I don't know why but I am going with the Xbox One as my first next gen console purchase. With all the negative Xbox One press and positive PS4 press, you might think the PS4 would be the obvious, gamer choice. But I actually do have some reasons why I am sticking with Xbox as my primary game system.

• The Xbox One controller looks to be the absolutely best controller for gaming EVER! Seriously, its a refined version of the best controller for the current gen. Even most PlayStation fans will admit that the Xbox 360 controller is one of the best console controllers of all time. The controller is the thing that makes a game system. Its your interface to all games, all the time. Its like the speakers for an audio system. No audio system is great without great speakers because they are the interface to the sound. I feel the same way about the controller.
• The Xbox 360 had the best online experience. Why forget that? So, they are likely to have the best online tools, voice, chat, etc for the next gen. People seem to be very willing to skim over this fact but it certainly more likely that Xbox will improve on all aspects of online network play and chat.
• The performance difference will not make much difference. Like it or not, 3rd party developers will simply not spend much time optimizing for the higher performance system (which looks to be PS4) so nearly all games, other than exclusives, will play nearly identical on PS4 and Xbox One. Of course I would have preferred to have Microsoft raise the bar a bit higher to match or exceed the PS4 specs but the reality is that 3rd parties will work to ensure the games perform the same on the least common denominator. As far as 1st party games, I can wait and see. But when great PS4 exclusive are released, I can reconsider a PS4 purchase.

Mostly its that I want that Xbox One controller. I am lucky enough to be able to get a PS4 later, if it turns out the Xbox One messed up the design/performance on the Xbox One. I also feel that all this PS4 hype is simply not as deserved as the current press would imply. But if the PS4 turns out to be seriously superior, I have no problem changing consoles. I have no "brand loyalty" and I think both systems will turn out pretty good. Since they may be the only consoles for the next 10 years, I just want to be sure I get one on release day.

Also, I don't plan on buying any Blu Ray discs. I am going 100% digital. So, it bummed me out how the Xbox One had to trash some of their plans but whatever... I know digital distribution is just a matter of time. I will be holding on tight to my 360 game collection as it is likely to be my last!

P.S. I hate the Kinect! I wish I did not have to pay for it etc. This almost made me switch to PS4. The Kinect has potential but its just not been realized and may never reach it. I still highly doubt it will be anything more than a paper weight after the initial launch.

P.P.S. I immediately regret my decision :)