With the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 release dates nearing, many Microsoft and Sony fans are debating on which video game console is the best of the century. PlayStation 4 should get the majority vote knowing that the PS4 is cheaper than the Xbox One. But I’m wondering if other students at WHS have a similar or different opinion.

“The PS4 is $100 cheaper than the Xbox One,” says John Veizas, a W.H.S student, “that’s what makes it better.” The PlayStation 4 also comes with free internet access and is said to be faster at downloading content than the Xbox One can. “Not only is the PS4 cheaper,” said Nick Bauccio, a W.H.S. freshman. “But it is more efficient than the Xbox One.” Not only is it more efficient, but the PS4 now has an upgraded controller called the DualShock 4. In fact, if it wasn’t for the Xbox 360’s controller, Sony wouldn’t have made the DualShock by now. Like the Xbox 360’s controller, the thumbsticks are dimpled to add comfort under your thumbs and the handles have a grip to it. But, unlike the Xbox 360’s controller, Sony added a small touch pad on the controller like a laptop.

Even though the PS4 is cheaper than Xbox One with free internet access and a better controller, the two consoles aren’t so different. “They are different consoles,” says Paul Roemer, a W.H.S freshman. “But they have unique similar options.” Both consoles do have new options different from previous consoles, but the Xbox One and PS4 have similar options but can be used in different ways and for different reasons. For example, in order to play a video game you need to learn the controls. To jump in the PlayStation 4 game the player needs to press X, but in the Xbox One game the player needs to press B to jump. So there are different buttons but do the same thing in the video game. There are also similar options in the two consoles’ settings. For another example, getting internet connection for the PS4 is free, while it costs around $40-$60 per year to get internet on the Xbox One. They both give you internet connection but one is free and the other costs $50.

Apparently a lot of students believe that the PlayStation 4 is better, but which console will win? Even though that they have similar options, games, and controls, there is only one console that will be sold more than the other. People do say that the PS4 is better, and I’m one of them. But it doesn’t matter who wins, it matters if we like it or not.