Introduction
Every gamer faces a choice: PC vs. console. The debate over which is better is the kind of debate that lights up message boards – which is cheaper, has the best visuals, or has the best multiplayer competition? If you're trying to decide between PC vs. console gaming, we'll explore each part of the debate to help you choose the best option.
Whether you choose to use a console or a PC, the important thing is that you enjoy the game. Considerations like budget, technical skills, and available upgrades should all play a role in your decision.
Computer vs. Console – Being Low
Budget
Both PC and console gamers want the most bang for their buck, but what that looks like and how it's measured is different for each group. For a console gamer, the costs are generally limited to buying the console, additional controllers, games, and perhaps online multiplayer passes. For a PC gamer, there are a wide variety of options to choose from if you want to build your own PC, but not every PC gamer has their own custom rig.
Because there is such a wide variety of features and differences in perceived value, it's hard to say whether PCs or consoles are more affordable. It's entirely up to the individual. The level of customization and performance you're looking for will determine how much of a budget you can afford to spend on the platform you want.
Technical skills
In general, PC gamers need to have more technical skills than console gamers. While it is possible to modify a console by adding new hardware, it is not required. Console gamers should be able to install sequels or updates to their games. PC gamers need at least a minimum level of technical skills, even if they bought a pre-built gaming PC. And by technical skills, we don't mean the ability to write HTML code, but the ability to set up a computer with a general understanding of how it works. A PC gamer may also want to upgrade hardware components and install new drivers for those components, which requires a moderate level of skill.
Promotion
Adding new hardware to a console is possible with minimal technical skill. With a PC, upgrades can be much more extensive. Every hardware component can be upgraded, along with other cosmetic features such as the system's body.
Advantages of console games
Consoles have advantages over PCs: they're easy to use, don't require upgrades, allow for simple multiplayer with friends who have consoles, are generally cheaper, and use wireless controllers, which allows you to have a more active experience.
Consoles are simple, easy to use, and cost less.
Many gamers choose to play with a console because they are designed to be easy to set up and maintain. Console gaming can begin within minutes of taking the system out of the box. No setup time or technical skills are required to start having fun. While the relative costs of consoles and PCs are debatable, consoles are typically less expensive than gaming PCs. Plus, newer consoles can be used to stream movies, TV shows, and music—another bonus to owning a console.
No need to upgrade hardware
Another advantage of console gaming is that you can continue to play without worrying about your hardware becoming outdated. Unlike PC gaming, which may require upgrades as PC games evolve, consoles are built by the manufacturer with the system requirements in mind. However, console manufacturers will release new consoles as technology advances, so there is still a risk that older consoles will no longer support new games. The length of time between new console releases depends on the manufacturer. Therefore, console gamers should consider whether to upgrade when the latest system is released.
Additionally, many console gamers will have a collection of consoles over time to play games on their systems. The lack of backward compatibility, or the ability to play games released for previous-gen consoles on new-gen devices, means that players are often forced to upgrade.
Brings the game to the masses, including improved multiplayer
Most of your friends also have console systems. It's easy to get friends together to play, and consoles are set up for multiplayer gaming.
PC games have historically been known for their online multiplayer functionality. However, consoles have since seen improvements in in-game communication and online game sharing, which is great for playing with friends. If multiplayer is what you're most interested in, you'll want to consider which system your friends are playing on, as few consoles and games support cross-platform play.
Console exclusive titles
It's true that some games aren't available for PC, but remain console exclusives. Before you commit to a console, consider which systems offer the games you like, as not all consoles offer the same range of games.
Wireless controllers
Wireless controllers allow you to be more active while playing. Many consoles have games that increase your physical activity and skills.
Benefits of computer games
PCs have several advantages, including the ability to customize the PC, create keyboard shortcuts, sharper and more realistic images, superior accuracy in peripherals, and greater ability to modify games.
You can customize PC hardware
By building your own gaming PC, you can choose where, when, and how much you want to invest in your computer. Some gamers invest in maintaining a very high-end computer and prefer to run the latest games at the highest possible settings. Others prefer to invest in inexpensive gaming computers and only upgrade when needed.
The three components that gamers typically invest and upgrade the most are:
- The graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card converts data into signals that are sent to the monitor. This data then creates the images or video you see on the screen.
- Memory (RAM): Where game data is stored for quick loading or retrieval. Here, gamers consider the amount of RAM they need, the frequency of data transfer, and the speed (latency) of that data. Modern games typically require 4 or 8 GB of RAM as a minimum, with newer games now requiring 16 GB and 32 GB, which helps ensure the best gameplay experience. What else should you know about your gaming PC's memory? Find the best gaming memory for your gaming PC.
- A hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) is where game information, data, programs, and other applications are permanently stored on a computer and retrieved when needed. Most PC gamers prefer a solid-state drive because it offers faster speeds, longer durability, and lower power consumption compared to a hard drive.
Visual effects are better.
Dominating the competition is one thing, but seeing it in the most stunning clarity possible is another. Whether it's with integrated graphics or a graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card, you're in control of the resolution of the images. On PC, you can also play on multiple displays at once.
Control how you play: Gaming accessories
Unlike consoles, which can limit how you play, PC users have a wide range of controllers and mice to choose from. Gamers looking to kick back and relax can enjoy the freedom of wireless controllers, joysticks, and even steering wheels for racing games, as with most consoles. However, when precision is key, PC users can use a gaming mouse. Gaming mice are precise and allow you to have unparalleled control and accuracy in first-person shooter games. These are often favored by professional gamers who can’t stand anything less than perfect precision.
You can rewrite your rig – or your game.
You can change the physical appearance of your PC, and in many games, you can also change the gameplay by modifying the game itself. Imagine hunting down opponents on a new map or changing the skins of different characters to add more personality to your game. You can often download mods from other gamers, so you don't have to do any of the work yourself. Once you dive deeper into the game and get into mods, anything is possible.
Computer games cost less.
While many gamers first think about the cost of building a PC, one of the less discussed benefits of PC gaming is the cost of PC games. With many digital distribution platforms offering PC games, this option allows gamers to shop around, and many find that PC games are cheaper than their console-specific versions.
PC exclusive titles
It's true that some games remain console exclusives, but other popular games are PC exclusives. Just like with a console, consider which system offers the games you like before making a commitment.
Result
When considering the epic battle between console and PC, it's important to consider not only your budget, but also the overall experience you want to have. As a gamer, are you more concerned with convenience? Or cost? Online multiplayer? Do you enjoy upgrading your computer or are you a fan of the idea that PC gaming is king? Because of all the advantages that PC gaming offers, it's a better experience to play on PC than on console. No matter what you choose, the important thing is to play and have fun.
