Console Gaming Vs PC Gaming

This is a pretty hot topic online, and someone or the other ends up asking this question every now and then. Both the console and PC have existed since decades and this debate has been 'on' since then. But with the rise of the next-gen consoles like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Wii, this debate has further intensified and many console gamers have started doubting the future of PC gaming. But even with all the doubts, PC gaming is here to stay, and is definitely better in a lot of ways, compared to consoles...

The PC is Customizable

Unlike its console counterparts, the PC can be customized. Meaning, that it can be fine-tuned to suit a specific budget that someone might have, and therefore you don't really need to shell out huge amounts of money and can still play games. While console prices have skyrocketed over the years, the steady drop in computer parts have made it easier for people to afford a computer. And to top that, if you are not a hardcore gamer, you don't even need a top-of-the-line system to play, even a mid-end system would do just fine while being easy on the pocket. Further, the second point that we are going to discuss literally ends the debate. The fact that...

PC Hardware is Evolving on a Constant Basis

Unlike Consoles, which get a hardware update every 5 years or so. The PC is bombarded with hardware choices pertaining to Graphic cards, ram, CPU and pretty much everything that goes inside. What it means is that the graphics and physics of PC games is evolving on a constant basis and giving developers a chance to push their limits. When it comes to consoles, the publishers and developers know what they are dealing with, and it becomes easy for them to develop titles for the same. Since, the hardware really won't change. But when it comes to the PC, they really can't afford to have any pre-conceived notions, as we all know that computers do come in different shapes and sizes. So, the developers have to be on their toes every time to satisfy the hardcore PC gamer. Plus if you have a computer then compared to a console, you can always...

Upgrade When the System Gets Outdated

This really is the defining factor and is the strongest point that kills the competition. What do you do, when a new console is released and the one that you have becomes outdated? The answer is simple. You either sell it, or keep it with yourself till you can afford to buy the latest one in the market. Now, what if you have a PC and your PC becomes outdated? Again, the answer is simple... You upgrade. The thing is that you really don't need to bother about your system becoming outdated or the parts wearing off. Since, you can always go out and buy new system upgrades for yourself, which saves you the trouble of having to buy a whole new system, which is not the case when it comes to consoles.

I know that this debate cannot end. And gamers will always vouch for the platform that they love, but no one can doubt the customizations and flexibility associated with the PC. There is a reason why developers and publishers have been developing games for this platform since decades, and we should not forget that even today, some of the most visually stunning and groundbreaking games that have ever come out, have been for the PC.

The author of this article Ankan Bose is a freelance editor/copywriter and is the co-owner of a humor blog http://www.crazyweedia.com/. He is an avid gamer and provides freelance writing services for websites and blogs.

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PC Vs Console Gaming

In the gaming world, there are several options to choose from when it comes to the platform the game is being played on. There are PC games, and there are console games. The difference lies within the way the game is played.

Gaming is literally a lifestyle choice so each person prefers a slightly different approach when it comes to the way they play a game. Some like computer games, because computers allow them to customize the way they play the game along with certain tweaks in visual details and controls.

Consoles don't demand that you make such tweaks, since they're built with only games in mind. So when a game comes out and it's destined for PlayStation, then, if you own such a console, you're certain you can play that game.

But when a game comes out and it's made for PCs, then you have to check on what the system requirements that game has in order to be played properly. Since games rely heavily on the specs, or hardware of the "console" they're run, for PC users this would mean there's a constant struggle to stay ahead of the gaming developer world and build or purchase the ultimate gaming computer.

In certain cases, it's a lot easier to escape this struggle by purchasing a console and not having to worry if your system meets the necessary minimum hardware in order to run a game.

The downside to consoles is, in my opinion, the lack of precision in movements and control. For instance, if you were to play a shooter game or FPS for short, it would be really hard to aim at the opponents using a game pad.

On the other hand, when using a computer, it's really easy to aim using your mouse at the opponents since you can fine tune the mouse sensitivity and actually get the mouse to work at what speed you require.

Some peripherals allow you to adjust that sensitivity right in the gaming environment and those are called gaming peripherals. These are built only with PCs in mind.

Consoles on the other hand have developed in recent years to create a more engaging environment for the player.

We have seen a lot of new advancements in this area from the Wii remote, allowing you to physically "swing" a golf club, or in the Kinect world, actually detecting your body movements to interact in the gaming world. This means that a console user might get a bit more exercise than a regular PC gamer.

Also, there are certain games which might not work on consoles, like strategy games. These games rely heavily on the use of a computer mouse for unit selection and issuing commands.

There are a lot of advantages to PC gaming as well as console gaming, and there are specific games that can be played on both platforms, without the possibility of moving from one type to the other. It's a matter of level of engagement or immersion that each gamer requires that he get from the game itself.

We, Markets, have made a page about this specific topic entitled: PC Versus Console Gaming with more detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of platforms.

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