This review focuses on the launch system, which we tested. The two versions have the same hardware and features, but the C-chassis makes some changes to the finish of the case, the Power and Eject buttons, and the overall system weight. The PS4 pictured in the slideshow below is the original launch model.ĭesign The launch PS4 ($499.00 at Amazon) is still available, though Sony is phasing it out for the new C-chassis in various bundles and packages.
As a modern, dedicated game system with social networking and streaming media features, though, the PlayStation 4 shines, earning our Editors' Choice.Įditors' Note: This review has been updated to reflect additional features since the system's launch. The PlayStation 4 still faces off against the Microsoft Xbox One ($200.00 at eBay), and once again the choice between the two boils down to a matter of taste. The PS4's complete lack of backward compatibility (a lack the Xbox One initially shared but is slowly addressing) will have most gamers clinging to their old system, even if they buy a new one. It's also less expensive, retailing for $349 for the 500GB model, compared with the launch price of $399, and certain PS4 bundles include systems with 1TB hard drives for $449. The PS4 now uses Sony's C-Chassis, a slightly different case from the launch PS4 that retains nearly identical dimensions and button/port/drive positions, but is lighter and completely matte black. The eighth-generation game system packs the same impressive power, excellent DualShock 4 controller, and nearly identical interface it had when the system launched, and remains a strong, compelling package. Two years into its life cycle and the Sony PlayStation 4 has definitely reached its stride.
Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.There's some more detail and a somewhat-useful table in this Wikipedia article. The "classic" 360 is probably cheaper, but buying one used is slightly risky. The only advantages the E has is similarity in design to the Xbox One, and perhaps a slight noise difference. It seems clear that for almost any way you could judge the three, the Xbox 360 S is the winner. There are also various bundles that pack in games or peripherals like Kinect. Usually it amounts to a difference in the amount of storage. In addition to these models, there are also variants of each of these. (The linked CNet review says the pros are it's "slightly quieter") There's no real advantage to this model as far as I can see. However, they dropped the optical out, the AV port (for Component video) and a USB port. It is a redesign of the 360 S to make it look a bit more like the Xbox One. All of these models come with HDMI ports. It improves on the classic 360 by adding a dedicated Kinect port, additional USB ports, integrated wireless and a built-in optical audio out. A lot of the early run had issues with overheating and were prone to the "red ring of death." You're only going to buy one of these if you buy used, and I'd be careful.
There were a couple of versions of this, and some early models did not come with HDMI ports. The one on the left is the "old style" Xbox 360. Here's a photo from a CNet review of the E: The Xbox 360 hardware has gone through 3 major revisions: