Xbox/PS4 battle continues after E3

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- After much backlash following the announcement of stricter policies at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in early June, Microsoft reverted back to standard game sharing and connection policies last week.

Initially with the reveal of the Xbox One, Microsoft altered its digital rights management, getting rid of offline gameplay, requiring users to go through online check-ins every 24 hours and limiting the use of used games. Microsoft also required that users keep the all-seeing Kinect on at all times. Compared to the lax policies of Sony’s newly revealed PlayStation 4, the Microsoft policies had even die hard Xbox fans considering making the console switch.

However, after “listening” to fans, Microsoft backtracked on its policies, now allowing offline gameplay and game sharing. Microsoft also got rid of 24-hour check-ins, region locks and their family sharing plan, and allowed for the Kinect to be shut off.

“They changed their policies to match Sony’s in hopes that they could level the playing field a bit,” gamer Jordan Harley said. “Microsoft should have done that from the beginning. It would have saved them a lot of trouble and I’m sure a lot of Xbox fans are now going to buy a PS4 just to avoid complications.”

Harley plans to stick with the Xbox One, favoring its entertainment capabilities.

Not sure which console you should buy? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which is best for you.

Price

Xbox One: $499

PlayStation 4: $399

While the price gap may seem steep, the Xbox One includes the Kinect, while PS4 users must purchase the Eye for $59 if they want motion detection during gameplay.

Dimensions (in inches)

Xbox One: 13.5 x 10.4 x 3.2

PlayStation 4: 10.8 x 12 x 2

Design

Xbox One: The new design is much more angular than its predecessor. Described by Microsoft as “liquid black,” the box takes on the look of a BluRay player. Unlike the Xbox 360, it does not come in white.

PlayStation 4: Like the Xbox One, the PS4 loses the contour of the PS3, taking on a boxier look.

Processor

Xbox One: AMD octa-core

PlayStation 4: AMD Jaguar octa-core

Graphics

Xbox One: AMD Radeon (integrated)

PlayStation 4: AMD Radeon (integrated)