There are often these so called “religious wars” in the technology world. Mac vs PC, Android vs iOS, PlayStation vs XBOX – you name it. In the world of gaming however, there’s a whole new level of competition. While PC gaming is almost exclusively in the hands of Microsoft with its Windows operating system (although MacOS and Linux are beginning to develop), the console side is divided into a well-established triarchy, which started with the presentation of the first Xbox, in 2001. Up to that date, Nintendo was the leader in the console world, while Sony launched the first Playstation in 1994. It is clear to everyone that Nintendo, Playstation and Xbox are the kings of the console market. So with that in mind, let’s talk about the pros and cons on Console compared to PC gaming.
The Advantages of Console Gaming
The comparison between PC and console is an ever-current topic in the gaming world. On one hand, we have those who prefer the immediacy of an Xbox, while on the other, we have those that prefer the power and versatility of a PC. Let’s see the advantages of using a console as a gaming platform.
1. Dedicated Hardware and Software
The engineers that work on consoles have the goal of finding a high-performance hardware for gaming, while keeping production costs not too high. Moreover, it must be a hardware that guarantees long and secure support since the consoles last from 5 to 7 years in general. In addition, it is necessary to provide the console with an attractive design as that object will be displayed in plain sight in the future buyer’s house. The controller itself is especially designed to provide maximum ergonomics and responsiveness as well as to ensure efficiency and reliability for every type of game. Unlike the keyboards, the controller allows you to have all the keys dedicated to the game in a single compact device.
Therefore, the real advantage of a console is the symbiosis between hardware and software, which has only one goal: gaming.
2. Local Multiplayer
Consoles have became popular in the family environment because they allow to aggregate family members or friends with a common purpose: fun. The controller, in its simplicity, can be used by people of all ages. Nowadays, outside the timeless classic football titles, there are also other new multiplayer adventure games available.
3. Exclusive games
It is undeniable that, from the outside, in most cases the hardware components of a console can be less performant than those of the PC. But, there is a huge BUT. Software houses create exclusive games for consoles, which do not work on PCs. For instance, some titles can only be played on this platform. Of course, we can also find games available for any device and platform. Games like Dragon Age, Battlefield, Call of Duty, FIFA, or other types of entertainment games for that matter, like video slots based on football in the casino genre. But the quality of exclusive games for consoles is unique, as shown by Quantum Break, Sunset Overdrive, and Gears of War, to name only a few. Moreover, console games have, in general, better stability and do not face the widespread problem of piracy. Last but not least, while computers rely almost exclusively on digital copies of games, consoles still often use physical copies that can be resold.
4. Cost and Duration
One of the factors that leads to the purchase of a console is the cost. The price of consoles is normally below 600$. Moreover, it often happens that electronic shops offer interesting discounts or allow the purchase of a console plus a game that, taken individually, would certainly cost more. Let’s do a simple calculation: if a console allows us to play 7 years continuously paying 500$, the annual cost would be about 71$, guaranteeing us excellent performance.
If we have a look at a PC, the equivalent in terms of graphic rendering would cost at least 200$ more (without counting the cost of the monitor and the Windows license) and probably would not always guarantee a high level of performance throughout the years without having to upgrade the hardware.
5. Reliability and Ease of Use
The consoles are reliable, and this is a fact. It is very rare to find a defect in console hardware and to call the assistance. And, if it is the case, there is a very reliable and professional service that allows to solve the problem quickly. On the other hand, PCs having a multitude of producers, often with assistance services that are not so excellent. Of course, it is not always the case, but we have to think one important thing: consoles are developed with the sole purpose of playing video games, while PCs can also be used for many other tasks.
With regard to ease of use, it is undeniable that this is an area where the consoles are the master. I press the power button, insert the cd and play. Although today the features of modern consoles go far beyond the “switch on and play”, for those who want to play without worry, a console is always preferable. In addition, it should be noted that, in some cases, the consoles allow you to play even if the installation is not yet complete. The same can not be said for PCs that, regardless of the operating system that mount, must cope with multiple other operations that do not have the sole purpose of gaming.
In conclusion, if we talk about pure gaming, the winner is the console. But, if you are also looking for a device that allows you to do other things without occupying space with additional devices, then a computer is definitely the best choice. The important thing is always to make an informed choice when it comes to choosing which platform to adopt. And then, of course, have fun!
