Anyone backing Microsoft or Sony in the (absolutely ridiculous) ‘console war’ knows that the Xbox One receives monthly updates introducing a myriad of features, while the PlayStation 4 does not. After Firmware Update 1.74 turned out to be another stability patch, some fans are turning on Sony to demand they release updates with more content. Thus, the fight moves from resolution and games to UI and features.
Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 launched late last year amid waves of hype and fanfare. However, what many overlooked is that both flooded the market without all their promised features; instead, the companies promised to patch them in at a later date. Microsoft is getting good feedback on their monthly updates after listening to what consumers want, with the next update adding in 3D Blu-ray support, a more interactive Activity Feed, a Friends list located directly on the Dashboard, and more. The PlayStation 4, however, is rumored to have its next big update around Gamescom, with the last Sharefactory update taking place a few months ago.
While both companies are commendable for actually updating their console and listening to the customers, this change in pace – where Microsoft is moving faster than Sony – has gained significant traction online.
Many Xbox One fans are starting to boast Microsoft’s OS expertise, claiming that the console is better because of the many features making their way to the console. Playstation 4 fans, while defensive of their own console, are split down the middle: some are starting to question Sony over the large gap in updates, using Microsoft’s monthly updates as a benchmark; while others are quick to point out that Sony often brings out large updates right after stability patches.
If I can inject my personal opinion here, I can say that I like the battle for features far more than the resolution/frame rate debate. Not because of any winning/losing side, but because the gamers are winning. Every time someone commends Microsoft for releasing monthly updates, both companies hear about it. Every time a thread starts up about Sony releasing too many stability patches, both companies hear about it. As a result, they can to listen to what the customers want, and deliver on it.
Expect to see Sony rolling out fan-favorite features soon. In the near future, and through out this generation, both companies will delight and surprise us with the features they introduce to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 – this is one battle I’m more than excited to see.
