A new generation of electronics that usher in better innovations, brighter designs and groundbreaking possibilities is always exciting, but the anticipation leaves some wondering if they'll live up to the hype.
Retailers and players will soon find out. Sony's PlayStation 4 was released Nov. 15 and Microsoft's Xbox One hit the shelves Nov. 22.
"The consoles will sell - but basically they'll be all old consoles but in a shiny new wrapper," said Morgan Minor, owner of local Memphis nonprofit organization G3 Gaming.
Since the release of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, these consoles have evolved over time and have changed the way people pass time all around the world.
"You see how the companies are catering to the name and not the invention of new and better things," Minor said. "The consumer will see a console that wants to achieve a new look, but realistically does what its predecessor did."
Both consoles are evenly matched when it comes to their individual fan bases, but each console has its pros and cons. The PS4 has more power and can take on more tasks, while the X1 has more exclusive titles and games at launch.
However, the similarities between the two consoles could even the playing field. Such things as a built in DVD Blu-ray player and in-game DVR, where a player can record and upload videos of themselves playing, are prime examples of how each console is trying to improve. Although the PS3 had features like the built-in DVD Blu-ray player, Microsoft is adding new features to keep up with the times and their competition.
Motion and voice control are also pivotal selling points for each console, which could tack on more money at checkout. The X1 has the KINNECT 2 already in the box, while the PS4 has their PlayStation Eye Camera sold separately.
Add-on purchases could impact sales for equipment that is already expensive. The PS4 sells for $400, while its rival costs $100 more.
"I feel for the parents shelling out a large amount of cash just for the system itself," said Laura Rosser, a promoter of G3 Gaming. "Then, there are the games for both systems to worry about as well. As gaming becomes more and more advanced, all of the equipment and software skyrockets in price."
As consumers are still scrambling to decide which console to purchase, there is one thing a lot of people tend to forget - is it entertaining? Video games nowadays are a distraction for people that are sometimes bogged down by reality and need that temporary escape.
"It's nostalgia and the entertainment for me," Rosser said. "The excitement that comes with pulling out a game you played during your childhood and revisiting that world with the push of a button is priceless."
