Microsoft recently revealed its new generation console, the Xbox One, but Sony also made changes to its premium online service, PlayStation Plus.
According to a report released by Imagine Games Network, Sony’s online subscription allows gamers to download games and buy them at a cheaper price with PlayStation Plus. They will also be able to download new content or games to their new and existing consoles.
Since 2012, the number of American video gamers has increased from 205.9 million to 209.9 million, according to the National Purchase Diary group, who provides market information and advisory for their clients.
Although the number of video gamers increased over the past year, many are not buying consoles. According to Forbes Magazine, Peter Warman, CEO of research firm Newzoo, said, “Will there be a next generation in about eight years? It won’t be in the shape and form we know today with consoles.”
Xbox Live announced during a live broadcast that the new Xbox One lets users control their consoles through simple arm and hand movements via Xbox Kinect. Although this feature is similar to Xbox 360’s Kinect, the functionality has improved but will need testing.
The Xbox One also allows viewers to watch movies while browsing the Internet.
The only new difference is voice command. You can simply say “Xbox, snap Internet Explorer” to make the console access the Internet on the side of your screen.
Another highlighted feature is the users’ ability to quickly switch from playing games to watching movies or television, also done by voice command.
This concept has already been put into play through a trial version, but according to a report released by IGN, there are a couple drawbacks.
The first is the limited options. PlayStation Plus offers buyers with a one-year subscription for $49.99 or a three-month subscription for $17.99.
The second drawback might prove to be a bigger problem. If there is a lapse in a user’s subscription, all the features and benefits will be discontinued, and subscribers will need to maintain an active subscription to keep their benefits.
IGN also reported that although Sony has its subscription-based, discount and freebie service, there will also be an increase to the size of Sony’s cloud-based storage for its gamers.
Gamers can get a 1 GB limit instead, and the PlayStation Plus will be implemented for the PlayStation Vita.
