Sony delivers killing blow with clever pricing

Normally huge events like E3 require some time before a sense of perspective can sink in, but yesterday wasn't normal. In one of the most memorable days for gamers in recent memory, Sony and Microsoft both showed off what the future has to offer. There was a lot to take away from all four major press conferences, but it was the PlayStation 4 that came out looking like the number one pick for the next generation.

It all started so well for Microsoft. They might have been beaten to the punch when it came to actually announcing their next-gen hardware, but yesterday they opened E3 2013 and all eyes were on them. After much criticism over the past two weeks they insisted that yesterday would be all about the games, and they were right. Within minutes we'd found out about tasty exclusives such as Ryse, Sunset Overdrive and Project Spark, and they all impressed.

Microsoft also saved some big hitters for the end, with a teaser for a new Halo coming in 2014 and the reveal of Titanfall, which seemed to be a fan favourite. There were details about a new Xbox 360 model going on sale straight away, and a November launch date for the Xbox One. But then came the deal breaker - pricing. Microsoft confirmed that Xbox One would cost $499 USD at launch, what seemed like a large amount of money but until the PS4 pricing was revealed it was hard to judge.

So we waited. EA captivated, Ubisoft stuttered, but all focus was on the main event and what Sony would do. How could they build on the momentum from February, and cunningly take little pot shots at Microsoft in the process? Easily, it turns out.

After a slow start things really started to kick into gear when new game trailers for exclusives were being broadcast. Then the killing blow came, $399 USD. No DRM. No need to connect to the internet. No problem playing second hand games. It seemed like Sony had finally confirmed it, the PlayStation 4 is the console for true gamers. 

Of course, the Xbox One is still a worthy competitor. They're investing a lot in the Kinect technology, and third-party developers will tailor their games with the camera and voice recognition even more in the future as they know that every Xbox One owner will use it. But does that make up for the $100 difference? Not to mention the image that Sony has built up of being the people's company, not interested in making you check in online to see what you've been up to. It looks like this console war could be over before it's even started.