The battle that divides gamers. PC vs console gaming has been a hot debate for a decade now and in my opinion, PC gaming takes the crown based on pure gameplay capabilities.
However, it’s more complicated than some might think and credit must be given where it’s due – so let’s get into it.
Below are the pros and cons of both PC and console gaming:
PC gaming
Pros:
- Versatility
- Customization
- Performance
PCs offer more value than just their gaming capabilities, as they can also be used for video editing, online shopping, homework, zoom classes, and a whole lot more.
They are also more customizable than consoles, as you have a massive variety of hardware options that allow you to optimize the look and performance of your computer. You also have access to a lot more games through Steam and other clients.
In-game settings are also customizable. Whether you want to play in 1440p with ultra settings, or would rather lower your graphics settings for a higher refresh rate, PC gaming has you covered.
These are things that you just can’t get or do using a console.
Cons:
- Price
- Game optimization’s
Due to the global hardware shortage, PC hardware is very overpriced. For example, shopping for a graphics card that will run on par with the latest console will often cost you more than the console itself.
Another issue is that PC game developers struggle to optimize their games because of the wide variety of PC specs. This means that you’ll have to always check the game’s minimum system requirements to ensure it will run on your PC.
Console gaming
Pros:
- Value for money
- Simplicity
The new consoles are very well priced for what you get in terms of hardware. In today’s market, to get similar PC specs to the latest consoles you’ll be looking at paying three times the price.
Another pro is the “plug and play” factor of a console. All you need to do is plug in the power and HDMI cable and you’re up and gaming – making it super portable as well.
Cons:
- Set FPS
- Paid online multi-player
Both the Xbox series X and PS5 Pro run at 120 fps. For the casual gamer, this is more than enough. However, for competitive gaming where every edge gives you an advantage, having limited fps is a problem.
Consoles also charge you for the privilege of paying online. Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus cost R600 and R750 per year respectively, and given the average five-year lifespan of a console, that’s R3,000 to R3,750 just to play online.
Overall, the PC is still superior. It provides customizability while high-end components provide better performance and visuals – giving you a better connection to the game while allowing you to take your gaming to the next level.
However, at the moment, PC gaming is very expensive, which may make consoles more appealing to gamers who are currently in the market.
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