Xbox One Compared With PS4 and Wii U

Update: We've updated our table with the latest specs and information from E3 2013. Now that we have a closer look at the full specs -- and price -- of each system, the real spec comparisons can start.

As expected, the hardware specifications for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are remarkably similar. Yes, the PS4 uses a faster type of RAM, but the systems are closer than ever before. The big differences now come with price, included accessories and policies on areas such as used games and Always On connectivity.

Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One Tuesday, showing off its vision for the future of gaming and home entertainment to the public.

Of course, when the Xbox One debuts later this year, it won't be alone. It will face stiff competition from Sony and its upcoming PlayStation 4. And while Nintendo has had a rocky start with the Wii U, that console is already on the market and will have nearly a year on the other guys.

So how do the systems compare? While Sony and Microsoft have both only released limited information about what's inside the PS4 and the Xbox One, we still know enough to put together a preliminary comparison chart.

What's interesting is that in this generation of game consoles, all three consoles use Blu-ray as their optical media of choice. Of course, an increasing number of users purchase games online and download content directly to their consoles -- but as games get more complex, they also get larger. Right now, Blu-ray is still the best way to deliver many gigabytes of information to users in one shot.

Meanwhile, while Nintendo is still using PowerPC technology to power the Wii U, Microsoft and Sony have both moved to x86-based processors and GPUs, in both cases powered by AMD. The Xbox One and PS4 are also both shipping with 8GB of system RAM, as opposed to 2GB for the Wii U.

At the end of the day, it's games and the overall device experience that defines a console, not the specs. Still, it's fun to see how the consoles are stacking up.

Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U Compared

Credit:

Xbox One

PlayStation 4

Credit:

Nintendo Wii U

Processor

8-core x86 CPU

Tri-core IBM PowerPC 1.24Ghz

GPU

AMD powered

Next-gen AMD Radeon, runs at 1.84 Tflops

AMD Radeon running at 550MHz

RAM

8GB GDDR5

8GB DDR3

2GB

Storage

500GB HDD

8GB-32GB

Optical Drive

Blu-ray/DVD

Blu-ray (proprietary)

HDMI

In and Out

Out, In unknown

Out

Ports

USB 3.0, 802.11n, Gigabit Ethernet

USB 3.0, Ethernet, 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1

USB 2.0x4, 802.11n

Price

$499.99 (includes Kinect)

$399.99

$299 - $349

Backward Compatibility

Yes, with Wii

Used Game Policy

Games need to be authenticated, used game fee

No fees or restrictions

Always On Policy

System needs to phone home occasionally to authenticate

No Internet connection required

Release Date

November 2013

Holiday 2013

Now

Are you going to buy a next generation console? Let us know in the comments.

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