Xbox One vs PS4: Find out How to Play Exclusives, Test Specs and Graphics Before Release Dates

Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will be released to the public in the month of November, but both Sony and Microsoft are offering ways for players to get their hands on the consoles early if they are lucky or attend some special events.

Sony is not only offering fans a way to test out the PlayStation 4 and the games that will be on the console, but they are also offering a special contest through Taco Bell to let some gamers win the console. Not only that, but they will receive their new PlayStation 4 on Nov. 12, three days before the console is released.

In order for players to participate in the  "Play the Future First" sweepstakes, fans must buy the specially marked $5 Buck Box or the Big Box items from Taco Bell, there will be a code on the box, which will determine if the user has won or not. Winners will receive a PlayStation 4, the exclusive game Knack, and a free year of PlayStation Plus, in addition to satisfying their craving for Taco Bell.

Microsoft will have a different way fans can experience the Xbox One before it is released on Xbox One, and as Aaron Greenberg (Chief of Staff for the Devices and Studios Group for Microsoft) pointed out on Twitter, it does not require fans to buy Taco Bell.  Instead the company is bringing the Xbox One on the road, and giving players a chance to test out the console for themselves. The Xbox Area One Tour will come to 75 different cities, and fans can see the console and various games for the system in action live. Those lucky enough to get into the expo will be able to play games such as Killer Instinct and Dead Rising 3 weeks before the console and games are released to the public.

It will be interesting to see what sort of early feedback fans have in these early previews of the two next gen consoles. Both consoles seek to change the way users view their consoles, as both Microsoft and Sony have pushed for a more multimedia presentation for their consoles rather than focus solely on gaming.

The two next gen consoles will be launched in November, with the PlayStation 4 being released on Nov. 15 and the Xbox One coming one week later on Nov. 22. The consoles will have to face some stiff competition from several new consoles such as the Wii U from Nintendo, the Ouya console, and Valve's upcoming Steam Machines.