Winner Takes All
A longstanding debate in the gamer space has certainly been the argument between PC and console users. Some people swear by their Nintendo Switches and Play Station 5’s, but others believe the PC does it all and does it better. No matter which side you land on, you have to admit there are perks to each case.
1. Customizable Hardware
PCs are highly customizable when it comes to basically any components. Whether you need a better CPU, GPU, or more RAM, you can change it up whenever you want. Staying up to date with better graphics and realistic VR gaming is incredibly easy.
2. Visuals Are Better
When it comes to graphics, the PC is far more superior in higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, as well as better overall graphics. With more advanced GPUs than most consoles, you never have to worry about your game looking bad. This provides a better and more immersive experience when gaming.
3. Mouse is Easier to Use
Using a mouse to aim or click stuff will always be more precise and faster. Whenever there is a game that allows cross-platform between consoles and PC, most higher-ranked players tend to be the mouse and keyboard users on the PC. Consoles are so imprecise at this, especially in FPS games, that almost every game with cross-platform available gives the console players an aim-assist option.
4. Mod Your Games
If you have ever wanted to modify your favorite game with custom content or just spice things up, PCs are the way to go. From new skins to entirely new gameplay mechanics, there’s no limit to what you can do with mods. There is a way to do this to an extent on consoles, but it’s not anywhere near the simplicity of doing it on the PC.
5. PC Games Cost Less
With platforms such as Steam and Epic Games frequently offering incredible discounts on games, PCs will save you money every time you buy a game compared to any console. Buying games in bundles, or straight up having free games or unpaid content is a more frequent thing on PCs compared to consoles. There are also bundles that happen very often where you can buy multiple games at a very discounted rate.
6. More Exclusive Titles
While both PC and consoles have exclusive titles, PC offers a much more vast range of games. Many indie developers release their games exclusively for the PC because of lower publishing costs. This makes the PC the perfect platform for virtually infinite game options.
7. Better Performance
When it comes to performance, PCs outperform any console. With so many options for the PC and the possibility for upgrades, performance will never be an issue. PCs also give you the option to tweak your in-game settings for balancing visuals and game speed.
8. Backward Compatibility
Unlike consoles that release an upgraded or next version of the same console, you can play any game ever made for any PC to this day. Console gamers have often complained that their favorite titles for the PS1 or PS2 are still not available on the PS5, and likely will not be ever again. This is an issue that will never happen on a PC, as you can play games from as far as the first PC ever, even today.
9. No Need For Subscriptions
More often than not, consoles make you pay for some sort of subscription to play games or to be able to play online. You will never have to do this when it comes to most PC games, as all you need is your internet connection and the game you want to play. PCs also have a lot more free games than any console out there.
10. More Games
From indie games to AAA blockbusters, there’s absolutely no lack of games on the PC. The number of games available for the PC is greater than all current consoles combined. With this many titles, you are sure to find something to play that you’ll like.
Now that we have talked about the benefits of a PC, let’s discuss what makes consoles a great choice.
1. Cheaper Than PCs
Consoles are usually more affordable than PCs, as you don’t have to buy or upgrade any parts. Given that they are a one-time purchase, they are available to a much wider audience pool. This makes them a more convenient option.
2. Easier Multiplayer
Local multiplayer is a lot simpler on consoles than it is on the PC. Games like Smash Bros, sports games, or co-op puzzles are super simple to play. Simply grab a controller, give the other one to your friend, and you’re set.
3. Simple Setup
Setting up a console compared to the PC is a breeze. You take it out of the box, plug in the power, put the game in, and you’re ready to play. Unlike the PCs, there’s no need to worry about the game being compatible with your drivers or your graphics card.
4. Easy To Use
Consoles are a very user-friendly experience compared to any PC. The interfaces are simpler and features like quick-start menus make it one-click-access. Simply put, when you pick up the controller, you are seconds away from playing the game.
5. Wireless Controllers
Speaking of controllers, console wireless controllers give you the freedom of movement and comfort. You are not bound to a gaming chair and desk when it comes to consoles, as their wireless controllers give you the option to lounge on your comfy couch while you play games. This makes it more enjoyable in many aspects of playing video games.
6. Games Are Always Playable
While PCs do have better graphics and performance in many cases, consoles are specifically optimized to always run the games with no compatibility or performance issues. You never have to worry about your system not being strong enough to run a game, as that game is made specifically for your specs. This gives a smoother experience when starting up a game every time.
7. Screen is Further
Consoles are designed for use with our TVs, which are often a lot further from our eyes than PC monitors. This gives our eyes a much further point of focus, preventing headaches and increasing comfort. This goes double for people working on computers and staring at screens for most of their day.
8. Portable
Consoles like the Nintendo Switch and the PSP are specifically built with portability in mind. You can easily take your console anywhere with you and play games on the go. This is technically possible with a laptop, but handheld consoles are much more practical and take up less space.
9. Share Games
Physical copies of games are great collector's items, but they also have another benefit. You can lend or give your game to your friends or borrow one from them too, allowing you both to play the same game off of one disc or cartridge. This saves money in the long run, especially if you want to trade games with your friends.
10. Plug And Play
Unlike PCs, where there’s constant worry about driver updates and installations, consoles are a simple plug-and-play situation. You can literally unbox a new console, plug in a game, and you’re good to go. Even digital downloads are extremely fast and convenient, making consoles a lot faster and more enjoyable when it comes to starting up a new game.