PC vs. Console – this is a dilemma, the subject of debate for years. Some people swear that gaming is best on pre-built consoles, powered by dedicated and often exclusive hardware and the improved multimedia capabilities. Other consider PC systems and parts for hardcore gamers to be the superior due to its versatility, its ease of use and the ease of upgrading. This article does not want to settle this debate, but it might bring some new arguments into the debate. And, I know all of you know this – I own at least three gaming PCs, and tons of gaming consoles.
1. Dedicated hardware vs. constant upgrades
Gaming on a PC sometimes seems like a vicious circle. Hardware makers build better video cards, processors and faster hard disks, and game developers make use of these technologies to make their games even more amazing. But hardware manufacturers release even better video cards next year, to which game developers respond by… and you know the rest. Last year’s top PC is great to run last year’s games, browse the web, play at online casino canada and watch full HD video, but this year’s games already ask for an even stronger configuration to run at optimal performance.
When it comes to consoles, the hardware is given, forcing game developers to create games that run on the given configuration. This means that a game released on PS3 in 2015 will run on PS3 at optimal performance, no matter what.
So, one point goes to consoles.
2. Range of games
The strict – and often closed – software platforms used by console manufacturers are maybe the biggest force holding independent game developers back when it comes to creating games. Compared to the number of games on Steam only – almost 800 million! – the number of indie titles available for either Xbox, or PlayStation (not to mention Nintendo’s Wii) is minuscule. Besides, the number of free games available for PC users is incredibly high. Consoles can hardly compete with this.
One point goes to the PC.
3. Emulators
There is one huge advantage PCs have on consoles: emulators. A PC strong enough can emulate any other platform, from Android and Commodore 64 to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This makes the PC the perfect gaming hardware as long as you are prepared to put up with the annoying controls used by some of them. Emulators allow players to try games created for a completely different platform, sometimes by a completely different generation of game developers. And this is amazing, if you give it a little thought.
OK, consoles have emulators, too, but the leading consoles will never have emulators for each other – but the PC has for both.
So, another point for the PC.
Settling this debate will surely take much more than just a few points for this side or that. Or maybe the debate will never be settled. People will continue to defend their own side, no matter what – at least until consoles become as modular and versatile as PCs. Because that will settle the debate for good.