Reaction to Microsoft's Unveiling of Xbox One

Microsoft officially announced their latest next-generation console, the Xbox One, with just about as much information as there is confusion on certain aspects of the unit. Let's try and break things down piece by piece, and we'll make some comparisons to the new PlayStation 4...as this is a PlayStation blog.

Let's get this out of the way first - this is not a blog post that's going to bash Microsoft's new console because it's the competition. As an all-around gamer with an open mind, I've preferred Sony over the years with more exclusive games and a comfortable gaming environment. Hence the reason I own
Sony gaming products.

Now, let's get to it.

1. Generally the official names of consoles have been disappointing, and this one is no different. Nintendo hasn't gotten a comfortable name that sticks since GameCube - Nintendo 64 was a perfectly good name despite many people not understanding what the 64 even meant. A name and a number is the best thing to use for a console name, but going back like Microsoft did with Xbox One doesn't make sense. The name most likely means that it is the one piece of machine ever needed to hook up to a TV, but going from 360 to one just doesn't feel right.
2. The controller looks as sleek as ever, and finally the directional pad has been improved on. But for players use to a DualShock, it's hard to stretch away from old reliable. Using a pseudo-DualShock controller for computer games before finally getting a PlayStation 3, it's a layout that prefer and is the best overall design. Some view the Xbox 360's controller as the best thing ever, so it's all a matter of personal preference.
3. A number of games in development is not a replacement for listing games off in development. One thing that's been a pleasure for PlayStation owners is the wide variety of games and exclusives the console receives. Old reliables of Uncharted, Infamous, and more will grace Sony's new console and will make it an instant buy. Those that only use gaming for sports and Call of Duty won't notice the difference, but then again those people wouldn't be reading this blog anyway.
4. Microsoft's Kinect has always had more potential than Sony's PlayStation Move, and with a little less lag it would be a real joy to control the Xbox One almost entirely with that. It could serve as a necessary feature in games that are comfortable instead of a waggling mess that Wii and PlayStation Move adopters have played with.
5. Is this the end of GameStop as we know it? Microsoft opting to read games entirely off the machine is only pushing us more into the digital age. My question is why even have physical discs if they're rendered completely useless after their installed? People are going to be required to connect to the internet at least once every 24 hours to use this system anyway. If people are unable to download a whole game, they may not be able to use the console. The days of borrowing games to try them out will be gone for those that get the new Xbox.
6. The difference between Xbox One and PlayStation 4 is clear - one is for a complete home entertainment system, and the other is more tailored for gaming. But there's a reason why I already have a computer, a tablet, and a smartphone - which all can hook up to my television anyway. Needing the Xbox One for anything else than a video game console that plays Bluray movies is rendered nearly useless. What makes the PS4 more preferable is the stronger graphics processing that can stream sports packages (like MLB.TV and NFL Sunday Ticket) and video services like Netflix and Hulu.
7. Biggest disappointment by far is learning that the Xbox One will be always online. It doesn't really bother me as I can always receive a connection, but why even have it? If people don't have a connection for whatever reason and can't sign in for 24 hours, what can people do on this unit? If I can't do anything that doesn't require an internet connection, this results in a major failure and terrible decision by Microsoft. 

There's plenty more to uncover with both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, such as official retail prices and a laundry list of titles available at or around launch.

From a PlayStation owner's perspective, there is nothing that either impressed me or made me think of jumping or additionally owning a new Xbox machine. It doesn't really fit any of my personal needs, the Kinect improvements are welcome but are not a necessity, and the only other thing I own with a Microsoft logo is my cheap Windows 7 desktop. 

That being said, I'm still eager to see more details on the new console. If Microsoft is opting for a more complete entertainment system, and a terrible decision to enter an online connection always needed, the general gamers will likely opt for the next PlayStation.

[Photo credit: Flickr/Miguel Angel Aranda (Viper)]