What Gaming Console is the Best for YOU?

There has been great hype with the newest generation of gaming consoles. The Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U have all brought new innovation to the gaming community. There have been a lot of fiery debates on many a forum with iron clad fans trying to prove that “their” console is the best. Therefore, the goal of this comparison is to be completely unbiased and to give the facts and benefits of each console with opinions put aside.

So! Let’s get started with the knitty gritty specs of each console!

CPU(Central Processing Unit):

PS4:	Single-chip x86 AMD "Jaguar" processor, 8 cores @ 1.6Ghz
Xbox One:	Single-chip x86 AMD "Jaguar" processor, 8 cores @ 1.75Ghz
Wii U:	PowerPC "Espresso", 3 cores @ 1.2Ghz

As seen above, the PS4 and the Xbox One both have very similar processing power, with the Xbox One slightly in the lead, while the Wii U has considerably less processing that seems to be more level with the past generation PS3 and Xbox 360. Xbox and PS4 have the highest processing rate which makes sense because Xbox is known for its multimedia and multitasking and the PS4 is known for its hardcore complex games.

You may want to laugh in the face of Nintendo for their relatively low processing rate, however, it should be noted that Nintendo uses an out-of-order instruction process allowing for more efficient operations. Also the Nintendo is known for simple and easy to play game design so the very high CPU isn't entirely necessary.

GPU(Graphics Processing Unit):

PS4:	800 Mhz AMD GPU with 1152 shaders, 1.84 TeraFLOPS
Xbox One:	853 MHz AMD GPU with 768 shaders, 1.31 TeraFLOPS
Wii U:	550 MHz AMD GPU with 320 shaders, 0.352 TeraFLOPS

The best out of the three consoles in this aspect is clearly the PS4. It has much more performance and shader units than the Xbox One. The Wii U is obviously in third place, however, one can argue that the games have a more cartoon animated style that doesn't need as much texturing.

RAM(Random Access Memory)

PS4:	8 GB GDDR5
Xbox One:	8 GB DDR3 + 32 MB ESRAM
Wii U:	2 GB DDR3

PS4 also takes the lead in this category; the GDDR5 RAM is what is commonly used in PC graphics cards which allows for even more complex and better looking games. The Xbox tries to catch up by adding the ESRAM, however, with how small the size is it still isn't up to par with the PS4. Because RAM allows for complex games, more textures, and more multitasking the Wii U has much less RAM because it doesn't focus in any three of those categories, but the games could be limited because of this fact.

Controllers are a subject where the Wii U actually takes the lead in innovation. Nintendo has always been ahead of other companies as far as their gaming controllers go. The Wii U doesn't disappoint with a tablet based controller: the Wii U GamePad. This GamePad adds a lot of functionality to games where it can include the GamePad screen into the gaming interface.  You also have the option to play the game on the tablet controller rather than the TV. This function is great if your roommate wants to watch something on your TV. You can just switch over to the tablet and your roommate can watch their show! It should be noted that the other consoles can also do this, but unlike the Wii U , the handheld devices do not come with the initial purchase of the console.

The PS4 controller has a very similar design as previous generations. However, It has some pretty cool new features like a ‘share’ button for uploading in-game screenshots and video, a touch pad for fine control, and a mono speaker and headphone jack.

The Xbox controller as you can see looks extremely similar to previous designs. The new additions to the control include a ‘view’ button for switching between apps and a less bulky battery pack. The Xbox does still require AA batteries rather than having a USB rechargeable battery seen on PS4 and Wii U controllers.

Backwards Compatibility

The Wii U is the only console at the moment that supports games from its previous generation: the Wii. Xbox and PS4 both do not have backwards compatibility, which has been a turnoff for many people. However, the PS4 is currently in the Beta stages on their new way of streaming older generation’s games through the internet. It should be coming out sometime in 2015. The problems would be that you might have to pay for games that you already own and that internet is required to play those games.

Online Gameplay

All of the devices support online play. The Wii U provides the only online service that is free of charge. The PS4 requires membership to “PlayStation Plus” and Xbox continues their subscription to “Xbox Live” in order to play online.

And… Most importantly… PRICES!

Xbox One (including kinect) ---> $499.99

Ps4 -----------------------------------> $399.99

Wii U (Bundle) --------------------> $299.99

So which console should you get?

The choice of which console to buy is completely decided by what you are looking for in a gaming system. If you are looking for a hardcore gaming experience with complex and visually pleasing games that require the newest technology, then the PS4 is for you. If you are looking for an all encompassing multimedia center than the Xbox is a great choice. And finally, if you are looking for a family oriented, fun, simple and cheap console than the Wii U is your best bet.

Personally, my view on the quality of a console isn't the console itself. It is the games that it provides. Follow the games that you like!

If you own any of these consoles and want to share your input feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.