Console v/s PC: Are Consoles a Better Gaming Machine than PCs

Gaming PCs are the ultimate beast when it comes to performance and library of games. Nonetheless, the latest PlayStation edition, PS5, has covered a significant distance in terms of performance to provide the same experience somehow. You can compare their specs to find the best machine based on your requirements and budget.

Apart from the specs, you should consider the flexibility offered by a gaming console like PS5. You can carry it to your friend’s house on game nights, unlike the fixed spots of a PC. Here, the other major differences between a PC and console are discussed to help you decide between the two gaming machines. 

 

• Game Collection

 

The first thing to discuss is the availability of titles in both the category of machines. Developers have shifted their focus on console gaming to provide the launch a little early to the audience. The PC versions take a few days to some weeks before the PC version is available in the market.

However, there is a major difference in the available titles for both platforms. Consoles have exclusive titles that make PS or Xbox owners willing to switch their device for some games. You will find every title compatible based on specs, not the brand of your PC. 

 

• Game Acquisition 

 

It is incredibly easy to get a title for PCs. You can download the steam application on any device to play the game. However, physical copies of the games are rarely available in the stores these days.

For consoles, you will find digital and physical copies in the store. You cannot play the same title on some other machine or platform. Moreover, there is an issue of backward compatibility with the games of earlier versions. 

Moreover, you cannot resell the digital copies on the consoles. The same is true for the PCs unless you use grey or black markets. For the physical copies, you can resell them and get some money back once the game is completed. 

 

• Price

 

Price is an important factor while deciding between a console and a PC. You will find consoles cheaper than PCs with a significant difference in the price tag. Even the new consoles are equivalent to a budget gaming PC without the peripherals.

You don’t have to upgrade a console for the entire generation that usually lasts 7 years. For the PCs, the price will differ based on the hardware configuration. You can spend a few hundred pounds on an entry-level PC to thousands if you an enthusiast.

The PCs will provide a better gaming experience with higher FPS and better graphics. However, the price may force you to select a dedicated machine for gaming, such as a console. You can take 15-minutes loans to invest in the gaming PC or console of your choice. 

 

• Compatibility 

 

You don’t have to think twice before purchasing a game developed for the specific platform. There is some issue with the backward compatibility, but these are sorted before the game is available for the next model. The problems may arise because of the hardware damage over time. 

For the PC, you can make endless changes to its configuration and aesthetics. Moreover, it is cheaper to keep it updated with the latest hardware since you can resell the current components. Nevertheless, the components are still quite expensive to burn a hole in your pocket.

 

• Upgradability

 

You cannot do much to the consoles if you want to make a few upgrades. You have to buy the new models with the latest configuration to stay updated. This may seem expensive but a console is good for at least 5 years of use. 

For the PC, you can make endless changes to its configuration and aesthetics. Moreover, it is cheaper to keep it updated with the latest hardware since you have the option to resell the current components. Nevertheless, the components are still quite expensive to burn a hole in your pocket. 

 

• Multipurpose Use

 

The latest consoles work as a centralised system for the home infotainment. You can do much more than playing games on them, including watching videos, listening to music, or communicating with someone. Therefore, you are not investing in a gaming console but an infotainment system as well.

On the other hand, PCs can do things way more than a console. You can use it for office use, entertainment, and educational purposes as well. There is an endless list of supported programs, formats, and applications for a PC.

Conclusion

To sum up, selecting a device between a console and a PC depends on the user requirements and budget. PCs should remain your choice if you want a machine that can run everything irrespective of its prize. The consoles are budget devices recommended to the users who want to run the heavy-graphics game without spending over a thousand pounds.