Product image released by Microsoft shows the new Xbox One entertainment console that will go on sale later this year.
For PlayStation fans in the United States, Nov. 15 is a big day. The first big Sony release since PlayStation 3 crashed onto the scene in 2006, the 15th marks the day the updated PlayStation 4 console will hit shelves and fly into the hands of devoted gamers: who, most likely, had the new system preordered.
The new system will retail for $399.99 in both the U.S. and Canada and will come with a 500GB hard drive, a DUALSHOCK 4 controller, the controller’s charger, a headset and component cables.
Michael Massoudi, store manager of BRE Software in Fresno, a store that trades new and used videogames major retail stores may no longer carry, said along with the fact gamers won’t be able to use games from previous PlayStation models on PlayStation 4, he doesn’t think the new system is that special.
“Well, outside of the standard updated graphics, processor, power, essentially better graphics, better power, outside of that, there really isn’t a whole lot of difference from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4,” Massoudi said.
Although the November release will mark the longest wait for the release of a new console, Massoudi said, since the last “major” console was released in 2006, the buzz for the new PlayStation 4 could be a byproduct of the general hype surrounding the best and newest technology.
“With technology, everyone wants the new and better stuff,” Massoudi said. “With the PS 3 technology, it’s kind of updated just because it was 2005 and 2006.
“Nothing really new as far as functionality-wise.”
The Play Station 4 will not be released unchallenged, however.
Microsoft will debut its newest console, the Xbox One, on Nov. 22, one week after Sony releases its PlayStation 4.
Although Massoudi said there are “those fan boys that swear by their system,” he has already picked his console of choice, the Xbox One, but did not pick it because of technology or deals.
In fact, in a list of reasons pro PlayStation 4, Forbes.com reports the Xbox One is selling for $100 more than its Sony counterpart.
“Personally, I prefer it [Xbox One] mainly for the controller,” Massoudi said. “That’s my biggest selling point, but not necessarily that one’s better than the other.”
Fresno State student Marc Saucedo proves it just comes down to preference.
Like Massoudi, he also made his system choice based on the system’s controller, but decided to go with the PlayStation 4.
“I want the touch pad; it looks interesting,” Saucedo said. “I have what’s called a PlayStation Vida, and it’s a touch screen.
“It’s actually a little PlayStation, but it’s a touch screen.”
Unlike Massoudi, Saucedo said he’s going to wait awhile before purchasing a new console.
“That’s how I am, when new games come out, I don’t really buy them right away,” Saucedo said. “I just kind of wait, let the price drop, maybe watch some reviews first and then buy it.”
Saucedo said he experienced saying goodbye to old, favorite games when he purchased his PlayStation 3 and couldn’t play any of his PlayStation 2 games and will be taking that into consideration this time around.
“I didn’t like that about the [PlayStation] 3, because I had a PlayStation 2 for the longest time, and I couldn’t run any of my games on it,” Saucedo said. “So I don’t know; I was kind of bummed out about that.”
Although most major retailers are no longer allowing pre-orders, select stores are opening at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 15 and will allow guests to wait in line up until the midnight release.
For updated information on lines and pre-orders for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, visit the website of the nearest video game retailer.