With Microsoft's Xbox One due out Friday, one week after Sony's PlayStation 4, it will remain to be seen which sells better during the month leading up to Christmas.
Microsoft's new video game console has been billed as a complete family entertainment system. What also remains to be seen with the Xbox One is whether or not it will overcome a less-than-smooth announcement.
The console makers originally announced the system would have to be connected to the Internet to operate at all and users would also have to connect a Kinect device to use the system as well. When the public expressed their fury at these suggestions, Microsoft relented and removed the features.
One of the Xbox One's strengths, Polygon noted, is the controller, which was already highly praised with the Xbox 360.
"Microsoft had the unenviable task of redesigning something that nobody thought was broken. The Xbox 360 controller was universally praised, so it shouldn't be surprising that the Xbox One controller is familiar," read the review. "Improvements have been made to the triggers, which now feature rumble motors; the D-pad, which is now a cross; and the thumbsticks, which are now smaller and more accurate. It's a comfortable controller with a good amount of weight, and a great texture not only makes it feel more premium but ameliorates the gross, slippery feel following a long session with the Xbox 360 controller."
Similar to many reviews of the PS4, IGN stated their review could yet be considered complete. Despite past troubles with reliability, the Xbox One aims to iron out those wrinkles.
"From hardware, to software, to server problems - or even critical updates - anything can happen," read the review. "Based on our experience with Xbox One, we have no reason to expect any specific issues, but if major product launches have taught us anything, it's that it's wise to reserve judgment until the facts are in."
Game Informer's review pointed out that Microsoft has claimed to develop a way to make social gaming more enjoyable.
"Microsoft's online community is more mature than PlayStation's from a longevity benchmark, if not necessarily behavioral. Microsoft says that new Xbox Live algorithms are in place to monitor player behavior and root out jerks, which is something we've been pining for over the past few years," read the review. "Muting and blocking people you meet on a case-by-case basis isn't difficult, but it seems unnecessary if an individual is simply vile to everyone. This could be a great solution to that problem."
Kotaku described the main attraction for the Xbox One, an innovative feature that can double the video game console as a home entertainment hub.
"It plugs into your TV using an HDMI cable and lets you play games, watch streaming media and play movies. But it also has an HDMI input, which is a whole new notion for a gaming console," read the review. "The idea is that you'll plug your cable box into the Xbox One and, with a simple voice-command-'Xbox, watch TV' - you'll be able to watch television through the Xbox One. You can use your voice to change the channel -'Xbox, watch HBO' - or control your cable box's DVR - 'Xbox, pause.'"
