Xbox One vs PS4: Who Won This Generation?
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VOICE OVER: Riccardo Tucci
WRITTEN BY: Nathan Sharp
Now that the generation is over, the question must be asked - who won? For this list, we'll be looking at both the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro and analyzing which console “won” the generation based on things like public perception, the console's legacy, and the things that mattered the most to gamers throughout the generation. Our countdown includes categories such as Exclusives, Public Perception, Innovation, and more!
Script Written by Nathan Sharp
Now that the generation is over, the question must be asked - who won? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be analyzing the Xbox One X vs. the PS4 Pro: who won this generation?
For this list, we’ll be looking at both the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro and analyzing which console “won” the generation based on things like public perception, the console’s legacy, and the things that mattered the most to gamers throughout the generation.
Console exclusives have always been important, but as consoles are growing more and more alike in terms of hardware and specs, they matter now more than ever before.
No one can deny that Sony absolutely crushed it in the exclusives department this generation. In fact, we’d argue that the PS4 has the greatest lineup of exclusives in gaming history. It’s amazing to consider just how many groundbreaking, popular, and genre-defying exclusives Sony released this generation. “Uncharted 4,” “The Last of Us Remastered,” “God of War,” “Bloodborne,” “Spider-Man,” “Horizon: Zero Dawn,” “Ratchet & Clank.” All amazing games, all incredibly popular. And to think, that’s just a taste of the wonderful and expansive PlayStation 4 exclusive library.
Unfortunately, Microsoft struggled a bit in the exclusive department, and the Xbox One library was considered a monumental disappointment (especially following the strong showing of the Xbox 360). Exclusives like “Quantum Break,” “Sunset Overdrive,” and “Sea of Thieves” were dead on arrival, and even the big showstoppers like “Halo 5: Guardians” and “Gears 5” fell flat. Luckily, there were a few diamonds in the rough, including the always-reliable “Forza” series and the beautiful “Ori” games. But it’s nowhere near enough to salvage the otherwise dispiriting lineup.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 1 / Xbox One 0
When it comes to video game consoles, public perception is everything. It can have the specs to make techies salivate, but that doesn’t matter if the general public doesn’t care.
And once again, we can’t deny the legacy of the PlayStation 4. The inviting $399 price point allowed Sony to get its foot in the door early, and the console went on to sell over 100 million units. The Pro also cost $399 when it was released in 2016, allowing those who had patiently held off on the eighth generation to snag a superior console for the same price as its launch alternative. The killer exclusives also helped the PS4 dominate the generation. Specs are cool and all, but when both consoles can essentially do the same thing, price point and exclusives go a long way.
Unfortunately, the Xbox One had a very sloppy start, and it took a long time for Microsoft to get good with the general public. The Xbox One faced a ton of pre-release controversy and launched for $100 more than its competitor thanks to the inclusion of the much-maligned Kinect. This resulted in a very slow start for the Xbox One, and it failed to recover from its launch bungle. The fact that the Xbox One X was also $100 more expensive than the PS4 Pro all-but ensured that it would never catch up. Sales have not been officially released (which is never a good sign), but estimates place them between 40 and 50 million. Not great, especially considering that the 360 sold over 80 million units throughout its lifetime.
While Microsoft has innovated in many interesting ways in recent years (more on that later), it was too little too late.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 2 / Xbox One 0
At a time when consoles are virtually identical to each other, companies need to pull out all the stops in order to innovate.
Perhaps the biggest innovation that Sony made this generation was the PlayStation VR. The PSVR launched for a surprisingly affordable $399 back in October 2016 and has since sold over five million units. While it obviously paled in comparison to the more expensive and robust Oculus Rift and Vive, the PSVR had affordability and ease of use on its side. It allowed virtual reality gaming to break into the mainstream, and it proved that Sony was willing to make big steps to help bring console gaming into the future. There are also a few interesting accessories to be found, including controller charging stations, wireless headsets, external hard drives, and the PlayStation Camera.
Meanwhile, Microsoft decided to focus on gaming rather than spearheading technological innovations. Yes, Oculus Rift owners are able to stream Xbox One games through the headset, but that doesn’t seem as accessible as the PSVR (or as cheap). Xbox Play Anywhere allows you to play digital games through the Xbox One and a PC, and the Xbox Game Pass brought streaming to the video game industry. It was something we were all wondering about, and now it’s here (and we can only assume that it’s going to get better). And then there’s the Kinect, which...well, the less said about that, the better. Like the PS4, the Xbox One also has some killer accessories, including the Elite controller and the Play and Charge kit.
This is a close one, but we have to yet again give it to the PlayStation. While Play Anywhere, the Game Pass, and Rift streaming are great, the PSVR is a monumental and accessible shift into the future of gaming.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 3 / Xbox One 0
Who doesn’t love nostalgia? While some older games are borderline painful to play, we can’t help but go back and bask in the glory days of old. That, and the backlog. Why yes, we are getting to that game that has been sitting there for the past five years, thank you very much! Backwards compatibility is a major issue for gamers and console makers alike.
So, how did the respective corporations tackle the issue of backwards compatibility for this generation? Sony went the streaming route, and it was...not pretty. Sony launched PlayStation Now in 2014, a cloud-based streaming service that allows subscribers (yes, you have to pay for this service) to stream old PlayStation games on the PS4. Not only do you have to pay for the service, the prices are a bit outlandish. And not only that, but the streaming quality is notoriously terrible. It’s laggy as hell, it only streams in 720p and stereo sound, it’s plagued by disconnection issues, and God forbid you have slow broadband speed. If you do, then you literally can’t use PS Now. No, seriously, it says so right on the support website.
Meanwhile, Microsoft went with...well, normal backwards compatibility. You can play original Xbox and Xbox 360 games through the Xbox One, and you can even play them through the original discs! Not only that, but select backwards compatible games like “Assassin's Creed” and “Fallout 3” benefit from Xbox One X enhancements, which includes increased resolution to 4K, HDR implementation, and Dolby Atmos sound.
This one isn’t even close. PlayStation Now is a joke.
WINNER: Xbox One
PS4 3 / Xbox One 1
Once upon a time, a console’s lifespan lasted six or seven years before the fancy new improvement was released. We are no longer living in that time.
The PS4 saw two hardware revisions throughout its lifetime - the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro. The Slim is essentially just a smaller version of the PS4, albeit with some fancy features like USB 3.1 and Bluetooth 4.0. Then there’s the Pro, which enables 4K rendering and improved performance. That said, the console does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray, so streaming content in 4K is your only option when it comes to movies and TV.
Meanwhile, the Xbox has undergone three hardware revisions. There’s the Xbox One S, which includes a ton of cool stuff like HDR, 4K upscaling, and a UHD Blu-ray player. There’s the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, a cheaper alternative that removed the Blu-ray disc drive. And of course there’s the Xbox One X, which is essentially a more powerful version of the Xbox One S that allows for true 4K resolution.
We have to give this one to Microsoft. Not only was the all-digital console a great idea, but the PS4’s lack of a UHD Blu-ray player could be a dealbreaker for home theater enthusiasts.
WINNER: Xbox One
PS4 3 / Xbox One 2
In the end, we have to give the edge to the PlayStation 4. While the Xbox One has stellar backwards compatibility and a better line-up of console revisions, it can’t compete with the PS4’s fantastic exclusives, its general public perception, or the PSVR. We have to give Microsoft props for saving the Xbox One from the post-release doldrums, but it was like trying to catch up to Usain Bolt who has had a ten second head start. There was just no beating Sony this generation, no matter how hard they tried.
Xbox One X vs. PS4 Pro: Who Won This Generation?
Now that the generation is over, the question must be asked - who won? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be analyzing the Xbox One X vs. the PS4 Pro: who won this generation?
For this list, we’ll be looking at both the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro and analyzing which console “won” the generation based on things like public perception, the console’s legacy, and the things that mattered the most to gamers throughout the generation.
#5: Exclusives
Console exclusives have always been important, but as consoles are growing more and more alike in terms of hardware and specs, they matter now more than ever before.
No one can deny that Sony absolutely crushed it in the exclusives department this generation. In fact, we’d argue that the PS4 has the greatest lineup of exclusives in gaming history. It’s amazing to consider just how many groundbreaking, popular, and genre-defying exclusives Sony released this generation. “Uncharted 4,” “The Last of Us Remastered,” “God of War,” “Bloodborne,” “Spider-Man,” “Horizon: Zero Dawn,” “Ratchet & Clank.” All amazing games, all incredibly popular. And to think, that’s just a taste of the wonderful and expansive PlayStation 4 exclusive library.
Unfortunately, Microsoft struggled a bit in the exclusive department, and the Xbox One library was considered a monumental disappointment (especially following the strong showing of the Xbox 360). Exclusives like “Quantum Break,” “Sunset Overdrive,” and “Sea of Thieves” were dead on arrival, and even the big showstoppers like “Halo 5: Guardians” and “Gears 5” fell flat. Luckily, there were a few diamonds in the rough, including the always-reliable “Forza” series and the beautiful “Ori” games. But it’s nowhere near enough to salvage the otherwise dispiriting lineup.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 1 / Xbox One 0
#4: Public Perception
When it comes to video game consoles, public perception is everything. It can have the specs to make techies salivate, but that doesn’t matter if the general public doesn’t care.
And once again, we can’t deny the legacy of the PlayStation 4. The inviting $399 price point allowed Sony to get its foot in the door early, and the console went on to sell over 100 million units. The Pro also cost $399 when it was released in 2016, allowing those who had patiently held off on the eighth generation to snag a superior console for the same price as its launch alternative. The killer exclusives also helped the PS4 dominate the generation. Specs are cool and all, but when both consoles can essentially do the same thing, price point and exclusives go a long way.
Unfortunately, the Xbox One had a very sloppy start, and it took a long time for Microsoft to get good with the general public. The Xbox One faced a ton of pre-release controversy and launched for $100 more than its competitor thanks to the inclusion of the much-maligned Kinect. This resulted in a very slow start for the Xbox One, and it failed to recover from its launch bungle. The fact that the Xbox One X was also $100 more expensive than the PS4 Pro all-but ensured that it would never catch up. Sales have not been officially released (which is never a good sign), but estimates place them between 40 and 50 million. Not great, especially considering that the 360 sold over 80 million units throughout its lifetime.
While Microsoft has innovated in many interesting ways in recent years (more on that later), it was too little too late.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 2 / Xbox One 0
#3: Innovation
At a time when consoles are virtually identical to each other, companies need to pull out all the stops in order to innovate.
Perhaps the biggest innovation that Sony made this generation was the PlayStation VR. The PSVR launched for a surprisingly affordable $399 back in October 2016 and has since sold over five million units. While it obviously paled in comparison to the more expensive and robust Oculus Rift and Vive, the PSVR had affordability and ease of use on its side. It allowed virtual reality gaming to break into the mainstream, and it proved that Sony was willing to make big steps to help bring console gaming into the future. There are also a few interesting accessories to be found, including controller charging stations, wireless headsets, external hard drives, and the PlayStation Camera.
Meanwhile, Microsoft decided to focus on gaming rather than spearheading technological innovations. Yes, Oculus Rift owners are able to stream Xbox One games through the headset, but that doesn’t seem as accessible as the PSVR (or as cheap). Xbox Play Anywhere allows you to play digital games through the Xbox One and a PC, and the Xbox Game Pass brought streaming to the video game industry. It was something we were all wondering about, and now it’s here (and we can only assume that it’s going to get better). And then there’s the Kinect, which...well, the less said about that, the better. Like the PS4, the Xbox One also has some killer accessories, including the Elite controller and the Play and Charge kit.
This is a close one, but we have to yet again give it to the PlayStation. While Play Anywhere, the Game Pass, and Rift streaming are great, the PSVR is a monumental and accessible shift into the future of gaming.
WINNER: PS4
PS4 3 / Xbox One 0
#2: Backwards Compatibility
Who doesn’t love nostalgia? While some older games are borderline painful to play, we can’t help but go back and bask in the glory days of old. That, and the backlog. Why yes, we are getting to that game that has been sitting there for the past five years, thank you very much! Backwards compatibility is a major issue for gamers and console makers alike.
So, how did the respective corporations tackle the issue of backwards compatibility for this generation? Sony went the streaming route, and it was...not pretty. Sony launched PlayStation Now in 2014, a cloud-based streaming service that allows subscribers (yes, you have to pay for this service) to stream old PlayStation games on the PS4. Not only do you have to pay for the service, the prices are a bit outlandish. And not only that, but the streaming quality is notoriously terrible. It’s laggy as hell, it only streams in 720p and stereo sound, it’s plagued by disconnection issues, and God forbid you have slow broadband speed. If you do, then you literally can’t use PS Now. No, seriously, it says so right on the support website.
Meanwhile, Microsoft went with...well, normal backwards compatibility. You can play original Xbox and Xbox 360 games through the Xbox One, and you can even play them through the original discs! Not only that, but select backwards compatible games like “Assassin's Creed” and “Fallout 3” benefit from Xbox One X enhancements, which includes increased resolution to 4K, HDR implementation, and Dolby Atmos sound.
This one isn’t even close. PlayStation Now is a joke.
WINNER: Xbox One
PS4 3 / Xbox One 1
#1: Different Versions
Once upon a time, a console’s lifespan lasted six or seven years before the fancy new improvement was released. We are no longer living in that time.
The PS4 saw two hardware revisions throughout its lifetime - the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro. The Slim is essentially just a smaller version of the PS4, albeit with some fancy features like USB 3.1 and Bluetooth 4.0. Then there’s the Pro, which enables 4K rendering and improved performance. That said, the console does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray, so streaming content in 4K is your only option when it comes to movies and TV.
Meanwhile, the Xbox has undergone three hardware revisions. There’s the Xbox One S, which includes a ton of cool stuff like HDR, 4K upscaling, and a UHD Blu-ray player. There’s the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, a cheaper alternative that removed the Blu-ray disc drive. And of course there’s the Xbox One X, which is essentially a more powerful version of the Xbox One S that allows for true 4K resolution.
We have to give this one to Microsoft. Not only was the all-digital console a great idea, but the PS4’s lack of a UHD Blu-ray player could be a dealbreaker for home theater enthusiasts.
WINNER: Xbox One
PS4 3 / Xbox One 2
In the end, we have to give the edge to the PlayStation 4. While the Xbox One has stellar backwards compatibility and a better line-up of console revisions, it can’t compete with the PS4’s fantastic exclusives, its general public perception, or the PSVR. We have to give Microsoft props for saving the Xbox One from the post-release doldrums, but it was like trying to catch up to Usain Bolt who has had a ten second head start. There was just no beating Sony this generation, no matter how hard they tried.
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