PS4 VS XBOX ONE: Which new generation console has the edge?

After years of excitement and speculation, the next generation of consoles has finally arrived. Sony launched the PlayStation 4 on November 14th, and Microsoft launched the Xbox One on November 22nd. Although the initial selection of games was limited, both sold well and released without any major issues. So which is the superior console?

Spec-wise, the machines are very similar, with a slight edge going to the PS4. Due to quicker RAM, the PS4 consistently outputs visuals at 1080p,  while the Xbox One tends to struggle, and instead runs the majority of taxing games at 900p. Although this is nothing major, it's proof of the superior graphical capabilities of the PS4. However, this advantage will be relatively short-lived. Microsoft has recently announced that they will give developers the ability to disable the Kinect, giving the Xbox One slightly more processing power to work with, essentially putting it in line with Sony's machine.

In terms of software selection, things are largely up for debate. Neither console has a decisive 'killer-app.' Many AAA-games are available on both platforms, some examples being Destiny, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Assassin Creed: Unity, Evolve, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. The PS4 has a few quality exclusives such as Infamous: Second Son and The Order. The Xbox One also has a decent selection, with Sunset Overdrive and Forza Horizon standing out. Overall, the two consoles are pretty even at the moment.

Moving on to online services, both machines offer great experiences. Lag is minimal, video and party chat work well, and streaming capabilities are present. PlayStation Online and Xbox Live also have  identical price-points. However, in terms of indie game selection, the PS4 has a definite edge. There is a larger selection of excellent games, and members are given access to 2-3 free games each month.

The controllers of both consoles are excellent. The Xbox One controller is essentially an upgraded version of the Xbox 360 controller, arguably the best controller of the previous generation. Sony's Dual Shock 4 is a comprehensive re-imagining of the Dual Shock 3, and feels spectacular in the hands. If I had to chose one though, it would be the Dual Shock 4. It simply feels perfect, and the touch pad and light bar are nice touches.

As you can probably tell by now...the winner of this Bit Brawl is...the PS4!