Battle Of Gaming Systems : PC vs Console(s)

One of the hottest topics of debate on the Internet is the cut-throat competition between PC (gamers) and console (gamers).

One might argue that PC being the more powerful and flexible competitor is the definite winner, but there is enough reason to not take this at face value. Gamers would crown a different winner depending on their interests. Here’s why

PC

• Has more powerful options of video/graphic cards as well as processors, should the user decide to invest that much. This makes PC the more powerful system of the two.
• Customisable/flexible in a way that allows the user to pick his/her own options for different components. The user can decide to either spend less with a mid-range gaming PC or choose to invest in a high-end PC complete with a 4K display, a 7.1 digital surround sound compatible sound card and the latest  Nvidia GeForce GTX Titan X (who wouldn’t want that?).
• Even with the upcoming tide on Indie games for consoles - thanks to the PlayStation - PC still rules when it comes to the number of indie options available. Also, while this may seem insignificant you can develop and play your own games on the PC. This is next to impossible with consoles if you are/work for an AAA developer.
• While consoles-run games that are made specifically for them and hardly ever have the capability to play the games of any of its own predecessors, any PC game, be it from 2005 or 2015, if compatible with the operating system of the PC, can be played on it.
• PCs are far more upgradable. This means that as new features/gimmicks are introduced like gaming in 4K, it can be immediately adapted by PC gamers. However, since consoles lack customisation, the only way anything new can be introduced is by releasing an updated version of the console or a new console itself.
• Certain games types like MOBAs and MMOGs cannot be played using a controller and require the use of a keyboard and a mouse.
• Availability of a large number of mods, which can be easily installed.
• A collection of innumerable free-to-play titles ensures that even the most miserly can own a game or two.

CONSOLE

• Consoles are a lot cheaper. Mostly because the console itself is built for a single purpose: To play games. On the other hand, the PC is made to do much more than gaming, and this means that the PC would have to be optimised such that it can do any task effectively, which incurs additional costs.
• One very important advantage of using a console over a PC is that every game available for a console can be played on that console. For the PC, on the other hand, games (especially new ones) carry a minimum requirements (of specs). If the PC does not fulfil these minimum requirements then the game cannot be played on it.
• Hacking and use of cheats in online multiplayer is on a much smaller scale on consoles than it is on PC games.
• Every game released on a console is optimised to be played with the controller. On the PC, however, certain games like Don Bradman Cricket cannot be played with the mouse and keyboard and require you to buy additional equipment.  But how well the developers manage to optimise the use of controllers on consoles is a completely different issue altogether.

Conclusion

I haven’t been able to mention all the pros and cons of gaming on PC or on console, but looking at the overall perspective and everything listed above, it’s very easy to come to a conclusion.
When looked at from a technical perspective, PC seems like a much better gaming option. For starters, it’s more powerful. A well-rigged PC can play a game with great graphics and with much lesser lag than is present on consoles.
But practically, it all boils down to your personal choice.

If you’re one who doesn’t mind investing a lot in games or if you consider gaming to be a passion more than just a recreation, then the PC would be the best choice for you.
However, if you’re a casual gamer and play games to unwind after a busy day or play just for fun, then the couch-oriented console would be the better choice.
In the end, just remember that it’s not about the system, it’s about the game.

The PC versus console debate isn’t one that will be buried soon. However, it could certainly be overshadowed by another budding argument – the clash between the Xbox One and the PS4. But that topic is best left for later.

Pranav is a 17 year old whose passion is writing reviews and articles on technology and gaming. His gaming tag is Fleet Admiral. You can check out his tech vlog at: www.youtube.com/user/pranavnairtech or contact him at pranavnairtech@gmail.com