Xbox 720 vs PlayStation 4 – controllers

We don't expect either the Xbox 360 controller or PlayStation 4 DualShock design to change much; the PS4 controller will reportedly resemble the existing DualShock, adding a touchscreen in place of the Select and Start buttons. So, don't expect any outlandish innovations like the original PlayStation 3 "boomerang" controller (pictured).
As well as handheld controllers, Sony and Microsoft are expected to further develop their motion-capture control systems, with the Xbox 720 reportedly featuring an updated Kinect 2.0 and AR glasses, and Edge Magazine reporting that the PS4 will pack an updated version of the PlayStation Eye.

Xbox 720 vs PlayStation 4 – Blu-ray and optical drive

We can almost guarantee that Microsoft has swallowed an entire plate of humble pie and will include a Blu-ray drive in the Xbox 720. Although there's been talk of the PS4 ditching physical media to rely on the cloud all together, it's unlikely that either Microsoft or Sony will be ditching the discs any time soon – it would be too much of a risk to alienate the millions of gamers with sketchy internet connections. If they do decide to ditch the Blu-ray drives then there's the possibility of using separate USB drives or even piggy backing off your PC's optical drive, MacBook Air-style.