PC Gaming vs Console Gaming

[Yantelope]

I used to really really not understand how people like Apple computers and other simple devices until I had to work retail and saw just how many people will never do anything more with a camera than turn it on and click the button to take a picture. I'd say at least half of all people will never use anything other than "full auto". So many people can't be bothered to read the manual or even do a google search to answer a question. All that being said I think the appeal of consoles is still guaranteed compatibility and cost.

[deanb]

I still think cost is stupid.

 

I don't know anyone who owns only a console. If you're up for spending several hundred on a PC so you can facebook, then surely sticking a £100 card in too to be able to play a fair chunk of games on top of that.

£400 for facebook = okay

£100 for gaming = too expensive.

 

Heck even the most basic of PC's will play a fair chunk of games. These days there's tons of indie titles that run on nothing. I have a £200 netbook, got about 15-20 games installed n working on it. Some as old as HL1, some as new as Frozen Synapse. That's a 1.6ghz processor n Intel GMA. And less than the cost of a console. An entire PC.

 

PC gaming is much much cheaper than console gaming. This is fact. It only gets expensive when you start adding on the absolute top end stuff. Running it on par with consoles is certainly cheaper, if you want the fancy bells n whistles, higher than HD looks, AA, etc then you still have a good way before it costs more than console.

[Yantelope]

More and more I'm seeing people who just use laptops and they only drop about $500-600 on them and the graphics in them suck. Also, converting a standard HP tower to a gaming PC sucks. Usually the motherboards suck and don't take too kindly to adding in new memory or graphics cards but on top of that the PSU is almost always under 300w. Then if you do want to upgrade your PSU it probably wont fit in those stupid towers they use. we had an IBM with a PSU hanging out of the back of it for a while because of this. That being said there are companies like iBuypower who are providing custom built systems at very good prices which people in the know are getting so that they can game at around $600. Also, $400 on a console will last you 6 or more years (RRoD's excluded) which is hard to be said for a gaming PC.

[deanb]

If yo're spending $400 lump on a single GPU you deserve to be shafted.

Even if you get a new $200 card once every 3 years you'll do very well. $200 will net you (looking at new egg) a GTX560, a very respectable card. Just going with $100 and upgrading every 18months you can get yourself a GTX460(Well $109). The GTX400 series came out April last year, any owners here with one feeling they want to upgrade in a few months?

 

I'm currently on a now 2 year old 9600GT, currently $70. I'm not able to pump things out at the absolute best graphics on some of the latest games, but I can still play with a quality that puts a fair chunk of my console games to shame.

[Yantelope]

That's a fair point. The cost is even less than that too if you factor in the $100 you can usually get by selling your old card.

[Kovach_]

And PC games are a lot cheaper than console games. If you buy 10 new games a year, thats 100$ difference there. That's a new gpu. Or RAM. Or whatever.

[P4: Gritty Reboot]

Plus, don't know if it's been mentioned, but games are much cheaper. Not only is MSRP $10 cheaper on average (Call of Duty titles excluded), but constant Steam sales mean I have more games to play right now than I know what to do with, and I'm not particularly rich. Also, games tend to come down in price much more quickly.

[RockyRan]

Just want to throw into the mix that console gaming is getting increasingly less accessible. These days I can't pop in a new PS3 game without getting a damn "UPDATE NAO LOLZ" splash screen followed by 10 minutes of NOT playing the game I just bought.

 

The "console gaming is far simpler than PC gaming" thing was probably very true in the SNES days, but not today. Today all I really have to do when I get a new PC game is download it from Steam, boot it up, and get to playing. Since I got my new PC last August I haven't had any of those issues that make me "fix" my PC for days on end, and considering the fact that I literally got my PC parts from a prescribed list without me having to think at all if any of them were compatible, I'm completely confident in saying PC gaming is FAR more accessible now than it has ever been.

[deanb]

Plus, don't know if it's been mentioned, but games are much cheaper.

 

And PC games are a lot cheaper than console games. If you buy 10 new games a year, thats 100$ difference there. That's a new gpu. Or RAM. Or whatever.

 

 

No I don't think it has been mentioned

[CorgiShinobi]

Just want to throw into the mix that console gaming is getting increasingly less accessible. These days I can't pop in a new PS3 game without getting a damn "UPDATE NAO LOLZ" splash screen followed by 10 minutes of NOT playing the game I just bought.

Wait, wait, wait...

 

It's difficult to:

1) Insert disc

2) Push a button to accept update

3) Sit for three minutes as the console downloads and installs the update

4) Play the game

 

That's all I did when inFAMOUS 2 had "Update 1.01" upon insertion. It was truly difficult on my end. Then again, who am I to judge when I know there are people who can't run a System Update, even when the console itself tells them to update and where to update.

[Kovach_]

So, Rocky, you would rather play an unpatched game? I... can't understand that.

[deanb]

Just want to throw into the mix that console gaming is getting increasingly less accessible. These days I can't pop in a new PS3 game without getting a damn "UPDATE NAO LOLZ" splash screen followed by 10 minutes of NOT playing the game I just bought.

Wait, wait, wait...

 

It's difficult to:

1) Insert disc

2) Push a button to accept update

3) Sit for three minutes as the console downloads and installs the update

4) Play the game

 

That's all I did when inFAMOUS 2 had "Update 1.01" upon insertion. It was truly difficult on my end. Then again, who am I to judge when I know there are people who can't run a System Update, even when the console itself tells them to update and where to update.

 

Didn't imply it was difficult just that:

1) Click Icon

2) Push a button to accept update

3) Sit for three minutes as the console downloads and installs the update

4) Play the game

 

 

Is much more accessible.

 

 

[Yantelope]

updating on xbox is actually very painless. It's much much quicker than PS3.

[deanb]

Still not really as quick as updated several hours ago.

[Saturnine Tenshi]

PCs aren't accessible to your everyday half-wit.

 

[Battra92]

This is the numero-uno reason I prefer console gaming over PC gaming.

 

PC Gaming:

 

vs sitting on the comfy couch or in a recliner, or cuddling with the fiancee while I play some games. The keyboard/mouse combo doesn't work for either of those and for games that I can play with a controller on, I'd rather skip the hassle and play on the PS3/360. Also, the best Wii titles are exclusively on the Wii so I have to play them there.

[excel_excel]

What sort of JRPGs are you into? Depending on the approach, there is a potential gold mine on PC. Both for Action RPGs and RPGs with VN elements. I'm not too versed in action games. And platformers... well, uh... someone chime in because I know there is a wealth of those only on PC.

 

WHERE ARE THESE JRPGS AND OTHER STUFF YOU TALK ABOUT?

 

Also just want to throw in that in one Steam sale I got Darksiders for €7.50. You ain't gonna get it at price on consoles!

 

Still. I hate Steams normal prices. They really have to improve that side!

[RockyRan]

Just want to throw into the mix that console gaming is getting increasingly less accessible. These days I can't pop in a new PS3 game without getting a damn "UPDATE NAO LOLZ" splash screen followed by 10 minutes of NOT playing the game I just bought.

Wait, wait, wait...

 

It's difficult to:

1) Insert disc

2) Push a button to accept update

3) Sit for three minutes as the console downloads and installs the update

4) Play the game

 

That's all I did when inFAMOUS 2 had "Update 1.01" upon insertion. It was truly difficult on my end. Then again, who am I to judge when I know there are people who can't run a System Update, even when the console itself tells them to update and where to update.

 

Way to miss the point. My point is that it's no longer about "just pop in the disc and play" that a lot of PC naysayers like to say. The point is that gaming consoles are getting increasingly more complex to the point where you have to wait several minutes (and in some cases upwards of an hour) to boot up the game you just bought, not to mention whatever happens when the console isn't connecting online for some dumb reason (which has happened more often than I would like it to) or you get an RROD.

 

Like I said, the days of "pop game in, play" are over for consoles. I don't find consoles to be any less of a hassle than the PC.

 

 

vs sitting on the comfy couch or in a recliner, or cuddling with the fiancee while I play some games.

 

Most common urban myth regarding PC gaming. If you hate sitting on a desk so much, simply plug your PC to your TV and get a controller. Works mighty nice and makes games look far better than on consoles (native 1080p, copious amounts of anti-aliasing, 60+ FPS, getting to use a mouse for shooters, etc.). Never did see the validity of the "don't like to sit on desks" complaint.

Edited June 8, 2011 by RockyRan

[deanb]

This is the numero-uno reason I prefer console gaming over PC gaming.

 

PC Gaming:

 

vs sitting on the comfy couch or in a recliner, or cuddling with the fiancee while I play some games. The keyboard/mouse combo doesn't work for either of those and for games that I can play with a controller on, I'd rather skip the hassle and play on the PS3/360. Also, the best Wii titles are exclusively on the Wii so I have to play them there.

 

 

Back of your average HDTV:

 

 

The bit that says PC IN is surprisingly not for your Police Constable.

 

And what hassle is involved between using a pad on a PC and on a console? Plug cable in the front USB. Sorted. It's the exact same on all three platforms.

 

As for Kb/M, there's wireless options. You might want a TV table if you intend to make it your main input. If not you can get dinky kb/m controllers like this which would help control the OS where the joypad doesn't work.

 

 

I get that PC Gaming doesn't suit all people and circumstances, but it's a bit "eurgh" when the reasons folks use are things like "it's a hassle to do the same thing I do okay on console".

 

What sort of JRPGs are you into? Depending on the approach, there is a potential gold mine on PC. Both for Action RPGs and RPGs with VN elements. I'm not too versed in action games. And platformers... well, uh... someone chime in because I know there is a wealth of those only on PC.

 

WHERE ARE THESE JRPGS AND OTHER STUFF YOU TALK ABOUT?

 

I've got Last Remnant which is a decent JRPG. (also PC is the only platform it runs on half-fine) There's that Recettear too. You can emulate for most titles 6th gen n before. There's a Shin Megami Tensei MMO too.

[Yantelope]

It's not always possible/convenient to have your PC next to your TV. Also, consoles are still less of a hassle than computers with the possible exception of steam. I will say the purchase and play method steam uses to install and update all the games seamlessly is about as close to painless as can be.

[Saturnine Tenshi]

I'll make a list of JRPGs. Just got back from the fitness center, so I'm cooling down atm.

 

Wrt sitting at the PC: my fiancee sits in(or administers) my lap while I'm on PC. No less comfortable than a couch for me. I don't even play my PS3 on the couch. I plug the HDMI into my monitor.

 

Anyway, the "hassle" of a PC is worth it. You get far more out of the platform.

Edited June 8, 2011 by Saturnine Tenshi

[CorgiShinobi]

Just want to throw into the mix that console gaming is getting increasingly less accessible. These days I can't pop in a new PS3 game without getting a damn "UPDATE NAO LOLZ" splash screen followed by 10 minutes of NOT playing the game I just bought.

Wait, wait, wait...

 

It's difficult to:

1) Insert disc

2) Push a button to accept update

3) Sit for three minutes as the console downloads and installs the update

4) Play the game

 

That's all I did when inFAMOUS 2 had "Update 1.01" upon insertion. It was truly difficult on my end. Then again, who am I to judge when I know there are people who can't run a System Update, even when the console itself tells them to update and where to update.

 

Way to miss the point. My point is that it's no longer about "just pop in the disc and play" that a lot of PC naysayers like to say. The point is that gaming consoles are getting increasingly more complex to the point where you have to wait several minutes (and in some cases upwards of an hour) to boot up the game you just bought, not to mention whatever happens when the console isn't connecting online for some dumb reason (which has happened more often than I would like it to) or you get an RROD.

 

Like I said, the days of "pop game in, play" are over for consoles. I don't find consoles to be any less of a hassle than the PC.

 

Oh please, a game getting a patch is hardly "complex." You sit there and the game fixes itself. If your console isn't online, you don't receive the patch and you play. However, you run the chance of playing a buggy/terrible version of the game.

 

Yeah, we're past "pop-in and pray" that version 1.0 you purchased works out of the box. Now we're at a better state where things can be fixed. No, now we're at "pop-in, (possible patch), and play." I don't have to do anything else besides wait a few minutes.

 

And an hour? What cases are these? Never have I had to wait even half an hour for a patch to download and install.

[deanb]

How often were games buggy in the older consoles though? Dodgy translations was about the worst you'd get on a frequent basis.

There's also pop the game in, go the store n redeem your multiplayer mode, then patch, then play.

The general argument here is that most often people will say how much more simple console gaming is because you put the game in and play right away. That all went out the window last gen. And in the same time that consoles have being adding on more n more elements between the process of the disc going in the machine and you playing, services like Steam have reduced PC gaming to a case of clicking an icon n viola the game loads up you mash [Esc]a few times. Games auto-patch (and come all patched up too), they scan your hardware n set up the best settings for your machine, the multiplayer tends to be part of the game. (There's a couple shitty console ports here n there that foul up)

 

They are now on a parity. "Consoles are simpler" is no longer...well no longer truth, nevermind a viable reasoning.

[Saturnine Tenshi]

Steam and its brethren are not the be-all end-all for PCs. You know I'm a firm partisan of the platform. But sometimes, you have to give in. Consoles are simply more accessible and have less problems. That doesn't detract from the PC. Heck, I think it helps the PC by deterring at least a fraction of the current "gamer" crowd.

[CorgiShinobi]

How often were games buggy in the older consoles though? Dodgy translations was about the worst you'd get on a frequent basis.

There's also pop the game in, go the store n redeem your multiplayer mode, then patch, then play.

The general argument here is that most often people will say how much more simple console gaming is because you put the game in and play right away. That all went out the window last gen. And in the same time that consoles have being adding on more n more elements between the process of the disc going in the machine and you playing, services like Steam have reduced PC gaming to a case of clicking an icon n viola the game loads up you mash [Esc]a few times. Games auto-patch (and come all patched up too), they scan your hardware n set up the best settings for your machine, the multiplayer tends to be part of the game. (There's a couple shitty console ports here n there that foul up)

 

They are now on a parity. "Consoles are simpler" is no longer...well no longer truth, nevermind a viable reasoning.

I'll answer that question with another: How often were games perfect in the older consoles though? There were problems, but the result usually was, "this game is crap" instead of "what can be fixed." Pretty much black and white, and if a game had glitches, bugs, and all manner of errors, it was always going to be a crap game.

 

I'm finding it hard to believe that somehow playing games on consoles are too complex. Yes, they've advanced and I don't simply put in a plastic cartridge now. However, can't the same be said for PCs? That it has evolved beyond simply putting a couple of floppy disks into a drive? At the same time, are people really scratch their heads and thinking, "A menu has popped up; WHAT DA HELL DO I DO?"

 

I'm going to verify, just for safety, that I'm not anti-PC or some load. I have a Steam account, even if no one has added me yet (aside from P4, that gentleman).

 

Still, if kids still within their first decade are jumping on these consoles, there can't be some almighty barrier of complexity. Heck, I know there was just talk about cable connections to televisions and consoles, but matching holes and color seems more simple than it was connecting this punk to the family's 80's television.