10 Things You Need to Know About the Xbox One

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April 9, 2023

10 Things You Need to Know About the Xbox One

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The Wii U ($998.98 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) is out, the PlayStation 4 ($799.95 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) is out, and now the time has come for the Xbox One to complete the shift to the next generation of video game consoles. As of today, $500 is the only thing standing between you and Microsoft’s new console. After shooting itself in the foot, the Xbox One has struggled to capture the hearts and minds of customers. But now that it’s finally out, that could easily change.

The Xbox One debuts with what’s arguably the stronger of the two exclusive launch lineups. Killer Instinct brings back the classic fighting game series with a new, free-to-play model. Dead Rising 3 expands the scope, as well as the mayhem, of Capcom’s other zombie-killing extravaganza. Forza 5 continues Microsoft’s critically-acclaimed simulation racing series while Crimson Dragon presents the spiritual successor to the cult classic Panzer Dragoon rail-shooting series.

However, while most anticipated third-party games are landing on both platforms, the Xbox One has a slight disadvantage thanks to its lower RAM spec. Games like Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 simply don’t run quite as well on the Xbox One as on the PS4 or a high-end PC. Still, as more anticipated exclusives like Halo 5 and the new mech-combat franchise, Titanfall, start rolling out, the battle will be over games, not minor differences in hardware.

Microsoft is also banking on the increased media functionality of the Xbox One to help win the day. With its Kinect camera-powered interface, cable TV support, integration with other Microsoft services like Skype and Skydrive, and partnerships with groups like the NFL, Xbox One wants to be king of the living room.

When any hot new product goes from dream to reality it’s fun to gush over the advances, but it’s also important to come to terms with the inevitable shortcomings. So while we here at PCMag work our way through the Xbox One and its games, here are 10 things, good and bad, you’ll want to know about the new console.

Does any of this news surprise or excite you? Are you sold or soured on the Xbox One? Sound off in the comments below.

1. Kinect Is Included

Kinect Is Included

While the original Kinect camera was sold separately from the Xbox 360, the next-gen version is included with every Xbox One. That explains the extra $100 in its price, and also means every aspect of the console’s interface and user experience has been built with voice and gesture controls in mind.

2. It’s Big

It's Big

While the PS4’s peculiar slanted design obscures how big it actually is, compared with the monster that is the Xbox One it’s downright petite. At 13.1-by-10.8-by-3.1 inches (HWD), the Xbox One will dominate any entertainment center it’s placed in. Make sure to make room for the next generation.

3. Every Unit Is a Dev Unit

Every Unit Is a Dev Unit

In the past video game developers needed access to special, unlocked developer console units to create games. However, functionality in the Xbox One potentially allows every device to become a dev unit. This opens the doors for more indie developers to start making fresh, interesting content for the machine.

4. It’s Less Powerful Than the PS4

It's Less Powerful Than the PS4

While the PS3 was technically more powerful than the 360, its bizarre processor made it hard for developers to take advantage of the extra power. However, the PS4 and Xbox One are both essentially PCs so the PS4’s superior RAM actually makes a difference this time, allowing games like Call of Duty: Ghosts and Battlefield 4 to run at higher native resolutions. Ultimately, it’s the games that matter, but in terms of raw technical prowess, the PS4 has a slight edge.

5. Microsoft Fixed All Its Awful Initial Policies

Microsoft Fixed All Its Awful Initial Policies

Remember when the Xbox One had to always be online to function and used games were virtually forbidden? Well the nightmare is over as Microsoft has reversed all of these horribly-conceived (and received) policies. Hopefully the damage they caused to the brand wasn’t permanent.

6. Many Cool Features Aren’t Free

Many Cool Features Aren't Free

Xbox Live Gold is still the (cough) gold standard by which other paid, online game console services are judged. However, with competitors making features like Netflix free on their platforms, Microsoft continuing to put them behind a paywall is becoming a little harder to swallow. Paid online multiplayer is one thing, but paying for video streaming you have already paid to subscribe to? Really?

7. It’s Built to Be a Media Hub

It's Built to Be a Media Hub

The Xbox One wants to be more than just a game console; it wants to be the final media solution. It unites cable TV, Web apps, and Microsoft services like Skype and Skydrive under one interface for users to easily navigate and switch between. With all sorts of other devices and services competing for our attention these days, Microsoft wants all roads to lead to Xbox.

8. It’s Less Focused on Games

It's Less Focused on Games

The Xbox One’s increased media functionality comes at a price. All the time Microsoft spent discussing NFL partnerships and TV deals has led to a decreased emphasis on actual video games. Even the Kinect now seems more about voice and gesture menu navigation than gameplay innovation. It’ll be interesting to see how this grab for the broader market affects the Xbox One’s relationship with core gamers.

9. There’s No Backward Compatibility

There's No Backward Compatibility

Like the PS4, the Xbox One can’t play games from its predecessor, the Xbox 360. The 360 had limited support for original Xbox games that gradually expanded over time, but no such service is planned for the Xbox One. Aside from the Wii U, backward compatibility is unfortunately a thing of the past in this new generation.

10. Microsoft Fixed the D-Pad

Microsoft Fixed the D-Pad

This is truly the generation of improved controllers. First the DualShock 4 offered a quantum leap over the DualShock 3, and now the Xbox One controller fixes the infamously crummy D-pad of the 360 controller. This jump feels less substantial, if only because the rest of the 360 controller was already pretty great, but whichever new console players choose, at least their hands are in for a good time.

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Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/news/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-xbox-one