Xbox One
Price: $499.99
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Notable Specs: 8GB GDDR3 RAM + 32MB ESRAM, Blu-Ray Drive, 500GB HDD, HDMI-In
Despite a rather rough reveal, Xbox One proves to be a promising game console from Microsoft. After doubling back on a slew of very unpopular digital-focused policies, the successor to Xbox 360 allows users to buy, sell, and trade used games. That said, all games—whether retail or digital—will still need to be installed to the console, and despite being fully installed, disc-based games will still need the disc in the drive to be played.
Microsoft's next-gen console was also met with negativity when it was revealed that the device's motion-sensing camera, Kinect, would need to be plugged in at all times. In response to the outcry, the Big M decided to make the camera optional, while still including it in every box. Because of this, Xbox One is a full hundred bucks more expensive than PlayStation 4, something that could potentially prove to be problematic in the battle against Sony. Regardless, the camera boasts a number of improvements over the original, offering some compelling new ways to experience entertainment.
Make no mistake, Xbox One is more than just a gaming device. With the inclusion of an HDMI-in port, the device works as an "all in one" media box that allows you to watch television using the Microsoft-developed user interface. Couple that with Skype integration and a partnership with the NFL, and you've got a whole bunch of features that have nothing to do with gaming, but do make excellent use of Kinect.
But don't worry, Xbox One will also be a great gaming console. The much-loved Xbox 360 controller has been refined and tweaked, resulting in what is arguably the greatest gamepad of all time—especially for first-person shooters. With the same great button layout and general form factor, along with an improved d-pad and buttery-smooth triggers with built-in feedback, Xbox One's controller can most definitely hold its own against Sony's DualShock 4. There's no doubt that Microsoft wants do tap into all facets of entertainment with Xbox One, but, fortunately for gamers, it doesn't appear to be at the cost of the overarching gaming experience.
Launch Games
Exclusive:
- Killer Instinct (Preview)
- Ryse: Son of Rome (Preview)
- Crimson Dragon (Preview)
- Dead Rising 3 (Preview)
- Fighter Within
- Forza Motorsport 5 (Preview)
- LocoCycle (Preview)
- Zoo Tycoon
- Xbox Fitness
- Powerstar Golf
- Zumba Fitness: World Party
Multi-Platform:
- Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Review)
- Call of Duty Ghosts (Review)
- FIFA 14 (Review)
- Battlefield 4 (Review)
- Just Dance 2014 (Review)
- Lego Marvel Super Heroes (Review)
- Madden NFL 25 (Review)
- NBA 2K14 (Review)
- NBA Live 14 (Review)
- Need For Speed Rivals (Preview, Review Inbound)
- Skylanders SWAP Force (Review)
GameRevolution Recommends:
Turn 10 knows how to make a quality racing game, and by all accounts, they've done it yet again with Forza Motorsport 5. Regardless of whether or not you love racing games, it's hard to turn a blind eye to this title's amazing graphics. Not only do the cars look great (with some of the most incredible reflections ever), but the environments too are an absolute marvel to behold. You may not even be a car fanatic, but Turn 10's use of the Xbox One controller's haptic feedback-enabled triggers will have you dying to take this game for a spin.
The folks over at Double Helix have been working on something very special for fans of Rare's classic fighting franchise. That's right, Killer Instinct is back and more brutal than ever. The passion the development team has behind this Xbox One exclusive is made obvious in the game's nostalgia-oozing presentation. From the iconic voice of the announcer to faithful recreations of the original's iconic cast, there's no doubt that this is a love letter to longtime fans of the series. Plus, with a new unique pricing scheme, you can take the plunge risk-free and fill out the roster as you see fit.
Capcom's zombie-slaying action franchise continues on Xbox One with Dead Rising 3. This third proper entry takes the series in a much darker direction, while still managing to imbue that ridiculous sense of humor that has become synonymous with the franchise. You haven't lived until you've torched hundreds of zombies with a flamethrower or sped down a street littered with shoulder-to-shoulder undead walkers. Sure, next-gen hardware has given Capcom the ability to make it the prettiest entry the series has seen thus far, but more importantly, it has allowed the studio to cram an insane amount of enemies on the screen at any given time. Believe me, you haven't experienced the insanity of a zombie apocalypse quite like this before.
2K has proven to be the home of some of the greatest basketball video games known to mankind. NBA 2K14 continues that trend with what is undoubtedly the most gorgeous sports title you've ever seen. Remember how Fight Night: Round 3 quickly became the early visual showpiece for Xbox 360? Well, NBA 2K14 is hands down the Fight Night of Xbox One. With astounding character models and super lifelike animations to go along with them, 2K's latest foray into the world of basketball is easily one of its best. Oh yeah, and from what I hear, it's a blast to actually play, too.
While DICE's latest entry in the Battlefield franchise may already be available for purchase on current-gen consoles, make now mistake, Battlefield 4 was designed with next-gen hardware in mind. From stunning visuals to unparalleled levels of destruction and dynamic maps, there's a whole lot new about this jaw-dropping first-person shooter. If you want a game that will really push your shiny new Xbox One to its limits, the massive online battles of Battlefield 4 will be sure to do the trick.
Accessories
Xbox Live Gold
Price: $59.99 (12 Months), $24.99 (3 Months)
Let's face it, you really can't enjoy the benefits of an Xbox console without a Gold subscription. With the bulk of its suite of apps, online multiplayer, and plenty of other perks hidden behind a subscription, access to virtually everything that makes the Xbox experience great requires a bit of cash on your end. That said, you totally get what you pay for… just let the millions of subscribers speak to that fact. This was very much the case with the Xbox 360, and there's absolutely no reason to believe it won't be the case yet again with Xbox One. Trust me, you'll want a Gold subscription.
Extra Controller
Price: $59.99
Xbox One's controller is a thing of beauty. Taking everything great from Xbox 360's stellar gamepad and fine-tuning it, Microsoft managed to one-up themselves and make what could very well be heralded as the greatest controller of all time. With a brand-new d-pad that puts the Xbox 360's mushy mess to shame and improved triggers that have built-in feedback, this controller is the very definition of next-gen hardware. All first-person shooter fans who love the staggered stick configuration will feel right at home here, and will likely appreciate the subtle texturing around each stick for extra grip. Honestly, there's virtually nothing to complain about with this controller, and for an additional $60, you might as well get a second to allow a friend to join in on the fun.
Play & Charge Kit
Price: $24.99
Sick of purchasing a bunch of AA batteries? Microsoft's Play & Charge Kit for Xbox One has you covered, providing a simple and easy solution to your controller-powering needs. It's a bit of a shame one isn't included in the box, as this is such a wonderful accessory that many would deem essential. Fortunately, it'll only set you back $25 bucks, which, if I may, is a small price to pay for the convenience it offers. Simply connect the controller to your console via the handy wire, and your new battery pack (which is now flush with the back of the controller, mind you) will charge right up. Technology. Don't you just love it?
FAQ
Can I upgrade the 500GB hard drive?
Nope. Sorry!
Will it support an external HDD?
External hard drives won't be supported at launch.
Can Xbox One play Xbox 360 games?
No. Xbox One will not support disc-based or downloadable Xbox 360 games.
Can I use an Xbox 360 controller with Xbox One?
Nope.
Can I watch Blu-ray and DVD movies on the system?
Yes! Now that Microsoft has embraced Blu-ray, the system's drive will be able to play both DVD and Blu-ray discs.
How about CDs?
Yup. Xbox One is DLNA compatible and will play MP3s and CDs.
Is there a day one update for the system?
Yup, and you'll need to download it if you plan on doing basically anything on the console.
Will I be able to play games offline?
Yes. Unless of course you want to play a game online. Then, you'll obviously need to be connected to the internet.
Can I buy, sell, or trade used games?
Yes.
How many friends can I have on Xbox Live?
Up to 1,000. Plus, you'll be able to follow an unlimited number of people, Twitter style.
Does the console require an "always on" internet connection?
No.
Do I need the Kinect plugged in at all times?
Nope. Unless you want to take advantage of the motion-tracking camera, you don't need to have it plugged in at all.
How many controllers does Xbox One support at one time?
The console supports the use of eight controllers simultaneously.
Does the console come with a headset?
Yes, a headset is packed in with the console.
Do I have to pay to play online multiplayer?
Yup. Just like Xbox 360, you'll need a Gold subscription to play online.
Can Xbox One stream and share content like PS4?
Yup. The console will record gameplay and allow you to broadcast live footage over Twitch.
