I would like to say before I start my choice between the two, I am heavily biased due to one companies choices during their announcement. Does that make it fair on my part? No. But I will list technical aspects as well.
You have every right to tell me I'm wrong about those, but certain things I will not budge on
I personally would pick the PS4. I've had a PS1, PS2, and a PS3. But I would like to point out that I got a 360 before I got a PS3. During the time of the announcement of the XB1 and PS4, I noticed that Sony and Microsoft handled things VERY differently. I didn't appreciate that Microsoft let it be known originally that I was not their targeted demographic, and thus they could give two shits about me. It left a super sour taste in my mouth, and made me not want to even buy their products.
The announcements that made it bad for me were:
-No used games.
(Changed since release). I'm in no means rich. Which means I don't have the $65 to shell out for every new game. (that's how much a new game in my state/city costs). I also have worked for two game stores that had a preowned policy, and could see the many merits in it. This really made me uncomfortable because if I couldn't try the game out either via Gamefly or preowned/borrowed, I didn't want to risk shelling out that much money.
-Constant connection to the internet
(Changed) What? Seriously? This upset me because of my area. Not all houses have internet believe it or not. I know that sounds odd in our day and age, but there's a huge gap between "middle" and "lower" class. I've seen families scrape together money for years to get their kids a game console. I can't tell you how many broken hearts I saw because some jackass sold a family without internet a PSP Go. (I would take the returns because I was so angry that the cashier didn't ask them.) I know it has since changed, but that still really upset me that Microsoft would assume something.
-Kinect always on.
(Changed?) Excuse me, but I like to game naked sometimes. Why? Because being naked is comfy dammit.
So with those things in mind, I was really, REALLY uncomfortable with Microsoft. Has things changed since first announced? Yes. Do I feel better? Not really. It left a sour feel in my mouth.
BUT: I will get to technical aspects.
Pros to XBoxOne:
-Great multimedia system.
-A few great exclusives (e.g. Fable, Gears of War, Halo). NOTE: I SAY GREAT NOT IN PERSONAL OPINION. (I go by sales and popularity)
-Better Online community
-History of less hacking
Cons:
-Less powerful
-Kinect. Kinect. Kinect.
-$$$$$ Online Community,
-Cheaper made controllers/accessories
Pros to PS4:
-Faster speeds
-Great exclusives! (e.g. God of War, Katamari*, PS Store exclusives like the Final Fantasy series and more, Killzone, inFamous**). *This one is my personal opinion because KATAMARI IS AMAZING. **Yeah. This was awesome.
-Choice between free or paid internet. Paid gets better perks, BUT, you can still have free community
Cons to PS4:
-Lack of multimedia system seen in previous system
-History of having hacked servers
-Really wants you to have a PS Vita to connect.
-Touch Screen. (This one is a personal preference. I don't need a damn touch screen for everything).
I am no console fangirl by any means. Or at least if I was one it would be with mostly Nintendo or PC. I personally will be purchasing a PS4 myself when it comes out.
A few of the Xbox exclusives do not entice me as much as the PS4 ones do, but like I said previously, for me it was just how Microsoft came out of the gate. I'm super glad I don't work in game stores anymore, because I feel like now I can just go "Eh, for me I like X because of X".
My recommendation is either finding someone whom has either or system and play on it and see what you like!
Also and this one is huge:
Read up on some games you like. Find out if they're going to be exclusives. If they are, would it be worth to spend the $$$ to get the system? Do you like the pros and can handle the cons of the system. Everyone's pros and cons will be different to each person.
I always had a rule when I worked at the game stores. I never said one system was inherently better than the other. Which, is true.
Good luck in your choice and I hope this helps!!
Now I'm gonna go sit and pout because I want a PS4 to get Batman when it comes out.
Edit: I saw the thing about the PS3.
WARNING: If you get a 60 GB PS3 with the 4 USB ports, Be mindful that a high % of those have faulty heat absorbers in the motherboard. They can fall prey to similar issues like the 360. (On the PS3, it is called the "Yellow Light".) I would recommend looking for an 80 gb with the 4 USB ports. They will be 88% backwards compatible, HOWEVER, Unless you're looking for super duper rare OBSCURE games, then I wouldn't worry.
(DO NOT GET A 20 GB PS3!!! It does
NOT have wireless internet).
Good luck! I would recommend checking your local Gamestop for refurb ones. You get a free 30 day from them. (They just may be hard to find)
