Why the XBone is a good console

[sobaka770]

Let's just clear up a few things.

There's no benefit for the consumer from being always online, or, especially, for 24-hour checks. None. If you have perfect internet, good for you, but Xbox One will not do anything better than PS4 because it's always online. This check-in requirement is there just to control the gamers, and therefore, in my opinion, it's a dealbreaker.

And, God forbid, you're coming over to your friends house for a session of (let's say) FIFA. The checks are now every hour, and once again, there's NO CONSUMER BENEFIT. It's all ass.

Second of all, you sure can share your game with 10 members of your family etc etc, but you won't be able to play it all at the same time. So what's the difference with just exchanging the CD? I can share my CD with anyone I meet, and I have more than 10 friends. Once again, there's no consumer benefit.

Xbox One with current policies is a bad system which limits the consumer with arbitrary blocks (I don't even talk about the necessity to have Kinekt plugged in), it doesn't provide the sense of ownership. And don't get fooled by people at Microsoft touting "infinite power of the cloud" benefits. Compared to PS4, if both systems are always online, then there'llbe no difference, however PS4 will simply not give you the finger (or two for UK) when you are not connected or do other crazy stuff (like give your games to others without limit).

 

[Ren_Li]

Here are my reasons for not getting an XB1. They are not arguments that it is a bad console- they are reasons that I would not want it, and I do think there are quite a few potential costumers who will share some part of these feelings. You're welcome to dissect or discuss my thoughts, (in fact I would enjoy reading that if it's thoughtfully done) but it's not going to change my opinion, which is that the XB1 is a console which has moved in directions that make it not for me for reasons that will affect more people than MS realises- but some people will like it, and that's fine for them.


1: Used games. I'm not a rich gamer, and I need to know that I will like a game before I drop large amounts of money on it. That said, once I know I like a game, I will support the developers by pretty much buying every bit of DLC that comes out for that game- which, unlike the game, never goes down in price. I paid more for Mass Effect DLC than I would have paid for the game itself, new, when it was recommended to me- DLC which I likely would not have been able to justify buying had I got the game full price and near release date.
Not only am I insane with DLC buying, but if I find I love a series, I will likely buy near release date- or, in the case of ME2 and ME3, preorder- the sequels. Once my loyalty is earned, I will repay it at the time when sales matter most to a company.
Take these away, and I will find it hard to justify buying a new game if I'm not sure I'll like it-
especially since the last game I bought new without being a fan of the series (Kingdoms of Amalur) based on a demo basically lost it's appeal shortly after the demo ended and I came to realise how monotonous and uninvolving I found the game. I got burned, and I wouldn't want to buy new again, especially if I can't trade it in, or when it becomes a choice between the new game or eating well.


2: All the stuff it does. I play games on my games consoles. I have literally only used my 360 for DVDs when I had an old TV and didn't want to faff about at the back plugging in a DVD player- in other words, the ONLY reason it saw a use other than video games was laziness. I don't want to use the internet, Twitter, Skype, and I most definitely do not want to watch TV and make it harder for me to prove that I don't watch TV when I get my own place and have to deal with a TV license. (That's a thing here. You have to pay a license to watch TV. And I do not watch TV, at all, ever.) If that stuff is getting in the way of my gaming experience, it is going to turn me off- and if that's increasing the price, likewise.


3: 24 hour "check ins". Right now, I am not the primary bill payer- I rent a room in a shared flat. I do not pay for the internet directly (although I contribute to the bills via a set rent rate) and I do not get control over when it's on. I don't want to be unable to play video games because I didn't "check in" during the day, and whoops, now it's night time and I can't sleep and I also can't connect to the internet. (I guarantee that would happen within a week. I know myself and my habits, as well as those of my landlord.)
Hopefully by the time the console comes out I'll have my own place; but it'll still be a pain in the arse that I don't want to deal with. But right now, it might literally stop me from playing video games unless I remember to sign in when the internet is on. And I forget to take the medication that stops me from being in intense pain so, you know... I'd forget.


4: No backwards compatability. I've said to myself, since the new console gen was mentioned, that's a deal breaker, before the lack of it was even announced. I still play original Xbox games on my 360; I've yet to hear a decent reason why I can't do so on the XB1, beyond the fact that I am apparently "backwards" for thinking Fable, KotOR and Jade Empire are still enjoyable today- and even for thinking that I might want to play the Mass Effect trilogy again, or Dragon Age, or... you get the point.
I LOVE my old games. I re-play all my games- original Xbox and 360- often, and I am not getting a new console with virtually no games that appeal to ME, if it can't play those games. It simply doesn't make sense to.


5: Price. Okay, not a deal breaker, I could save up for a bit longer to get it. But, well, I'd rather spend the money on a new PC that can handle ports and PC games, as well as being able to do the things I want to be able to do on a PC (graphics work if you're curious). I've veered away from PC gaming for my own reasons, but if there's so many reasons not to get a console, it leads to reason six...


6: PC gaming is getting more accessible. My reasons back when I got a 360 instead of a gaming PC was that I wanted to sit on my bed and play on my TV- well, that and I don't really know much about PCs. It's easier to do that, it's easier to play games, there's more support for people like myself who're less than educated about PCs, and there's a massive collection available already- including all those games I already enjoy.


If none of the things about the XB1 put you off, and the things it can do interest you, then hoorah for you- frankly, a lot of the people who're hating on it need to remember that everyone is entitled to like whatever they like, respect the opinions of others, and discuss it without losing their tempers. But the direction it has taken has put me off in a big, big way; and changing one or two of them (or my circumstances changing so they're no longer issues) is unlikely to make me reconsider buying one. And the problem the console is going to have is how many other people feel the same.
Does that core problem- that a lot of people will find issues that put them off- make it a bad console, or stop it from being a good one? Well, that's an opinion. My answer is "yes". The OP's answer is clearly "no". It'll be interesting to see the opinion of MS six months after release.

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

Part of my problem with your thread is that your whole opinion seems kind of wishy washy. Most of your defenses are "Oh but we don't know that for sure" and "Microsoft said this might happen". Stuff like this gem:

The difference is, if I want, I can go ahead and hook up my Genesis. Get my Dynamite Headdy on. I buy an Xbone, a decade later I won't be able to play anything because they'll drop support for the console and I won't be able to log in.

Something only the future can tell.

You're just willing to take that risk? You have a 50% chance of getting ass fucked by one console and a zero % chance from another and your only opinion is "who knows?" Answer me this: what do you want from this console? You're defending everything and its becoming a bunch of greyed out bla. If you asked me to talk about the ps4, I wouldn't gloss over its flaws its "meh".

I think the only person who needs convincing is yourself

 

[fozzy360]

Oh, so if the opinion doesn't agree with yours, then its not worth hearing? As if what you have to say, the brushing off of opposing opinion by claiming they're nothing more than the biased, knee-jerk reactions of the mob, isn't entirely myopic in and of itself.

I'm not saying the opinion isn't valid, but I am saying that the entire situation is a ridiculous, self-generating overreaction. When a thread about some bloody hardware have people genuinely upset, things have gone overboard.

Once again, you fail to realize why people are upset and brush it off like unimportant nonsense. It's a multi-billion dollar industry made up of millions of consumers and industry types. I can't see how the situation won't be seen as important on some level, especially for the people who exclusively game on console. Again, your view on this is just as myopic as the people you denegrate.

All of Microsoft supposed restrictions have been greatly exaggerated, and this whole Kinect-spying thing is just completely false. And rather than questioning how valid our collective hatred really is, everyone are just affirming their own unfounded opinion by hearing from other people with the exactly same opinion. Doesn't it annoy people, writing the exact same thing that 50 other comments have already declared in the same thread?

You focus way too much on the Kinect issue, as if it's the only one that's making people upset. Yes, there is some misconception about it, but you'd have to be blind to not see that this particular issue is small potatoes compared to the larger debate about used games and connectivity. Stop bringing up Kinect to discredit your opposition because that isn't the main reason why there's so much brouhaha in the first place. Also, no, it doesn't annoy people to have re-type the same thing over and over again when there are people, such as yourself, who actively ignore the very valid complaints surrounding the Xbone by lumping those complaints into the "hater" pile.

As a PC player, I couldn't care less which console that wins, but there is something about this mob-like herd-mentality that annoys me. So yeah, seeing threads like this which asks people to essentially calm down and objectively revalue their opinions about something controversial is very refreshing.

Once again, all you see is what you want to see, and what you want to see is nothing but baseless, vitriolic hate, which is far from the truth.

 

[sobaka770]

Let's just clear up a few things.

There's no benefit for the consumer from being always online, or, especially, for 24-hour checks. None. If you have perfect internet, good for you, but Xbox One will not do anything better than PS4 because it's always online. This check-in requirement is there just to control the gamers, and therefore, in my opinion, it's a dealbreaker.

And, God forbid, you're coming over to your friends house for a session of (let's say) FIFA. The checks are now every hour, and once again, there's NO CONSUMER BENEFIT. It's all ass.

Second of all, you sure can share your game with 10 members of your family etc etc, but you won't be able to play it all at the same time. So what's the difference with just exchanging the CD? I can share my CD with anyone I meet, and I have more than 10 friends. Once again, there's no consumer benefit.

Xbox One with current policies is a bad system which limits the consumer with arbitrary blocks (I don't even talk about the necessity to have Kinekt plugged in), it doesn't provide the sense of ownership. And don't get fooled by people at Microsoft touting "infinite power of the cloud" benefits. Compared to PS4, if both systems are always online, then there'llbe no difference, however PS4 will simply not give you the finger (or two for UK) when you are not connected or do other crazy stuff (like give your games to others without limit).

 

[ellers07]

The Xbox one isn't a good console. It might be a good home entertainment system, but it is not the best gaming console. I'm as shocked as anybody. I love my 360 and I wanted nothing to do with the PS3, but times have changed. Sony won this one.

You may be right about used games, but why not go with a console where you don't have to worry whether a publisher will charge fees?

Game sharing on the Xbox is interesting and not inherently bad, but isn't it easier to just hand somebody a disc and not have to deal with friend lists and how many times you've already shared a game?

Offline time limits? Again, how can you not prefer the one without this?

As for the Kinnect, I may be paranoid, but I'm pretty sure it would be fairly easy to turn that into a spying device. I mean, my computer had a virus once that caused my webcam to switch on, so it's not totally ludicrous to imagine a spying Kinnect.

I agree with you on the controller. The 360 had one of the most comfortable I've ever used. Luckily, the PS4's looks like one so that's no longer an issue.

I think you've also downplayed the importance of the price. $100 is a big deal and when it comes down to a cheaper, better gaming console or a more expensive entertainment system that happens to play games (provided you jump through some hoops), then I think the choice is clear.

 

[M Silverthorn]

I look at it all this way.

Fact: I am a gamer who wishes to crash on the couch after a long day, drink in hand, with the intent of booting up [Game Whatever] on my [8th-Gen Console]. I wish to do these things, maybe not in precise order, with as little interruption as possible. Note that I say "Game", and I don't really refer to other options like Netflix, Cable TV, Skype, etc - I'm just talking about the "Game".

Fact: I hate any strings attached that limit me in any of the following fields: sharing/lending games with/to my friends and family; waiting 5-10 minutes for my machine to connect to the internet, particularly when I just want to play a simple single-player game; subscription fees that have to ding me $15-20 a month for a game that I honestly cannot play every single day for the fact that I like having a social life outside of the game.

Fact: I have other things to fund in my home other than a gaming hobby. I am perfectly comfortable with spending $0 on any of the following options, and just skipping the entire situation.

Therefore, I break it down to the following results in the Xbone vs. PS4 debate.

1. Both consoles should allow for the couch-crashing and drink having just fine. Further to that point, I'm not interested in staying loyal to a particular exclusive series like Halo, for example - all the ones I'm interested in seem to be cross-platform so far regardless.

2. Xbone offers MORE options than just the "Game" I want to play. PS4 seems to be focused ONLY on the "Game" I want to play. Slight advantage to PS4 here, because I interpret this as being more simple - hopefully.

3. Xbone has introduced the possibility of limitations, fees, even borderline contracts when it comes to the ownership of my games - so much to the point that I will have to jump through a number of hoops when it comes to sharing, trading or lending of what I've already paid money to buy. I understand that these clauses may not ALWAYS be activated, but the fact remains that it is a possibility. PS4 has made no such claims, and doesn't appear to be drifting in that direction. For sheer ease, PS4 wins #3.

4. Xbone requires the "one a day" connection period. PS4 does not at this time. I admit that this is a small issue, given that I plan on having a reliable wifi connection in my new home that the Xbone can work through. The fact is, however, this is an irritant that I can see myself becoming a little frustrated over: I'm not always able to play every day, and the threat of having my system locked until I reconnect sounds rather annoying. What if something is wrong with my wifi because of a service failure? PS4 wins #4 again for the sheer ease.

5. Both Xbone and PS4 will require a monthly or annual subscription for their respective multiplayer or online services (to what extent and for what services exactly, I am not sure). Both systems lose points for that reason - but PS4's services claim to be cheaper. PS4 wins #5 for me for lower cost.

Like I said above, I'm content with just buying none of the above. But, given the opportunity and available funds to just say "Well, sure. I might like a new toy.", I now have #1-5 to consider. PS4 would be my machine of choice - not because of what rampant opinions have told me, paid executives, launch title lists, or the desire to defend a company's product.

So, yeah. If you're going to buy a new gadget, I say just be smart about it - read the instructions, read the warnings, and read the price tag.

 

[MushroomRetainer]

Wow. You've got balls, bro. I respect that. Kinda strange that you posted an "in defense of Xbox One" post and then filled it with stuff that nobody really seriously cares about. The controller? The design? Seriously? Who makes a console choice based on it's aesthetics? Video game consoles are for playing video games. Obvious statement is obvious. You could have ended your post at number 3, since those are the three things that the Internet is really angry about. Everything else is just tertiary. Even exclusives aren't a big sticking point, because both consoles have good exclusive games in the pipe. No one is arguing that the Xbox isn't a technically impressive piece of hardware or that it won't have any good games. No one. I've seen far more people saying things like "Man, it's too bad I won't get to play Sunset Overdrive." than "There is no good reason to own an Xbox One."

And if they are, it's because they're angry and taking cheap shots. The things people are really confused and upset about are Microsoft dipping their toes into the concept of eroding the concept of video game ownership, and forcing a daily internet check-in if you want to use your video game console to play video games. I understand that digital distribution is big and that's the way the industry is going, and the concept of digital ownership is something that companies are going to have to wrestle with, but Microsoft absolutely has not done themselves any favors by complicating the formerly simple process of owning videogames, and then not being absolutely crystal clear with everyone about it. They've been waffling around like crazy since the Xbox One was first revealed, and that just fuels the confusion and the controversy. I find it amusing that you started a post in defense of the Xbox One and it's new consumer model and then screwed up one of the most important arguments you needed to make. It's not even your fault; it's because what you can and can't do with the games you've bought is genuinely confusing and Microsoft hasn't done a good job of making it not confusing.

To your credit, I'm glad you're allowing at least one small concession to the people who aren't fond of the Xbox One with the whole daily online check-in authentication thing. We tend to take Internet connectivity for granted here in the US, but there are many places in the world, and indeed many rural places in this country where it's not a given. Like, I definitely couldn't take the Xbox One with me on a weekend getaway to my family's little shack in the side of the Appalachian Mountains. It's stupid for Microsoft to shoot themselves in the foot like that. Although, to their credit, I believe they did say, straight-up, the same thing you did: If you don't have stable Internet, the Xbox One isn't for you. Seems kind of exclusionary.

Plus, what happens at the end of the Xbox One's life cycle 10 years from now, when Microsoft turns those servers off, or re-purposes them for the next next generation? Assuming there will be one.

Also, no amount of juggling can make $399 the same as $499. Sorry, bro. I understand your point about making sure every console owner is on an even playing field, and I did buy a Wii U even though I wasn't sold on the touchpad, but the fact is that the majority of people just prefer that it was optional. Even if it turns out the PS4 camera is going to cost $100, that still doesn't make the PS4 and XBO pricing even, because people don't have to buy it. It's really that simple. If a consumer would prefer not to pay an extra $100 for a console feature that they don't want, and as a result decides to buy the PS4, without its camera, that seems like a valid, sensible choice to me. I don't see how this works out as a point in defense of the Xbox One. Understanding why Microsoft might want to do something doesn't mean it's a good decision for the consumer. That's what this whole debate is about.

...up to 10 friends can be in your "Family", and can play your games whenever they like, though each game can only be played by one friend at a time. This is "Sharing" games. I have no idea why this feature isn't widely loved - Share games, with close friends, without needing a disc. If Microsoft went down the Sony route and made a snarky video, maybe things would be clearer.
Separately, there's "Giving" games, which can be done to anyone who's been on your friends list for at least 30 days and can only be done once. After giving someone a game, you no longer have it. This is a much less useful feature, but still beats Steam's game giving.

I'm actually glad to have some clarification on this point. Microsoft hasn't done a good job of clarifying how this whole thing works.

 

[Simple Bluff]

1. Used games:
The blockade of selling used games is entirely up to the publisher, so are the fees. What Microsoft has done here is an official way of what already happened before. Remember the Online Passes? That's just like that. Nobody has has to use them. They can.

This is true, but it doesn't mean Microsoft are innocent - they're enabling it.

Now, if EA would decide to be a dick and use it - what would happen? They'd do it on every platform. They won't be interested in holding up Sony's image of the messiah console, they want their money. So afaik, it doesn't matter. The possibilities are there on both platforms.

This isn't true. It's not the same as online passes (which, incidentally, I'm not against), that CAN be used on any platform, even the PS4. However, the option to deny distribution of used games is X1 exclusive. Even if a publisher WOULD want to do it (and I doubt they will, tbh) it could only work on the Xbox One. Buying, selling and trading used games will be available for every physical game on the PS4, regardless of the publisher's whims.

2. Game sharing:
Well, yes and no. You can still share games, you can give your game to up to 10 of your friends without even having to hand them your disc, they'll just have it on their account and can easily download and play it right away. The only thing here is, you need to have them on your friends list for at least 30 days and you can only give them them every game once. But honestly, I don't think that's too limiting.

IMO, that's incredibly shaky logic. They're imposing convoluted restrictions that have no right to be there, whether or not you yourself consider it ok. You can't deny it wouldn't be just easier without them. And although I do like the idea of digital distribution, not being able to trade physical discs is a huge drawback. If either me, or the person I was borrowing from had a spotty internet connection, the download could take hours. In many cases, swapping physical media would actually be LESS hassle.

This is two separate things.
One is that up to 10 friends can be in your "Family", and can play your games whenever they like, though each game can only be played by one friend at a time. This is "Sharing" games. I have no idea why this feature isn't widely loved - Share games, with close friends, without needing a disc.

I wouldn't go around touting that feature just yet. Microsoft have been very sketchy on the details about this so far. Maybe they just couldn't be arsed talking about it but... well, it seems very unlikely. If it works as well as you says it does (and believe me, I hope you ARE right) then why wouldn't they flaunt it? I know there was an interview with an MC exec that confirmed this, but the interview didn't give the exec's wording, and also admitted that he couldn't give details about this. Also, there's only one source I could find in my admittedly brief search on the web that even said THAT much.

Now, I'm not saying that it's going to be an incredibly restricted feature - that would be hypocritical. I'm just saying you (nor myself, or anyone else) shouldn't be making assumptions just yet. Not until we know everything. And don't get me wrong, I WANT this to be as good as you describe, because it's a fantastic idea. But I think we should wait before forming a proper opinion.

3. 24h offline time:
This is a point I can't say much about. I can think of many reasons why they'd do such a thing, but there's nothing I really want to defend here. For me it's no problem at all, I like my games and consoles (and PC) for the online multiplayer, but I see why it would bother people. On the other hand, I'm sure this is nothing they couldn't change. It happened before, so you can hope. If you know you'll be offline for longer than a day, then definitely don't buy the XBone yet though.

Yeah, unfortunately I'm one of those. I have absolutely no access to the internet at home (I'm currently typing this from my parent's house) so, if I was intending on getting a console, X1 wouldn't be an option for me.

Y'know, the thing is I'm not against all DRM. As I said above, I have no problem with online passes or Project Ten Dollar. The online check-in thing though... it feels like I, a person whom has supported their products for years, am just being shafted for the sake of their own insecurity. And I wouldn't even mind as much if they gave a valid excuse to it, or even tried. Instead they tell us that we just don't get it, but not telling us exactly WHAT we don't get. It's almost arrogant. And I know a product can't be made to tailor for one person's wants, including mine. I get that. But what is it for exactly? How does it benefit their product, or their consumers?

I have no doubt that after a while, maybe a year, they'll remove it. But for the moment it seems they're just seeing how much they can get away with.

For the record, I don't actually think their servers will break though. It's not like SimCity, which tried hosting millions of players' games. This is just a check up thing.

4. Evil spying Kinect:
This wrong, just wrong. It has been confirmed that the Kinect can be turned off completely long ago, and you won't be spied. The Kinect itself is also a fairly useful tool, I own a Kinect 1 and there are some fun games for it out there, and it adds functionality by voice commands etc. I know people don't like being forced to get a product, but it's entirely possible that there will be an "Arcade" edition like with the 360, which is cheaper and delivered without Kinect.

No such thing has even been hinted. There will eventually be one I'm sure, but it's definitely not going to be at launch. But if Microsoft are smart, and I'm sure they are despite all these hiccups, they'll be developing one right now that should be available as soon as possible. But we really can't say anymore until they themselves given us more, and so far they've given us nothing.

But this is besides the point. Why do we need it at all, Microsoft? With the online thing, I can at least make the reasonable presumption that you don't trust me. But why do I need a Kinect? I already have one. It doesn't bloody work, but maybe that's just due to my strong Irish accent. Either way I don't want it. Why don't they sell it separately for the people who DO want it for a hundred bucks, and lower the price of the core console? That'd be a great idea.

The kicker here is that the X1 won't work without it plugged in. What if it gets damaged? Will I not be able to play the X1 at all?

"Why did Microsoft do this in the first place?" you could ask now. To prevent segmentation. This way everyone has the same setup and games can be designed in that way. Apart from that I believe that if people don't try something new over time, things can't evolve.

Maybe it's hard to tell, but I actually liked your OP. It raised valid points. I disagree with nearly all of them, but I do honestly believe that you genuinely prefer the X1 and you're not just being pretentiously contrarian. I like you OP. Can j00 be mah best frendz 4evz pl0x?

But this above comment annoyed me bit. It's PR speak. The architecture can't be that considerably affected by the presence of the Kinect that it would "unify" the system, whatever you think that means. The fact that the the X1 is fully functional without the Kinect (outside of Kinect exclusive games, obviously) is proof of that. I can't imagine the developers of the PS4 are currently running around in circles in the state of utter panic because they don't have a mandatory voice peripheral.

And yeah, I agree they should try new things. But they already did. It was called the Kinect, a motion capture peripheral for the Xbox 360. Some people liked it, some people didn't. But for those that didn't, at least they could plug it out, and go on with their lives. A successful experiment if ever I saw one. Pats on the back, etc.
So that begs the question yet again. Why is it not optional anymore? For realz, liek.

5. Hardware:
Apart from that, Microsoft has the whole cloud computing thing going, and while you might start laughing at me now, this is the future and even Sony knows it.

PS4 utilizes Cloud technology, albeit not to the extent of the X1. And anyway there are problems with the Cloud - for starters, there are latency issues, which may noticeably affect the quality of online gaming depending on where and how they implement it, and it won't work as well for everyone in different parts of the world.
I'm not saying it won't work I'm sure (no sarcasm) that Microsoft will do a good job implementing it. I just want you to be aware that it isn't infallible.

6. Features:
The XBone is an entertainment device, and it's being marketed as such. Personally, I'd be happy if my device could do more, not mad as many others. I can use Skype, watch TV, play games, record, upload and stream... I'm happy about features. It works just like a small PC (I know, PC master race bla bla), and I think that this is good that way. I would like to see a unified experience over all devices one day.

Can't the PS4 do all those things, except TV? Can't pretty much anything that can access the internet do most of that stuff?
Anyhow. The unified system thing is... well whatever your opinion, the Xbox One just isn't the right format. For starters, it's not portable. And a lot of portable devices have a ton of that functionality already.

7. Controller:
For some reason I also found some people complaining about the controller. I can't really understand that, for me the XBox controller has always been the best one on the market right now. Wasn't able to hold a PS4 controller so far, but the PS3 ones were none I could really play with.

Agreed.

8. Design:
The simple design (even though it really shouldn't matter) is used so it can fit anywhere in your living room. It's elegant and I like it. Your choice. Although both consoles don't look too different.

I think they both look crap, to be honest. Maybe I'll like them when I see them up close though.

9. Games/Exclusives:
This is anyone's game. If you like the PS4's exclusives, go buy that. If you like the XBone's games (of which there are more announced at the moment), go buy that.

Fun fact: As it stands, the Xbox One currently has more confirmed exclusives. I think they announced something like... 9? PS4 only have about half that. But still, quality over quantity. As you say, it depends on the individual. Personally, I think both have interesting titles.

10. Price:
I know, I know, money doesn't grow on trees. However, the console price is essentially the same for both. What makes up the other 100 dollars are the extra things in the package, like the Kinect...

Then they should've made it bloody optional then. No, I'm not letting that go. *Crosses arms, puffs out cheeks*

...And Gold doesn't count as an argument either, Microsoft and Sony both do the paying for multiplayer now. And so far, Microsoft's servers seem more powerful (waiting for statement on Sony's side), and they've been that way in the past as well.

Fair point, but PS+ is a far better deal.

 

[Requiem191]

That piece of hardware is going to dictate how you use your product,when you use it,it's going to force you to check in like someone on parole,and has a built in camera that can record everything you do and there is no way you can turn it off.

So no this is not exaggerated and the Kinect spying thing is not false,people have a right to be pissed and if you don't like it then leave the thread.

Oh come on, this isn't how discussion works. You can't just tell someone to leave a thread if they don't like something. I hate this mentality that a lot of people have on the internet. I disagree with the guy you directed your post towards, but come on, if we try to stifle any form of discussion, we're defeating the purpose of talking about this stuff at all. "If you don't like it, you can leave" isn't a legitimate way to deal with people who have opinions different from yours, especially on the internet.

After having this argument pulled on me the same way for arguing against the Xbox One on another site, I just have to speak up for that guy. It's a silly and stupid way to deal with discussion, so don't do it.

 

[CardinalPiggles]

You know, if they decided to let me buy and use their console without a Kinect at a cheaper price point I'd seriously reconsider my stance. But what evidence is there of that actually happening?

I've seen the kind of space needed for a Kinect to work properly. I used one myself in fact. But I don't like talking to a camera, and I don't need anymore crap in my bedroom. Even if you can turn it off, it has to be plugged in for your games to work. Needless hoops that Microsoft feels as though they can get away with making people jump through.

I also don't watch TV, I don't use Skype, I have no intention of streaming or making videos.

And the price comes back to the Kinect doesn't it? Without the Kinect it's entirely possible to lower the entire cost of the system. I don't mind splashing out some cash if I want everything that I'll be paying for, but when I know the Kinect will just sit there forever turned off facing the other way with a cloth over the sensor I can't justify spending extra money on the Xbone when I could easily get a PS4 for a much cheaper price and less bullshit that I have to deal with.

And in the event that I lose my internet for more than a day (which is certainly a possibility) I'll still be able to play my single player, offline games.

And by not buying an Xbone I'll be voting with my wallet against this kind of anti consumer practice. Annoying DRM that only serves to piss off legitimate customers and slow down pirates at best.

 

[Requiem191]

You have a point....but I hate it when people just brush off privacy concerns like it's no big deal.I can handle different opinions but anyone who starts dismissing complaints about a system that has so many anti consumer features deserves to get called out.

That's true, so call him out by continuously bringing up arguments and facts and defenses that counter his own argument. His main issue is that he believes Mob mentality explains everything, but it simply doesn't. Telling him to leave doesn't help him or you and that's why we discuss anything to begin with.

Better to keep him around and have a dissenting opinion you can use in some way rather than not having it.

 

[drednoahl]

snip

I'm with ya, buddy. I have already preordered mine. Just be prepared for some venom as its alot of that going around right now. I have been accused of being a microsoft employee, and of a person that is going to ruin games for gamers by purchasing an Xbox One. I'm not kidding.

I hope you meet the requirements because even if I wanted one I don't - link below.

Xbox One Requirements:

Requires broadband internet (ISP fees apply), a Microsoft account and an account on Xbox Live in an Xbox One-supported Xbox Live country/region, and 720p or higher HDMI-compatible TV. To receive live TV via broadcast or cable, supported receiver device (television tuner or cable/satellite set top box) with HDMI output and HDMI cable required (all sold separately).

Additional subscriptions, internet speed and/or requirements apply for some features.

Kinect Sensor for Xbox One (included) and periodic system software updates required for continued use; significant updates may be required during set-up and over time (ISP fees apply).

Some games not transferable and have no resale value; restrictions on games usage apply.

Games, Kinect and accessories made for Xbox 360 or original Xbox will not work with Xbox One.

Xbox One system software uses a significant amount of storage; less internal storage will be available to users. 500 GB = 500 billion bytes.

You must accept Xbox Terms of Use (including Xbox software terms and game license terms), Microsoft Services Agreement, and Xbox One 1-year limited warranty. Some games have additional license terms.
Terms include binding arbitration with class action waiver to resolve disputes.

Additional requirements will apply.


http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/pre-order-xbox-one/disclaimer

 

[TomWiley]

It's so very refreshing to see these kind of threads that go against the myopic Internet masses and and comes with an original opinion - or rather - a well-founded and not overly biased and jaundiced opinion.

It really isn't. You are wrong on so many levels it isn't even funny. However, I am lazy and don't want to repeat what nearly every other person in this thread has said, so please read them. Re-Read them. Read them until it is engraved into your skull.

Then maybe, just maybe, you might get it.

How am I wrong when I'm not making any arguments? My post was like two lines, is it really too much to ask that you just read and comprehend that?

 

[rob_simple]

It's nice that the OP tried to be as objective as possible --I think you almost succeeded, for what it's worth-- but absolutely anyone making excuses for Microsoft at this point, and that is all they are, still comes off as a battered spouse trying to reason why they stay with their abusive dickhead of a partner.

I'm awfully sorry if I do appear like that to you, but I don't know how else to phrase it. This is really just my personal, honest opinion. For me both consoles are equally good, but as someone with a lot of Microsoft devices/services, I'm choosing the XBox One as it fits better to how I want my console to be.

'But Microsoft can change!'
'He only hurts us because he loves us!'
'Sure I'm still allowed to go see my friends; I just need to let him know where I am at all times and stop and come home as soon as he says.'

Okay, I think I dragged that metaphor on long enough.

I had to laugh.

Sorry if it gave the impression I thought ill of you, I sort of understand your stance, even if I don't agree with it. It's not often I won't remain impartial when it comes to console wars but, the way I personally see it, Microsoft are swinging for a miss here.

I'll be happy to be proven wrong, though, I do hope you enjoy the Xbone, and I mean that genuinely; at the end of the day we're all just playing games to have fun.

 

[lacktheknack]

I saw this, and my first thought was "DEVIL'S ADVOCACY: THE THREAD".

After reading it, I can confirm that.

If nothing else, Microsoft shouldn't get out scot-free because their damage control has been so, so very awful.

 

[TomWiley]

That piece of hardware is going to dictate how you use your product,when you use it,it's going to force you to check in like someone on parole,and has a built in camera that can record everything you do and there is no way you can turn it off.

So no this is not exaggerated and the Kinect spying thing is not false,people have a right to be pissed and if you don't like it then leave the thread.

Alright, hold up just a second here. What if, and yes this is a big if, you could actually TURN OFF the Kinect at anytime, making it impossible for Microsoft so spy on you while you're playing CoD? Would that do anything for you?

Because it would undermine the entire reason you're pissed to begin with, wouldn't it?

 

[Basiritz]

Anybody who defends the lack of being able to share share MY games by saying "Its not TOO limiting" FUCK YOU. I payed money for it. It belongs to me. It is my property. I dont care what any bullshit EULA says. I bought it its mine. Online games may be different since other people may be affected by what I do with it (modding, cheating etc) but single player games are MINE. Any attempt to limit what I do with it is an attempt to control ME. And NOONE gets away with that.