We live in a modern world where we can finally choose how we want to play our favorite games. Long before, there was only the desktop computer which was the only powerful machine that let us play games.
Gaming consoles rose to popularity years after the desktop computer and offered a more portable and convenient way of playing games.
The issue now is, what is the best option for you? The PC or consoles? Find out how to answer that question below.
Advantages of Having PC
PC and gaming have been available since it was first developed. In the 1970s, people have been using the computer to play games and for many other entertainment purposes.
Consoles, on the other hand, started later in the decade and into the early 1980s.
This means that the personal desktop computer has a lot of advantages being one of the first few electronics that was created.
These are just some of the advantages that the PC has over the gaming console.
Better Performance
Since a PC has more room for hardware, the desktop computer offers better performance.
You also get to enjoy better resolution and graphics which means that you have a good experience playing games on your computer.
Computers are designed to be a lot better at gaming than consoles. If you're looking for proper optimization of your games, PC is the way to go.
Access to More Games
Since the computer has more hardware and can better accommodate intense graphics, it also has more access to games.
You don't have to worry about compatibility issues with the games that are being released since you know that your computer can handle all the intensive graphics.
Some games are exclusive to PC, which many can't say about consoles as they are almost always available on PC right away.
Customize Your Hardware
There will always come a time when your computer will need to be upgraded. The good thing with the computer is that you can also customize your hardware.
This means that you can simply remove the older parts and replace them with new and more powerful ones.
You can invest and upgrade certain parts like the GPU, RAM, and SSD to make your computer even more powerful so it can accommodate more games.
Abundant Accessories
The PC also allows you to connect different kinds of accessories to make your gaming experience a lot better.
You don't get to see different kinds of accessories attached to your gaming console apart from the controller.
With the desktop computer, you can even connect your console controller if you're more comfortable playing your games that way.
Games Cost Less
If you look at the catalog of PC games, you might be surprised to know that they are more affordable than console games.
Apart from the exclusivity, PC games cost around half the price of console games, and you don't even have to go to a physical store just to purchase the games that you like.
They are mostly readily available online on digital platforms for you to download and immediately play.
Advantages of Consoles
Consoles also have certain advantages over PCs. For one, they are remarkably easier to set up and use.
They do not require constant upgrades, and with hundreds or thousands of new games released every year, you can still play them even if your console is already several years old.
Here are some of the other advantages of having a gaming console instead of a PC.
Minimal Set-Up
One of the best advantages of having a gaming console is the minimal time to set up compared to a desktop computer.
There are fewer wires to connect, and all you need to do next is to plug your console and turn it on to play the game.
Unlike the PC, you have everything included in your console, and you don't need to set up a lot of things just to play your game.
No Need for Hardware Upgrade
Another great advantage of gaming consoles is that you do not need to do a lot of upgrades or updates.
With your PC, you need to purchase certain hardware after a few years of using it just to continue playing your games on the same graphics and performance level.
Many consoles only need to have regular updates on their software to remove certain bugs and improve performance.
Availability and Convenience
Gone are the days of bulky gaming consoles that you can only use inside your living room or bedroom. Most consoles today are very light, and you can bring them almost anywhere.
This makes gaming a lot more convenient, and you can bring it with you at a house party or even when you're out traveling.
It is much easier to get your friends together when you have a console due to its smaller size and portability.
Wireless Controllers
Most of the time, PC users have to deal with mouse and keyboard wires as well as those that stick out from your monitor and CPU.
You will need to dwell on keeping them all connected and tied together to prevent it from looking like a total mess.
Gaming consoles nowadays have wireless controllers, so you can be more active while playing your game.
Factors That Affect Your Decision
With all that said, there are still a lot of other factors that you might want to consider first before you make a decision.
Choosing whether you want a desktop computer or a gaming console depends on these factors.
While you may have all the advantages in the world with your given choices, your decision will still boil down to these factors.
Budget
Everyone wants to have their money's worth. You don't want to purchase a PC or console that is lackluster when it comes to performance.
Consoles are generally limited to having the unit, controllers, and games, as well as game passes.
Meanwhile, PCs will need to be upgraded over the years, and it can take a toll on your budget, not to mention the amount of work you need to do to set it up.
Lifestyle
Another factor to consider is your gaming lifestyle. Most gaming consoles offer multiplayer games that you can play together with your friends in the same space.
Multiplayer PC games are often played online, and if you want to have a lifestyle where you want your friends to come over, a gaming console is the best way to entertain them.
There are also a lot of single-player PC games out there if you don't want to deal with other people.
Conclusion
Overall, the decision rests upon you as a player on what you currently want with your games. If you want to have better overall performance and graphics, the PC is the best option. Those who want to socialize more and play casual games with friends and family while maintaining a certain budget can opt for the gaming console.