Buzz
Xbox is a product developed by Microsoft. D. Lentz / Getty ImagesThe Xbox One, Microsoft's third-generation console, has proven to be highly profitable for the company. It is currently surpassing the Xbox 360 in both hardware and software sales at this stage in its lifecycle. Given that the Xbox 360 was widely regarded as a commercial success, it’s reasonable to assume the Xbox One would follow a similar trajectory. However, despite Xbox One's progress, PlayStation 4 dominates the market with a nearly 2:1 sales advantage, bolstered by early public relations wins and other key factors. As a result, the Xbox brand has found itself in the shadow of the PS4 this generation. This is unfortunate, as Microsoft has made significant improvements since the Xbox One’s rocky first year, turning it into a solid competitor. The Xbox One, whether the standard Xbox One S or the more powerful Xbox One X, certainly deserves consideration. Here are 10 reasons why it’s worth the purchase.
10. Xbox One X
One of the most obvious reasons to choose an Xbox One over a PS4 right now is that Microsoft leads with the most powerful console available. While Sony upgraded their PS4 line in 2016 with the PS4 Pro, which offered enhanced performance and 4K visuals, the Xbox One X stands out as the more powerful console overall. It provides true 4K visuals and a performance boost across all Xbox One games, even those not optimized for the X.
When it comes to optimized games, the Xbox One may not boast as many exclusive must-have titles as the PS4. However, Microsoft has stepped up by offering backward compatibility for 300 titles that have been enhanced for the Xbox One X. This is a notable improvement over Sony's inconsistent approach to PS4 Pro patches. Another major perk—applicable to both the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X—is that Xbox supports UHD Blu-ray playback and Dolby Atmos, features that the PS4 Pro lacks. Although we’ll need to see how the Xbox One X performs in real-world testing, it currently outperforms the PS4 Pro in terms of technical capabilities.
9. Games with Gold
Both Sony and Microsoft provide free monthly games as part of their respective PS Plus and Xbox Live services. So, you're not losing out on much when choosing one service over the other, aside from the specific titles offered each month. Both services have their strengths and weaknesses over time. For example, if you’re not interested in the Xbox Games with Gold offerings in September, it’s likely October will offer something great. While PS Plus offers more titles—six games a month (two for PS4, two for PS3, and two for PS Vita)—Games with Gold has a key advantage that is often overlooked. Unlike PS Plus, where letting your subscription lapse means you lose access to your free games, Games with Gold lets you keep any downloaded games even if you stop subscribing to Xbox Live. Both services are comparable, but Games with Gold has a slight edge for its consumer-friendly approach.
8. Xbox Live
It’s no secret that Xbox Live has played a major role in the success of the Xbox brand. For $60 per year, you get access to this online service, which includes the Games with Gold rewards program. While this is $10 more than Sony’s PS Plus service, it’s considered a great deal when you consider how much more reliable Xbox Live has proven to be. Plus, discounted subscriptions are widely available. Xbox Live launched a year before the PlayStation 2’s online service, setting the stage for a more developed network.
Even when Sony did introduce its own network, it wasn’t fully realized until the PlayStation 3 era, and it was free, which made its shortcomings more forgivable. That head start allowed Microsoft to refine Xbox Live, resulting in faster servers, better security to prevent fraud, and more reliable access overall. While both networks experience some downtime, PlayStation's outages tend to be much longer. Despite recent improvements to PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, while not perfect, remains the superior service.
7. Streaming Xbox to PC
Thanks to the Xbox app, which is included in every build of Windows 10 and available for download on Windows 7 and beyond, users now have access to exciting new features. One of these is the ability to stream Xbox content directly to a PC, which is perfect if your TV is occupied. Gamers can now play any Xbox One game on their PC with minimal input lag, allowing them to enjoy titles like NHL 16 and Sunset Overdrive, which aren’t available on PC. Even a basic laptop can stream Xbox One games with ease, as it’s simply acting as a second screen for the Xbox. This feature is incredibly handy when other household members need the TV for non-gaming activities.
6. Streaming PC to Xbox
A computer can also work in reverse, wirelessly sending its display to the Xbox. This is great for activities like presenting a PowerPoint, displaying a web browser, or streaming media. With the wireless display app, there’s no need for an HDMI cable to connect your computer to another screen. For laptop owners or anyone with a home media PC, this feature eliminates the hassle of extra cables and reduces clutter in the living room. It’s particularly useful if your computer is in a different room from your Xbox, as you can now cast the screen to the Xbox without any wires. Though the uses may be limited, for those who are interested, the Xbox One offers an easy and affordable way to wirelessly stream your PC to a TV.
5. User Interface
The Xbox One has seen several major updates to its dashboard, with the most notable change happening in 2015 when Windows 10 was integrated. This update brought many improvements, particularly to the dashboard (the Xbox home screen). Previously clunky and similar to the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One experience now feels sleek and modern. For starters, the clutter has been cleared away: the screen now features large thumbnails of the user’s most recent games and apps. Users can relaunch the last played game without even needing to touch the analog stick. With a simple press of the right thumbstick, players can jump to the pins section, where they can organize their favorite games and apps (the upcoming Xbox update in March will allow rearranging these pins). Additionally, the navigation is now more efficient, with tabs for easier access to features like friends lists and the Xbox Store. The new design is visually appealing and offers a far more streamlined experience compared to what the PS4 currently provides.
4. EA Access
Exclusive to Xbox, EA Access is an underrated service that deserves more attention. For just $30 a year, subscribers enjoy several perks. All new EA games come with a free 10-hour trial, allowing gamers to test out the game before making a purchase. For example, if you’re wondering if FIFA 18 is worth upgrading to, you can try it out for 10 hours before deciding. These trials are also available five days before the game’s official release date. EA Access also lets users download full versions of older EA games from 'The Vault,' including most major sports titles, though many are from 2015 — the latest releases typically come out around the time of the playoffs. With the $30 EA Access app, gamers can also buy games like Madden at half price, adding even more value when considering the other perks such as early access, free trials, and the vault’s offerings.
3. Backwards Compatibility
In 2015, Microsoft won the hearts of many gamers by introducing backwards compatibility on the Xbox One, allowing players to enjoy select Xbox 360 titles on the newer console. As more games continue to be added to the backwards compatibility list, the Xbox 360's extensive game library will soon be fully accessible (hopefully). The Xbox 360 has a rich selection of games that are now quite affordable, and for players who already own these titles, the backwards compatibility feature on Xbox One is a game-changer. It means gamers don’t have to part with their old games or keep an outdated console hooked up just to play them.
While Microsoft offers backwards compatibility for free, Sony’s solution for the PS4 has been less ideal. PS Now, a subscription service that lets users stream a large number of PS3 games, is pricey and doesn’t offer the same consumer-friendly experience as the Xbox One’s native backwards compatibility. Although the feature hasn’t led to a massive surge in Xbox One sales as Microsoft may have hoped, backwards compatibility is one area where the Xbox One significantly outshines the PS4.
2. The Controller
Though ultimately a matter of personal preference, the Xbox controller is often praised for its more durable build compared to Sony’s DualShock controllers. A key difference is in the positioning of the analog sticks. Unlike Sony, which opts for symmetrical placement, Microsoft has positioned the right thumbstick slightly lower than the left. Many find this more comfortable, reducing the risk of thumb cramps. Functionally, both the Xbox One and PS4 controllers are quite similar, but the Xbox controller has some distinct features, such as impulse triggers that provide rumble feedback—especially useful in shooters or racing games. Meanwhile, the PS4 controller offers a touchpad and a speaker, features that add some extra functionality, but are not essential for most players.
When it comes to the battery situation, Sony offers a built-in battery in the DualShock 4, which charges via USB, while Microsoft does not provide a battery with the Xbox controller. Each approach has its pros and cons, but the Xbox controller slightly edges out here due to its versatility. Players can choose between using disposable AA batteries or investing in rechargeable ones. In contrast, once the DualShock 4's battery expires, the controller becomes effectively useless.
Let’s not forget the Xbox Elite Controller, Microsoft’s premium, high-end controller that might just be the best gaming controller ever crafted, though it comes at a hefty price.
1. Game Selection (No Wait, Hear Us Out)
We’ll be the first to admit that, when it comes to first-party exclusives, the PS4 holds the superior hand. Sony has completely dominated this generation with a lineup of must-play titles. Games like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Bloodborne, Nioh, and Horizon Zero Dawn are all exclusive to PlayStation, and with upcoming titles like God of War, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part II, the list is only going to get more impressive. In comparison, Xbox One's exclusive lineup has been lackluster, especially in recent times, with Microsoft either failing to release major new games or just repeating the same familiar franchises from the Xbox 360 era.
That being said, the Xbox One still has its own set of exclusives worth considering. Although the quantity is smaller, there are still some top-tier games that can only be found on Xbox One (or PC, if you take advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere). Whether you’re a fan of Halo, Gears of War, or Forza, these iconic franchises still hold strong with their dedicated fanbases, and they remain exclusive to Xbox. Additionally, Xbox One offers a range of second- and third-party exclusives, such as Rare Replay (one of the best value deals in gaming), Sunset Overdrive, Dead Rising 4, and Ori and the Blind Forest. While it’s clear that Microsoft still lags behind PlayStation in terms of exclusive titles, Xbox One still has enough to offer, especially for fans of these franchises.
