@sealionact: Did you read what I posted? Specifically: "I can purchase a game on PC, install it and begin playing much quicker than I can with a modern console like the PS4".

Given that, how did you misunderstand what I was saying?

Again: I can purchase a game on PC...and begin playing much quicker.

EDIT: I was not comparing disk transfer rates of hard drives to a network transfer. Still don't know how you made that assumption.

@sealionact: I am not comparing disk transfer rates of the hard drives to a network transfer. I am stating that downloads are slower using the PS4 when compared to a PC (even when downloading the same title). This is very confusing, when things like Steam fly in comparison to downloading from PSN.

I have used an XB1 here at home, also connected directly to my router - my cousin brought his over to download a new game then play. Download speed was better than PS4, but not by much!

The XBox One X load times refer to the speed of loading a game that is already installed on the console, not to the downloading of said game - right?

EDIT: Download speeds using XBOX 360 also better than PSN, but again...not close to Steam/Origin/UPlay.

@jumalan75: I think we all would! Most SFF/compact options are pricey.

Have you seen the Dell/Alienware Alpha desktop, or the CHRONOS from Origin? Nice looking PCs.

Also, this one: https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/07/this-is-the-smallest-most-powerful-4k-gaming-pc-youve-ever-seen/

Personally - I would grab a case and build it myself, then stick it beside or behind the TV cabinet and game!

@sealionact: Wanted to respond to this statement: "The point of any console is that some people just want to switch on and play".

This used to be true, but not 100% true anymore. I own gaming PCs and a PS4.

- PS4: Purchase game on disc. Turn console on. Insert disc. Wait 5-15 minutes while game content is copied from disc to hard drive. Launch game. Wait some more while game is patched/updated. Play.

- Windows 10 PC: Turn PC on. Log in. Launch Steam. Purchase game (download starts automatically). Play.

In my case, PS4 is connected directly to CODA-4582 cable modem (250Mbps down, 20 up) via Ethernet cable...and is SLOW. PC also connected to same cable modem via Ethernet cable...it is fast.

I can purchase a game on PC, install it and begin playing much quicker than I can with a modern console like the PS4. I have heard (and seen) that XB1 is the same (yes, I do have the correct ports on the firewall open).

Did this get better with XBox One X? Not being an elitist or snarky - I am genuinely asking.

@sealionact: I think it's fair to say that modern consoles - XBOX 360 onward - are subject to issues like overheating, failing optical drives, etc.

I own many older consoles (ColecoVision, Atari 2600, NES, SNES, N64, GC, Wii x 2, GBC, GBA, DS, 3DS, 3DS XL, PSP, Vita, Vita TV, FC Twin) that are virtual TANKS and are still going strong. All (except second Wii) were purchased at launch.

@garysan: Here is a link showing Microsoft profit from 2002 to Q2 2017: https://www.statista.com/statistics/267808/net-income-of-microsoft-since-2002/

They will be fine.

Note 2015 - Microsoft made the most profit they have ever made, but lost money due to the Nokia write-down. Nadella stepped in and redirected "the power of the cloud" from gaming and created what we now call Azure - which is making a ton of money for them.

@gaminsincepong: I find Microsoft & developers approach to this system baffling. WHY can't we have adjustable graphics resolution? Example: let me choose 1080p60 with HDR, or 2160p30.

Don't make the choice for me and limit my fps, especially when the console is capable of pulling off 1080p60 in almost everything.

They have texture packs to exploit the XBox One X -- why not allow resolution tweaking?

@jumalan75: I would also love to see SSDs in the consoles, but they are expensive and would drive up the costs of the system even higher than it is right now.

I purchase my SSDs directly from a supplier, who purchases MILLIONS of them...and their price is still very high when compared to traditional HDD.

@sellingthings: We have seen mid-cycle console upgrades before - typically pitched as a console "upgrade". Examples include: Coleco Adam (add to ColecoVision), Famicom Disk System (add to Famicom), Atari 7800 (an upgraded 5200 using the same core parts), Sega CD (add to Genesis), Sega 32X (add to Genesis), Neo-Geo CD (add to Neo-Geo), Nintendo 64DD (failed hard in Japan, not released in US/Canada), Nintendo DSi, new Nintendo 3DS.

I left some out, but you get the idea.

@s7eventhheaven: Disagree - with good equipment, a DVD can look good on a 4K TV. I have a Vizio 70 inch 4K TV + PS3 and PS4 ... DVD video output from those systems look GREAT (they upscale the image to 1080p and output via HDMI to the TV, unlike standard DVD players which output a 480i/480p signal and rely on your TV's internal video scaler).

Don't get me wrong - Blu-ray is much clearer and well defined, and UHD Blu-ray looks a bit better. But...DVD is still very watchable.