The 3 Reasons I Buy Consoles
As I stare down the barrel of this new year, it seems there’s a lot of pressure to get a new gaming system. We’ll see more new console games, mobile puzzle games taking the States by storm, and the ever-innovative world of PC games will likely ramp up the graphics (again). It’s all very exciting, but new development always means upgrades. So, with that in mind, I’m faced with a New Year’s dilemma: computer or console?
I’m what you might call a “fringe gamer;” I do it sometimes, largely with friends, and it’s not my top priority. I love videogames, but my ties to them aren’t as strong as some. I’ve completed most of the Modern Warfare series. I beat all the Arkham games and loved them. I’ll forever love Team Fortress 2. But I also pre-ordered L.A. Noire for my 360, played it for a month, and didn’t get past the first disc. I have fond memories of playing Super Mario Sunshine — didn’t beat that one either. I don’t invest in games as much as some gamers. That’s why for me — maybe for fringe gamers in general — the PC doesn’t make sense.
That’s not to say I don’t use my PC. I backed Superhot on Kickstarter — which is exclusively for PC — and I’m super pumped. The Orange Box is still the greatest, and I’ll open up Minecraft every once in a while. I like PC gaming, but it doesn’t work for everything. I prefer console gaming, for three reasons:
1. Social Gaming
Case in point: what if I want to play split screen? It’s not as popular now, but many gamers are still social people. As a matter of fact, a study from the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication “troubles the persistent notion that MMOGs are analogous to (rather than embedded in) real life contexts.” That’s a wordy way of saying “people who play games interact with people in person too,” and the study found people who met in real life often ended up gaming together. So what if I want to game with someone IRL?
I guess we could have a LAN party. Those are always fun. But when everyone has to bring their own computer, a screen, and a powerbar, things get a little crowded. And when all they can talk about is Titanfall or Destiny, I’m not reaching for a keyboard and mouse. I start to pine for an Xbox One.
But hey, you can use your PC for online social gaming — as long as your computer can handle the graphics, you don’t mind doing a ton of research, and all your friends have capable systems. Oh, and you’ll need the right gear to get started. Speaking of which…
2. Difficult Peripherals
For example, let’s assume you prefer controllers to mouse-and-keyboard (I do, and yes I know that’s weird). A controller doesn’t come with your gaming PC, Mr. Fringe. You’ll have to buy that. You’ll also need a headset to communicate with your friends — guess you’re buying that too. Do you like racing games? I guess you’re gonna need a steering wheel. In general, if you need a PC peripheral, you’d better have deep pockets — especially if you want licensed gear.
3. Research and Configuration
And hey, while we’re on the subject of buying, which PC will you get? Or rather, which configuration of which brands will you cobble together? There are hundreds of brands with millions of parts and billions of possible hardware configurations — how will you know what suits you and your budget? You can buy pre-built gaming PCs, but from who, at what price point, and how long will they last?
There’s no such hassle with consoles. Each of the three available consoles has almost nothing to configure, tightly set prices, and inexpensive, easy-to-find accessories.
Plus, when my friends buy a PS4, an Xbox One, or a Wii U, I can play online without worrying about their hardware. Their machines can handle it. I know their headset is decent quality, because I probably bought the same one. I also know I don’t have to scour TeamSpeak for a free, private server — I can invite specific people to play with me. Sure, I can do all that console stuff on PC, but not out of the box.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’m not saying these are impossible obstacles. Or that consoles are inherently better. PCs are great in their own right. But they require research, configuration, and compatibility, which sounds a lot like work.
And for someone like me — for a fringe gamer — why would I work to play a game?
Riley is a part-time gamer, student, grammar nerd, and co-host of The Intelli-Gents. You can reach him on Twitter, Facebook, or via email at riley.d.mcdonald@gmail.com.
