ps4

Now that the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have been confirmed, the next big question on many video game players' minds is which is the superior device.

The Electronic Entertainment Expo has offered several opportunities to experience both consoles up close, and each has their own set of advantages. Before we break them down, keep in mind that a lot could change in the few months until launch. This is about their potential as of this moment.

With that in mind, here are three arguments for each video game console.

Three reasons to buy the PlayStation 4 over Xbox One.

It's less restrictive. Sony Computer Entertainment of America President Jack Tretton did not mince words at the company's E3 press briefing, saying PS4 "won't impose any new restrictions" on pre owned titles. On Xbox One, it's a bit more murky, with limitations on lending games to friends and game rentals.

Tretton also said PS4 won't require a persistent online connection. Sure, Xbox One technically doesn't either, but if a player's console doesn't receive an online check within 24 hours, it won't play games offline. In short, it appears PS4 players will have a lot more freedom in how they manage their gaming library.

It's cheaper. Coming from the offices of Captain Obvious, this one is a clear plus. A $399 price tag is more attractive than a $499 one, especially since there will be few gaps in the number of third-party experiences available. Even though owners will now have to add a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer (it has been free on PSN), it's still a great deal.

A large, diverse games library. Sony boasts an incredible selection of first-party studios, including one of the best in the business in Naughty Dog, who launches The Last of Us this Friday. Also, the PS4 will also independent game studios to publish their own titles without Sony assistance. That could potentially open the doors to a broader selection of titles to choose from.

Three reasons to buy the Xbox One over PS4

Xbox Live. Microsoft's online network has remained far ahead of the PlayStation Network for years, and it should get better. It's not just a great hub for multiplayer games, but features a more elegant, consistent experience overall. Soon, players will see clever options such as Smart Match and Snap, which allows users to have two apps running simultaneously.

Powerful first-party options around launch. The selection of first-party titles available at or near the Xbox One's launch is impressive, between third-person action title Ryse: Son of Rome, the mech-friendly first-person shooter Titanfall, racing title Forza Motorsport 5 and mesmerizing music game Fantasia. Then there's the arrival of a new Halo title slated for some time next year. It's a solid lineup.

The Kinect/SmartGlass combination. Owners should have several options for controlling and consuming contact through an Xbox One. In the case of Kinect, it's about voice and gesture controls, and it's not just for entertainment. Games like Dead Rising 3 require players to keep quiet or face the wrath of a zombie horde. With SmartGlass, players can follow their progression on games like Ryse and compare to their friends. Expect the options to expand even further.

Turns out you can judge a book by its cover, as the PS4 and Xbox One’s similarities continue to the innards. Both have gone for custom AMD chips and eight-core CPUs with 8GB of RAM, though the PS4 has an edge there, using GDDR5 instead of Microsoft’s DDR3.

Sony also has the graphical edge with its GPU estimated by ExtremeTech to be on a par with the Radeon 7870 whilst the Xbox One’s is nearer to the Radeon HD 7790 - a step down for certain.

Both units have their own motion sensor, though the Kinect 2.0 seems to be more sophisticated than the PS4’s Eye, with the latter having to be purchased separately (though with the price difference – which we’re coming to this doesn’t seem to be a big deal).

In terms of the peripheries that didn’t get seen at E3, by which I mean the second-screen experiences for both consoles, it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. Whilst it’ll be easier to hook your smartphone up to the Xbox with SmartGlass, being able to stream PS4 games to the PS Vita is a far more attractive, if you’ve already shelled out for the Vita that is.