Microsoft senior director Albert Penello doesn't believe the $100 price difference between the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be a deal-killer because he's confident Microsoft is offering the "better system." I suppose that's the kind of attitude you'd want from your lead planner.
"I just believe that we’re going to have a better system," Penello told Gamespot. "$100, when you’re talking $400 vs. $500. I don’t believe it’s going to be the deal-killer."
On the same note, Penello acknowledged, "It's up to us to prove that it's worth $100."
"I think it is," he said. "I think we do more. I think our games are better. I think as people start to experience Kinect and see what it can do using voice, I think that's better. I think the ability to have an all-in-one system where you can plug in the TV, that's better. I think we'll have a better online service."
Of course, all of this is personal preference and until both systems are released to the masses it's all speculative. It does seem Microsoft has a strong lineup of AAA games heading into launch, but Sony has the overwhelming support of indie developers, and if this current-gen taught us anything it's that indie games have just as much potential as AAA blockbusters.
As for the Kinect, well, again, that's personal preference. Those who like it see value in the Xbox One, which ships with the Kinect included. Those who don't can't justify the $100 price tag, especially when we just learned the PlayStation 4's PS Eye camera will offer similar voice command functionality. Honestly, it seems both systems do the exact same thing at this point; it's all just who can win the PR battle now.
We've heard form Penello, so let's hear from you. Does the $100 price difference affect your decision in next-gen consoles?
