PC versus Console Gaming
A Modern-Day Butter Battle?
When the news broke, “Nintendo Shipped Switch Consoles by Plane to Meet High Demand,” it got me thinking about the difference between PC Games and Console Games and questioning, which is better and does the difference come down to nothing more than preference?
In hindsight, it is easy to see how the PC could be the gaming device of choice. It has been around longer, the PC gaming industry is worth $36 billion and it holds the origin rights to competitive gaming. Even with the storied history of competitive PC gaming, the console continues to gain ground.
Today, the console market is worth $34 billion, I think in part due to nostalgia. Think about it; last year, the NES Classic Edition sold out within hours of its release. Although the console retailed for $60, black market resale had consumers, in some cases, paying over $200 for the trip down memory lane. Nostalgia aside, developers continue to add hardware functionality that is increasing the popularity of gaming Consoles.
So, how to decide? For some, PC or Console, may seem like nothing more than a modern-day butter battle, you know, like the Dr. Seuss book in which two different societies wage war over which side of the bread to butter? For others is comes down to the overall gaming experience and opportunities for other uses. When considering a solution here are a few of things to keep in mind:
1. Graphics: What I hear from most gamers, and where I’d have to agree, is the graphics in a PC game are far superior to those in a Console game. To play a game with exceptional graphics, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a PC. As a recent article points out, a modern $400 gaming PC has a graphical advantage against Consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. PCs are just better equipped to run games at higher graphics than Consoles can handle.
2. Use: Are you a serious gamer or a novice? For those who want a solution that can deliver multiple options, a Console may be the way to go. Consoles give you the ability to play games, stream movies, watch DVDs and, in some cases, can serve as an Internet gateway if you haven’t moved to a next generation smart TV.
3. Cost: For serious gamers, a top-of-the-line gaming PC can run into the thousands of dollars, while the latest Console tops out in the $500 range. However, if your decision hinges on cost, beware. If you decide to go the PC route, upfront costs may be higher, but PCs are easier to update so your total cost of ownership goes down, the longer you have the machine. Consoles may have a lower cost of entry, but they are tough to update and may require the purchase of a new system with advancements in gaming technology. As the owner of a Playstation, a Playstation 2, a Playstation 3 and yes, a Playstation 4, I know this all too well.
Regardless of which side you butter your bread on, the PC side or the Console side, remember games are developed for specific platforms and adapted for others. If you’re playing a PC game that is also available for Console, the PC experience is going to be richer. Also, your choice may depend on the games you’d like to play, keeping in mind, more games are developed for PCs than for Consoles.
