The console wars are upon us, and the stakes are ramping up as we get closer to the crucial holiday sales season. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are all vying for a big piece of the profit pie. Now Microsoft has put out its first ad for the Xbox One!
The ad weaves aspects of Xbox One launch titles into everyday life, breaking up mundane situations with Forza cars popping up on the road and Dead Rising 3 zombies showing up in quiet libraries. The spot’s about a minute and a half, and opens with one of Titanfall’s mech’s crashing through a snoozy board-meeting. Check it out below!
Sony released its own “Greatness Awaits” ad recently, showing off a bunch of its PS4 exclusives in a similar way. If you haven’t seen it, check it out here. The PS4 was in the news too. Polygon confirmed that the PS4 will require a patch to use several of its features (lame!), something that got the Xbox One some bad press recently. Here’s the details:
Update 1.50 is approximately 300 MB and will add promised features including:
Remote Play using the PlayStation Vita
Second screen gaming using the PS4 Link app for PlayStation Vita and mobile devices
The ability to record and share screenshots and video
Use of Ustream and Twitch apps
The ability to play games as they are downloading
The ability for four users to log into the PS4 simultaneously
Party chat
Facial recognition and voice commands
A background music player
Online multiplayer through PlayStation Plus
Blu-ray disc and DVD player capabilities
It’s pretty lame that both the next gen systems will require updates, but I still can’t wait to play them!
Don’t count out Nintendo, though! The Wii U might be facing an uphill battle against Sony and Microsoft’s behemoths, but Nintendo’s box doubled its sales last month. Nintendo has new bundles out for both the Deluxe and Basic Wii U models and its set its sights on holiday sales. Also, Nintendo recently announced that it’s original Wii will still be on sale for the holidays, at least in the U.S.
All the usual suspects are here, and a few dark horses too, such as the Ouya and Steam. We’ll see what the holiday season brings. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a big one for gaming!
Are you getting a new console? If so, let us know which one (and why) in the comments!