So, if you’re torn between which version of BF4 to pick up, though the PS4 version performs a little better, the choice should come down to which console’s controller you prefer, and how much you hate even a semblance of aliasing. However, the Xbox One version holds up despite its “undeniable, quantifiably worse metrics” with regards to frame rate and resolution. Instead, the PS4 version comes close, comparable to the PC version’s second-highest settings. Though the PS4 version runs at a higher resolution than the Xbox One, it still is being upscaled to 1080p, which means the overall quality can’t fully match the PC version running the highest settings. Overall, to quote Digital Foundry, “the PS4 offers a superior experience on several fronts.” From the higher 900p resolution and slightly higher frame rate, to the more visible aliasing on the Xbox One. In terms of performance, the PS4 version of the game keeps a small lead of frames-per-second over the Xbox One, and it recovers just a little faster from dips in frame rate. The extra crispy Xbox One graphics make the image pop a little more than the PS4 image, but rather than make the prettiest image possible, the sub-pixel breakup is also more noticeable. There are other subtle differences, such as the Xbox One version looking a little more crisp, not counting that increase in jaggies. Before you don your blue PS4 or green Xbox One t-shirt and queue up a bunch of bile-filled tweets aimed at the fans of whichever console you aren’t going to purchase, it should be noted that both the PS4 and Xbox One are so close in terms of power and architecture this generation that none those tweets will have much backing. The always spot-on Digital Foundry went boat-deep into the upcoming next-gen console versions of the game, and stacked them up against the (glorious) PC version. While you may initially think that means you can continue your maniacal cackling from that very high horse of a mesh-back manager’s chair, it turns out the next-gen versions of the game will nearly be on par with the PC. In just two short weeks, the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game will release and subsequently invade the internet with posts from next-gen early console adopters.
Attention glorious PC master race: If you’ve played boat-deep in Battlefield 4 on your gaming rig, laughing at the obvious inferiority of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, you might want to have a seat and stop maniacally cackling for a minute.