Xbox One vs PS4 Comparison and Sales: Sony Leads the Way as Microsoft Lags
The console war has begun and Microsoft is getting shelled by Sony. Slow sales are befalling the Xbox One. Yet the PS4 is an indomitable monster capable of outselling its rival by a two to one ratio. Both systems feature great graphics, crystal clear audio and thriving online communities, so what is causing the Xbox One to fade? Its price. At $500 the Xbox One is 20 percent more expensive than the PS4.
Quite simply, bundling the Xbox One with the Kinect motion sensor was a bad idea. Even if it is a revolutionary way to interface with your media, the extra cost that goes into manufacturing the Kinect sensor wipes out any benefits Microsoft hoped the peripheral would add.
Now if you want a PS4, but enjoy using motion control and having a camera to take the occasional selfie, you can buy a camera accessory for $60. The Xbox One shouldn't have to rely on the Kinect so heavily; if it was available as a separate $100 purchase, no one would be complaining. The Kinect is a lot better than the PS4 Camera in that it captures motion, photo and video more accurately and in a superior resolution.
Will PS4 sales begin to decline? According to a report published by NPD group that's not very likely. The PS4 experienced terrific January sales numbers and on launch day it sold one million systems.
Sony Spokesperson Gus Longworth confirmed the findings.
"Demand for PlayStation 4 remains incredibly strong as it was No. 1 in sales for next-gen consoles in January, nearly doubling the nearest next-gen competitor, and remains the cumulative leader, according to today's NPD report ... Although PS4 remains severely constrained at retail, we are working hard to refresh supply as quickly as possible."
Longworth went on to talk about strong game sales as well.
"It's clear gamers are choosing PlayStation as the best place to play, with PS4 software sales ranking No. 1 in January, highlighted by strong sales of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, which sold twice as many units on PS4 than any other platform."
Meanwhile all we hear about Microsoft's console is that Kinect has subpar voice recognition and that the system itself isn't on par graphically with the PS4. Ouch.
Are you in the market for a new video game console? If so, which platform are you leaning towards more: Xbox, PlayStation or Wii? Let me know in the comments section below.