Is the PS4 Really the Best Gaming Console? We Review, You Choose
If Sony was trying to form a press release with the discharge of its PlayStation 4 console - it did an honest job. Unlike most of the rhetoric and over inflated pre-game smack talk, the PS4 appears to possess delivered on its claims and is that the most powerful console on the market. it's seen another overhaul of its exterior and a few major design modifications to its Dual Shock controller. additionally , it's expanded the memory and vastly increased the performance of its processors. These upgrades are clearly apparent and therefore the PS4 delivers stunning HD graphics that run seamless and lightning fast.
With some nicely equipped exclusive game titles, streaming access, and multiplayer capabilities, PlayStation enthusiast will presumably greet the most recent arrival with open arms. to not mention the worth for this console runs around $100 but its ardent rival - the Xbox One. A it stands today, the PS4 has made quite entrance.
Performance: 5.0 / 5.0
The PS4 features a single-chip processor that mixes an eight core x86-64 AMD "Jaguar" CPU with a 1.84 teraflop GPU. It's supported with 8GB of GDDR5 RAM and features a 500GB mechanical disk drive . Sony boasts that its new hardware allows it to perform ten time That's quite impressive feat.
Another nice touch is that the incontrovertible fact that the PS4 comes with a 500GB drive. If you ever feel pressed for space, don't be concerned , because the disk drive also can be upgraded by do-it-yourselfers without voiding the warranty.
The HD graphics of the PS4 are stunning and therefore the consoles responsiveness is presently unmatched. What's even more impressive is that the incontrovertible fact that this machine can perform at such a high end level without sounding sort of a jet on a runway or overheating. to not mention, the whole power supply is encased inside the unit; as against the Xbox One which still has it attached to the external cord in plan to save space inside the console.
Features: 5.0 / 5.0
The PS4 comes within the same half matte black and half gloss exterior because the Xbox One. Even still, it's a totally different appearance. That's because the PS4 sports a slim and sleek design and doesn't appear as if an oversized VCR from the mid 80's. I'm not saying the Xbox one is that the ugly step-sister out of the bunch, but it probably wouldn't get asked to the prom if the PS3 was available and willing. Now then, for all of you who just got offended by such a superficial statement, i'm cognizant that mother always said, "It's what's on the within that counts." And therein regard, I assure you, the PS4 would still be the primary one asked to a dance.
The PS4 has seen some modifications to its components, and for that reason, any of your older PlayStation peripheral devices won't work - imagine that.
Although the PS4 doesn't have backwards capabilities to play your PS3 titles, many of the games previously owned are often purchased for a substantial discount from their online store. the sole catch - you'll need to insert the older PS3 disc into the console while playing the web version.
Games purchased from the PlayStation Store are downloaded straight onto the disk drive and there is no got to worry about the disc being lost or scratched. the sole negative, is that the incontrovertible fact that downloaded titles cannot be borrowed out for the weekend or traded certain credit at your local gaming store. As this type of buying games becomes more popular, stores like GameStop and other game trading retailers could be taking successful - that or a seat next to Blockbuster in "Reminiscence Park."
The new PS4 Dual Shock 4 has seen some physical changes that cause it to face out a touch from its earlier counterpart. a number of the more notable changes pertain to the analog sticks; which are slightly spaced out a touch further to avoid thumb collisions. they need also been designed with recessed tops and covered with a rubber coating to form gripping enhanced. the twin Shock 4 also comes with an external speaker and headphone jack for your headset, just remember , it can only output in stereo from the controllers connection - nonetheless, a pleasant touch. i might say that one among the nicest design features of the twin Shock 4 is that the metallic touchpad on the face of the controller. It operates an equivalent as a laptop touchpad and is extremely smooth and responsive.
Although the twin Shock 4 are often purchased and used on the PS3, the older Dual Shock 3 controllers aren't compatible with the PS4.
For those that already own a PS Vita, you'll stream games from your PS4 over the Wi-Fi to the hand-held unit. This creates a second viewing screen, very similar to the Wii U, and allows for enjoying games while somebody else is using the TV. Although this is often a pleasant feature, it probably wouldn't justify buying the PS Vita in and of itself.
The PlayStation Camera may be a nice touch, but it takes little or no interaction to understand that it's not nearly as robust because the Xbox Kinect and doesn't seem to possess enough game interaction to form it worthwhile . It also features a voice command feature, although very limited, and you would possibly want to think about spending your money on another controller instead.
Multimedia: 4.4 / 5.0
The PS4 seems to possess taken a back seat on its earlier plans to be the all-in-one media hub. Although it can still boast of getting one among the simplest performing Blu-Ray and DVD players on the market, unlike the PS3, it can not play music files, CDs, or easily stream content from your PC. Instead, it seems to function more sort of a Roku. Nonetheless, if you simply desire to use the console to play games or have occasional access to Netflix and other movies apps, you're set. to not mention, the films are easy to access and may load lightning fast. you'll even use the PS4 to attach to social networks and share a number of your gaming highlights - nothing like showing off.
As far as music goes, both the Xbox and PS4 have their own channels. PlayStation provides "Music Unlimited," for alittle fee, of course. It operates very similar to Pandora and allows users to concentrate to entire albums. the sole weakness is it is a bit slower and fewer refined in recognizing truth genre of music or artist you desire. along side this feature comes "Video Unlimited." Another movie based channel that's surprisingly deep on title selections and allows for streaming to alternate devices also .
the sole downside, is far just like the Xbox, users on the PS4 will now need to buy access to the multiplayer area. Although this is often a change from the PS3, where it had been free, the experience has been vastly improved and can presumably be considered well well worth the cost.
One handy feature of the PS4 is that the iOS and Android app which allows users to attach to the PlayStation Store and buy and download games get through from home. Using this app, the games are often automatically downloaded onto the console, while you're faraway from home, then able to play once you arrive. beat all, the PS4 still features a nice interaction and sort of features within the multimedia department, but lacks the depth experienced with the PS3. thanks to a number of these complaints, Sony has taken note and that i would imagine they're going to be making some adjustments in their updates.
The Bottom Line: 4.9 / 5.0
The PS4 weighs in $100 cheaper than the Xbox One, but albeit you removed the Kinect component to drop the worth of the Xbox, the PS4 may be a far better value for the dollar. Its performance is undeniable and albeit the Xbox One may be a well-built unit, until Microsoft addresses some performance issues, it won't be rubbing elbows with Sony.
As far because the downside cares , the PS4 only comes with two front facing USB ports. We felt this design error also present with the PS3 would are addressed, but apparently not. It also lacks a number of the depth of gaming titles just like the Xbox One, and always has for that matter. However, it's well within range and has many exclusive heavy hitting titles and a promising future.
The PS4 may be a powerful gaming console that delivers gamers exactly what their looking for; a seamless HD gaming experience with full functionality and control. Based upon its undeniable performance, improved design, and price point, Consumer High Five Reviews finds making the primary round draft pick a no brainer.
We review, you select . you'll also see the list of our top five gaming consoles for 2014.