I think it has a bit to do with history
PS and PS2 were huge successes.
Last gen, Sony messed up a bit with the launch of the PS3 and Microsoft capitalized and won over North America with the 360.
I think the roles were a little reversed this time. MS launched the more expensive console which included Kinect. I think they realized they lost the HD format battles by not including HD-DVD in every console and making it an optional add-on, so they forced Kinect on everyone.
This gave core gamers and first adopters the impression that they were not focused on gaming. Also, the system has a little less power than the PS4. On the other hand, Sony wised up and started using x86 architecture so that developers could hit the ground running.
In the end, I hope both companies succeed. It is really what is best for the consumer. Both companies have shown arrogance at times and healthy competition is needed. Just look at what happened to NFL football once EA received the exclusive contract.
On a side note, it really is a shame that HD-DVD did not win the format wars. It was a much better format. The HD-DVDs that I have offer a lot more cool features than Blu-Ray and are far less buggy.