Finally, the last player in the next generation wars has finally revealed itself: the Xbox One. Announced on May 21st, Microsoft not only unveiled information about its new console but even went so far as showing the console itself. Should Sony gamers be worried that the PlayStation 4 won't stand up to this newcomer? Read on to find out!

Hardware
As seen in our PS4 Vs. Xbox One article, the hardware statistics of the Xbox One gaming console are very similar to the PlayStation 4. Here is what we know so far:

• CPU: Microsoft custom-built 8 core CPU
• GPU: D3D 11.1 chip with 32 MB embedded memory
• RAM: 8 GB DDR3
• Optical Drive: Blu-ray
• Storage: 500 GB Hard Drive

Each console includes the Xbox One controller, which includes the same functions as the standard Xbox 360 controller with no real differences to speak of, and the new and improved Kinect, which sports such features as improved gesture recognition, the ability to read your heartbeat and the ability to know when you've passed the controller off to a new player.

Unfortunately, it has also been confirmed that the Xbox One is not backwards compatible with either the original Xbox or the Xbox 360.

All-In-One Entertainment
The Xbox One is named as such for its media capabilities, transforming it from a mere gaming console to a total entertainment package. The Xbox One features the same applications you've come to expect from any video game console, such as Netflix, Hulu and an Internet browser, which is Internet Explorer in this case. The Xbox One also has exclusive Skype integration (naturally, as Skype is owned by Microsoft), enabling you to chat with a friend video while playing a game. The Xbox One also features the ability to run multiple applications at once, enabling you to browse the Internet while simultaneously playing a game or watching Netflix.

The Xbox One will also have the ability to broadcast and record Live TV and, in a partnership with the NFL, will provide live broadcasts of football games coupled with your fantasy football statistics.

Games
What would a video game console be without the games? While Microsoft didn't show a lot of games at the conference, instead opting to wait for E3 to reveal most of its catalog, it did reveal two exclusive games that will be hitting the console: Forza 5 and Quantum Break, which is a new IP from Remedy, home of the original Max Payne and Alan Wake.

Electronic Arts has also entered into what they called a “special relationship” with Microsoft, showcasing Madden 25, FIFA 14, NBA Live 14 and a new UFC game for Xbox One at the conference. It's unclear what EA means by “special relationship” and if these games will appear on the PlayStation 4 at a later date, as no PS4 release was or has been been announced.

Microsoft also announced that they have 15 exclusive games lined up for the console, with 8 of those games being brand new IP. In addition, the company confirmed that Call of Duty: Ghosts will received exclusive timed content on the Xbox One.

Angry Joe is pissed at XBox!

A Different Form Of Sharing
While the PlayStation focuses on sharing among fellow gamers, the Xbox One focuses on sharing a vast array of entertainment options instead, setting itself up to be the premier console for your entertainment needs. Is it enough to pull you away from the PlayStation 4? Let us know in the comments!

Article by - Joshua Phillips
Insert Date: 5/23/2013

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