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| Oh its on. |
Ok so a bit of background on the Console Wars. It all started with the introduction of the PS2(Since Nintendo was down in the dumps and Sega was long gone)and Microsoft jumped in with the Xbox to compete with this new monster of a competitor. This was well fought and with the introduction of HD technology the bar for potential was raised for the next generation. The 360 was revealed but its launch was plagued by many issues while Sony quietly unveiled and released the PS3. Nintendo released the Wii and it sold in droves due to its revolutionary(at the time) motion control system. Sony took the cake for the beginning stretch with its good reliability over the fluctuating 360 until the Jasper chip for the 360 was released, fixing all RROD issues. Nintendo had the cake with handhelds but the Wii lacked major power compared to the other two. From there its just been quite a mess. With Nintendo jumping into the 8th Generation with its subtle Wii U, Microsoft and Sony basically made it their goal to overpower each other and attempt to wipe each other out by being better in all aspect than its competitors(Nintendo behind once again). In this comparison, you'll see the good and bad side of all consoles of the 8th generation.
Wii U- The Humble
Despite being the punching bag for the last decade, Nintendo got the jump on things with the Wii U, the first 8th generation home console to hit the shelves. Despite this system being the most underpowered in terms of performance(some say its a generation behind) its actually somewhat robust in some areas.
The U amped up nearly every aspect of the Wii with HD graphics and a lineup of games that's actually presentable with hit titles like Call of Duty, Assassins Creed, all of which they have had in the past but as dumbed down shoddy versions of their 360 and PS3 counterparts. For games where complex controls are key, the Wii was a nightmare with no contextual control scheme that was memorable nor a simple to use controller. U has thrown in the Game Pad, an iPad sized tablet that utilizes features similar to Sony's remote play, meaning you can still play your games while mom is watching MTV. For the more hardcore class they have the Pro Controller, an 360 style controller but with the sticks at the top and the D-Pad and face buttons on the bottom. It looks odd but probably just takes getting used to. And yes, the good ol' Wiimote and its funky accessories are back too.
But the problem is is that its not a very broad console, targeting the entire mass of entertainment. It's including things like Wii TV and other tat for things not associated with gaming. But it's that the system still feels like its targeting everyone under 10 and over 50 and everyone else in between is alienated. By everyone else, I mean the hardcore class. Nintendo has added the long needed necessities for strictly gaming but it still lacks an effective online service and multiplayer, although now up to date gameplay wise with the competitors, still lacks things like voice chat and other systems by default. I would say they are getting there but they could and should have been there when the Wii first hit the shelves.Other than that its a fairly balanced system and is family friendly so anyone can enjoy it.
Pros
- Family friendly, good selection of games for all sorts of people.
- Finally has full HD graphics.
- The ability to play games off screen on the Game Pad.
- Still feels a whole generation behind in terms of power.
- Online service feels basic compared to Xbox LIVE or PlayStation Network.
- Hardcore class still feels alienated compared to the Casual.
PlayStation 4- The Noble
The PS4 kind of jumped in on us unexpectedly only really flashing it's lavish new controller, the Dualshock 4 which looks similar to its three predecessors that all looked the same. The main difference is the addition of the Move technology into the controller so it has a LED bar on top for some purposes and a touchpad on the front. A screen would have been nice but we can't all be winners. Other additions like outward curved triggers, recessed joysticks, headset jacks, and a bloody speaker have been added to get the thing up to date with the generation. An upgraded Eye with Kinect like capabilities is also out there.
The console itself... wait... there is no console, yet. I'm assuming its some sort of marketing tactic by keeping information to minimum so Microsoft doesn't start getting any ideas. What we do know is that its x86 based, has 8GB of RAM, and an 8 core CPU. And what games they have shown look pretty damn nice so far. Like the U its going to broaden out in the entertainment department but Sony says it will strictly be a gaming system first, everything thing else last. PlayStation Network seems to have amped up its interface also knowing that the system will ship with mics in the box may also hint at parties like on Xbox LIVE. And no it will not block used games and yes it will be backwards compatible in some way or form. Just keep your eyes peeled, Sony still has a lot more to show us.
Pros
- A true gaming system, as long as Sony keeps their word.
- Seems to base it's success off the competitions mistakes(One blocks used games, turns out PS4 won't)
- Controller has definite functionality and looks simple to use.
Cons
- That half of this could have been possible with the PS3.
- That there isn't enough information for me to continue this list.
Outlook- Good, Sony looks as if they are on the right track.
Xbox One- The Egotistic
Microsoft made it debut with much awaited noise, but that noise quickly turned into disgust. Microsoft made a full unveiling with the console itself, the controller, Kinect 2.0, all its specs, and all it has to offer. The controller looks similar to the 360's expect that it has sharper lines and an improved D-Pad. The console itself looks very plain and corporate with no distinct styling like the 360. The only port on the front is the disc drive and the USB ports are on the side which is a pretty odd position considering most console have only a little over an inch of breathing room on a shelf. Kinect 2.0 showed more advanced motion tracking, and its own Siri like AI but showed heavy controversies with the fact it never turns off and can potentially scan your surroundings and put ads up depending on what you wear, eat, and so on(See my Kinect post for more info regarding the asinine sounding of the device). It also now plays Blu Ray after HD DVD lost that battle a few years back.
The specs are similar to that of the PS4, 8 core CPU, x86 based, 8GB RAM, but the console only uses less than half of those cores for gaming. While the PS4 sounds more geared toward gaming, the One seems more of a multimedia entertainment device more than a game console like it says it is. It claims you can "seamlessly" switch between TV and games but cant you also do that with the HDMI button on your remote? The worst comes from the new DRM type system where you have to log on every 24 hours in order to do simple things like play single player. But from there it gets retarded, the dreaded ban on used games. Well, they do work you just have to pay a fee that's the same price of the damn game you just bought for cheap at Gamestop. Microsoft says you can buy and sell games in the marketplace but its not sounding as simple as trading games with your friends down the street. Microsoft seems to have lost all concern for the consumer and turned itself into EA essentially. After the mess with Windows 8, the Xbox brand will probably be as popular as the Zune was in a few years. Keep your 360 for the time being.
Pros
- Heavy on multimedia, meaning you can pretty much do everything that different boxes do.
- Plays Blu Ray format finally.
- Kinect 2.0 looks more useful than the first Kinect.
Cons
- Used games are blocked but in order to play them, you have to pay a fee.
- Kinect 2.0 is invasive in the way that it constantly scans around even if the system is off.
- Not really based on gaming anymore, hardcore class alienated.
Personal Computer- The Undecided
PC has been the oldest method of games that's still effective and widely popular. And they just keep on growing more powerful. There really isn't much to compare between PC's and consoles since for one, they are entirely up to the user how they are built, and two, they can almost always overpower a console. My Acer Predator G3(Same model pictured above) bought it about a year and a half ago and it still vastly over powers even the next generation of systems. And in the event the console's win, you can upgrade and kick more ass for a couple generations. Only downside is that they are very expensive to buy and maintain and almost all PC's now are running Windows 8 by default which is already proven to be a terrible OS compared to OS X and Windows 7. It's tough decision making but it pays off when you get it right.
Pros
- Crazy powerful, can outgun a console for generations depending on your specs.
- Modular, tune it to your needs.
- Multimedia, can do almost anything or anywhere if you have a laptop.
- Really expensive, can run you a couple thousand dollars to get a good spec machine.
- Most PC's nowadays run crap operating systems. Namely Windows 8.
- Maintaining one can be a challenge since they are sensitive to pretty much everything you can think of.
Ouya- The Newcomer
Ouya is an Android based console that just kind of showed up and nobody really saw much interest in in since it was quote on quote, Android based. Mobile gaming was convenient but felt lacking compared to dedicated handhelds. While the system is mainly geared toward indie developers, it will be far behind in terms of performance compared to the Big Three. Especially considering the console is about the size of a Coke can and it definitely can't process top flight games like Battlefield 4. So what games are exactly on the Ouya? Its Android so expect the same tried games like Angry Birds and Temple Run mixed in with more optimized Indie games. Most of these games are streamed so the console is probably just there to link controllers and process the games to your TV. But despite that it has definite potential, Indie developers tend to look to more popular and powerful options like the PC.
Pros
- Really small, will not clutter you shelf one bit.
- Cheap, only $100.
- Expect a diverse mix of games due to it being Indie backed.
- Gutless, being Android based, you won't be starstruck graphically.
- Tries to jump into an existing market where competing will be difficult.
- Who really wants to run Android games on a 50 inch flatscreen?
Smartdevices- The Fad
Lets face it, these things are everywhere and are taking their shots at killing the handheld market. Weather it be iOS, Android, or Windows, these device are basically a household name in the 21st century since they practically do everything. If the focus is gaming however, there are decent and fun titles out there but most get old quickly. Most games follow the same exact formula like puzzle games, scrolling shooters, and racing games all relatively look and play the same. And the games are all cheap, but with the way people play them with masses of downloadable content, developers milk cash in droves. Android is arguably the best mobile gaming OS out there just by diversity, iOS second because of restrictions, and Windows doesn't have jack to offer, period. They are a convenient way to play games on the go, but they just feel really repetitive and it not going to be so hip in few years.
Pros
- Simple to use, convenient.
- Can be cheap.
- Multimedia, can do almost everything but blend.
Cons
- Games are fun for a little while but progressively get worn out.
- Devices are temperamental and tend to glitch out often.
- Games will eventually milk you for your money if you get too hooked.
Outlook- On the fence, like Facebook most of this is all a passing fad and it won't be that great soon.
3DS- The Legend
Most gamers have at least owned one Nintendo handheld in their lifetime. That brick we all used to play called a Gameboy eventually evolved to this, the 3DS. This is the 4th DS to hit the stores and like the DSi it come in a standard and XL size. Handhelds have been struggling recently with the Smartdevice market skyrocketing in the last few years but the 3DS is actually the most potent of modern handhelds despite the gimmicky sounding 3D functionality that has been all the craze lately. The system actually has the best lineup of handheld games currently, Pokemon and Mario obviously the fan favorites and the 3D function actually works to an extent. It not as migraine inducing as the old Virtual Boy but will actually start screwing with your head after long enough. Luckily you can adjust it to your preference.
Battery life is a little sucky, only lasting about 5 hours but up to 8 if playing an old DS game and it doesn't really differ between the two systems. The XL has a significantly bigger screen size and its more comfortable to hold as well. Network functionality is similar to the Wii U's with a marketplace for games and you can download some old titles from classic systems. But overall its a very fun system and you don't have to be a little kid to enjoy it like most people assume.
Pros
- Very diverse game selection, fun for all ages.
- Backwards compatible with old DS games.
- Marketplace has good selection of games and some fun classics.
Cons
- Battery life kind of sucks, only up to 5 hours, 8 if running something old.
- 3D system will give you migraines after a prolonged period.
- Still lacks the GBA port everybody seems to want back.
Outlook- Good, this would be the system to get if you are sick of mobile games.
PSVita- The Slacker
The PSP was a system nobody really ever bought since Nintendo was dominating the market at the time. The Vita didn't seem to fare any better with it's lack of a decent launch lineup. That being said, it's got too much wasted potential. Even though it was eye catching with its nearly PS3 quality graphics and eye pleasing form factor, it just didn't have the games to make it an overall great system. It's launch lineup consisted largely of Racing and Puzzle games and later on came some of EA's botched sporting games and that god awful Black Ops port. The nice thing is that you can choose between a WiFi only and a 3G version but you have to go strictly with AT&T when they should just let you sign it up with your current contract. There's probably more in store for the Vita later on, it just didn't make much noise when it first hit the shelves. We're just going to have to wait when the PS4 unleashes it full potential.
Pros
- Powerful, great looking system graphically.
- Good networking system.
- Multimedia to some extent.
Cons
- Poor launch lineup, nothing very eye catching.
- You have to sign with AT&T to use the 3G function.
- Too much wasted potential.
Outlook- Fair, the Vita had a poor start but hopefully it makes some noise come time of the PS4.
Overall
Sony- Basically jumped back to the top of the console race by showing the world they are capable of producing a well balanced game console. Vita needs some heavy refinement to get it to a state where it can effectively take on the 3DS but so far Sony has Generation 8 in the bag. We just need to know more.
Microsoft- Microsoft signed their own death wish with the Xbox One geared toward everything but gaming in general. Kinect 2.0 is highly advanced but is also invasive since it never shuts off. And the fine on used games and the DRM like restrictions in place are the icing on the cake.
Nintendo- So far, Nintendo has a stable ground to stand on with the Wii U being a fairly versatile system compared to its predecessor. The 3DS is basically unmatched since the Vita had a rough start and mobile games are getting worn out. Nintendo could finally pull off a good run again.
Ouya- Ouya sounds destined to struggle since its jumping into a market already dominated by Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft with a console that can only run games fit for a Tablet. It's Indie backed market sounds promising but it going to take some major work to be effective.
Mobile- Smartphones and Tablets have taken their shot at traditional handhelds and even consoles but with a game selection with shrinking variety and not much creativity being utilized in creating games for it just will not make the cut. Phones are phones and Tablets are for... stuff, but they won't take over the game market soon.
PC- PC is pretty much the defacto gaming machine despite it being far more expensive than a home console. But with modern PC's beginning to adopt some of the gimmicks Tablets and Smartphones have been using is making the hunt for a good PC tough. Building one yourself however nails it dead center.
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