Console gaming / PC gaming

[I_Hate_MGS]

I have always been a hardcore console gamer. Only console gaming. Probably the only PC game Ive played since the days of oregon trail has been spore. However, recent events in my life caused me to sell off my entire video game collection. All consoles, games, everything. So now that money is starting to slowly flow my way again, obviously the first thing I want to do is start gaming again (woot). Stepping back to look at all my options for gaming, I now question my commitment to console gaming.

Things have changed in the gaming world and the difference between console games and pc games is not as distinct. Consoles act more like pc's and a huge number of console games make their way to PC. However it seems that the number of PC games that make their way to consoles is much much smaller. Consoles appear more like underpowered dedicated gaming PC's. So I question, why not just build a higher end gaming PC that I could probably get more use out of and still play the bulk of the games I would have on console and many that I wouldnt have had the opportunity to? This is all in exception to nintendo of course, which still operates in the same classic gameing mode they always have.

But Im not looking for advice for myself, just looking to hear the view of the GR community on this issue. How do you all see the gaming world in the aspect of console vs pc gaming? Is there a compelling reason to dedicate more money to one or the other, or have they become too similar to really have a preference?

 

[Longo_2_guns]

A good PC will always trump a console. However, cost and maintenance are a big factor with them that aren't as much of a problem as with consoles. And with a lot of recent games getting a little shafted on their PC counterparts, the gap separating PC dominance from the consoles is closing in.

But then again, you can do shit on PC that you can't do as easily on consoles. Like, easily use the internet. And porn. And piracy.

Ultimately, though, it's all the same. I'm fortunate to have every option, and I can tell you it's all good/bad right now.

 

[madster111]

I dedicate little money to PC gaming because my computers are always powerful gaming rigs anyway.
To date though, excluding laptop cost, i've only spent like $600 on PC gaming.
While my current console spending totals well over $2000.

 

[De-Ting]

You can get a pretty good computer nowadays for cheap. Couple that together with a PS3, and you're in business. That'll get ya access to console-only games and free online multiplayer.

 

[TheDiesel]

I used to be a huge console gamer, and it used to be the only thing I'd play. When I got into QA Testing for video game companies, I invested in a new computer to work at home and honestly haven't looked back. I love the PC community more than console community and it's a huge difference in most games [Take Modern Warfare 2 for instance, console gamers won't shut up while 95% of PC Gamers don't talk in casual gameplay.]

I still play console games, just not nearly as much now due to PC.

 

[SK]

ex bee el pal

 

[Longo_2_guns]

Ironically, Xbox live is actually a great point in defending PC's as better than consoles.

I mean, paying $60 a year for a feature that's completely free, with better features, on PC or almost the same product for free on PS3, or the exact same product is available for less money.

 

[keepithowitis]

I own a PC and a 360, and I've got to say I enjoy them both a lot. However, when it comes down to which one I use more, it's gotta go to the PC. Sure, consoles are there for the social aspect (online multiplayer/co-op, etc) but nothing can beat a good RPG or RTS on PC. If you throw in PC multiplayer and the ease of getting people together for a LAN party or otherwise, it can be a lot of fun, and less of a hassle than consoles. Coupled with the modding community and the extra features (text/voice chat, special offers, generally lower prices on games) PC gaming is a ton of fun. However, there are plenty of downsides. Although you get free online and cheaper games, a good gaming computer can start at $500 for something that'll run the latest games at average settings, to up to $10,000 for a monster rig that'll be maxing games out for years to come. If you want something that'll be relevant for the next two to three years, there are plenty of choices in the $1,000-2,000 range that'll work well. Keep in mind you'll save a few hundred dollars building your computer on your own as opposed to buying it, along with some great customization features and the like.

 

[madster111]

$800 will get you a gaming PC able to run most games on high settings.

 

[10000_Squirrels]

I don't know. I have both a PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, and the system I buy games for the most is a tie between the 360 and PS3. I've only bought and played 4 games to date for the PC in the past 7 years, and only 2 of those I played for more than 4 months. My rig can run Starcraft II maxxed out, and I got it in 2007, but... I don't know, there's just an ease of use in the consoles, there's no installation times (usually), there's almost never controls that you have to customize in order to work right, and then you don't have to worry about graphics card compatibility or processing speed compatibility or having to sacrifice graphics for framerate or detail. It's just easier to start up consoles, and while the modding communities are amazing, I don't know if I'd want to do the switch over to PCs if only because of the problems I've had with Windows and compatibility and everything else that comes with PCs in everyday use.