio jack.

Both controls are as convenient as possible and do not have any serious distinctive flaws. But still, the PlayStation 4 gamepad is functionally more convenient and ergonomic.

Convenience of interfaces

PS4 is designed for use with PlayStation Network, an online platform for purchasing and downloading games, demos and media. The console includes some social features such as online multiplayer games, voice chats, messaging, and other multiplayer services.

The user can access PSN if they pay for the periodic subscription fee. Payment can be made either monthly or annually, but prices are distributed for each month. Provided upon connection access to a line of free games, which change monthly, as well as discounts for club members.

With a built-in Blu-ray drive and online connectivity, the PS4 is well positioned as a central device as a home entertainment hub. In addition to being able to play Blu-ray and DVD discs, the device supports a variety of online entertainment services, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, HBO GO, Hulu and Plex.

Multitasking is well developed in both systems. Switching between apps is a little faster on the PlayStation, while the Xbox One has the advantage of screen sharing technology. picture in picture" Microsoft is committed to wrapping all apps in its ecosystem, making the proprietary windowed experience more complex than the PlayStation 4 menu. Sony is better manages to highlight what is happening around the user - showing new activities of friends, recommended video games or download suggestions based on recommendations.

After years of updates, the Xbox interface has gone from sluggish and cluttered to fast and customizable. Microsoft continues to introduce new useful features, such as possibility of gift games, receiving instant technical support with Xbox Assist and other important features.

However, the PS4 menu is much more suitable for navigational interactions. That being said, it is still the best console when it comes to capturing gaming moments and sharing them with friends. With a quick press of the DualShock 4's share button, you can record a video clip, stream gameplay to Twitch and Youtube, or instantly take a screenshot. In this regard, the Xboxe One has its limitations.

Available games

Both consoles boast significant game libraries. PS4 has just over 1600 titles, of which more 500 console exclusives, while the Xbox One has about 1300 games, of which only 150 are exclusive.

With hits like Uncharted 4, Horizon: Zero Dawn and God of War, PS4 exclusive offerings include some of the biggest and highest AAA ratings of this generation.

On top of that, over 200 video games have been released for PS4, including everyone's favorites like Grand Theft Auto, Overwatch, Battlefield and The Last of Us and popular sports franchises: FIFA Soccer and Madden NFL. This extensive library also includes several exclusives: Infamous, Bloodborne, Driveclub and Uncharted.

At the same time, it cannot be said that the Microsoft console does not have exclusive titles: Halo 5, Forza Horizon3, Gears of War 4 and other sensational games. The hit product PUBG, the unique Tacoma or Cuphead are launched only on Microsoft consoles.

Multiplatform games tend to run better on PS4. Frame capture, screenshots, and sharing of these elements are smoother on PlayStation 4.

So which is better PS4 or Xbox One?

An objective assessment of the choice of consoles depends on many factors that were discussed above.

If the user buys a console only for games, there are many arguments in favor of the PS4. These include:

• high hardware performance, which manifests itself in stable versions of multi-platform games;
• A versatile gaming controller, including new control options and good deals on the PlayStation Plus premium service.

If the user requires the device mainly multimedia content, Xbox One has the best video and music services today, as well as SkyDrive online storage and integration with TV content.