What to choose for a novice gamer – console or computer? This question torments many people who are just starting their journey into the world of video games. We suggest looking at the main advantages of PCs and consoles to figure out what you really need.
PC vs console: advantages and disadvantages
To understand what to buy, PC or console, it does not hurt to study the main nuances. Let’s walk through a few important criteria that will help determine your choice. You can choose a game console at the link.
Power
The computer is much better in power. Having a sufficient budget, you can build a real monster – with consoles such a trick will not pass. Moreover, later PC can upgrade: for example, replace the graphics card or processor for a new model. Consoles can not boast of this possibility. Buying it, you can not make replacement of components.
Optimization and modifications
There is a perception that consoles are never faced with the fact that the game is poorly optimized for them. But that’s not entirely true. Same Cyberpunk 2077 literally failed at launching on consoles: the players had to wait for several major upgrades to somehow play the project from CD Project. If we compare the console with the PC, then yes, the PC optimization problems are much more frequent (from the latest games released the first to come to mind is The Callisto Protocol). Games are usually better optimized on consoles than on PC.
But! Here is a counter argument in favor of computers. Consoles develop in their own closed ecosystem. And the PC can boast a huge fan base that creates a lot of useful and interesting modifications aimed at improving popular games, including optimization. In consoles this is not possible. So why do we need a half-naked Dimitresca in Resident Evil Village or a charming Yennifer in The Witcher 3?
Price
It’s certainly a lot cheaper to buy a PlayStation or Xbox here. You don’t have to spend on dozens of components and take care of a cool monitor. It’s enough to buy a console, connect it to the TV and play.
The PC is different. To play comfortably with all modern toys, you will have to shell out and pay at least $ 1500 – the minimum gaming computer with peripherals (mouse, keyboard, and table with chair). And if we talk about top-end kits, it will cost $2000-5000 (or even more).
In turn, the PS4 and Xbox Series S cost only $300-400. The current PlayStation 5 is still a lot more expensive – at the moment it will cost about $800. This price is due to the good specs and high power.
In any case, a gaming PC is an expensive treat. Especially if there is no computer desk with a chair.
Ease of use and assembly
Here the consoles are clearly winning. If you do not understand computers, and you do not want to splurge on ready-made assemblies, you will have to study a lot of information on the Internet to select the necessary components. Yes, and then have to take care of the iron: for example, the same trivial cleaning from dust. You can simplify the process, choosing pre-made assembly, but still then you will be faced with cable management, where you have to think about convenient connection of all wires (so that nothing protruded, did not interfere and did not lie around).
With the console everything is much easier: buy, connect, play. No additional settings, heaps of cables and other nuances. Of course, from time to time you also have to clean the console, but it’s easy. You can carefully remove the panel and clean yourself (do not have to disconnect components), or even take the console to a special service (system unit is heavier to drag).
Conclusion: consoles are easier to connect and to use.
Games
Perhaps this is the most controversial criterion. Console can boast of its exclusives: just look at such projects as God of War: Ragnarok, The Last of Us, Demons Souls and many others that are not available for any platform except PlayStation. The release of God of War PC owners have been waiting for several years, while the consoles have enjoyed the gameplay and Scandinavian mythology to the fullest.
The only thing you may not like is the price of the exclusives. Yes, games are several times more expensive on consoles than on computers. Many are accustomed to pay for projects not more than $ 30 (for new items), and on sales on Steam and you can even get an interesting toy for $ 10 – all thanks to regional prices and huge discounts. On the consoles have to spend far more, up to $ 100 for novelties.
Moreover, multiplayer in PS is not available for nothing. For an opportunity to play with other players will also have to pay – to subscribe to PS Plus. Although, in addition to multiplayer, you get access to a whole list of free games, which may slightly brighten the picture.
Separately, we should mention the Share Play feature that works on the PlayStation platform. Thanks to this feature, you can transfer control to a friend. That is, you can buy one copy of a toy and share it with another person who has a console. PlayStation owners each month give virtual gifts, but only if you use a subscription PS Plus.
What about the Xbox? Previously, Microsoft tried its best to plagiarize Sony by creating expensive exclusives for players. With the advent of Windows 10, the guys changed course and decided to bring their consoles closer to the computer. Today, games available on Xbox are also available on PC – thanks to Microsoft for that. And Xbox also offers to buy a subscription – Game Pass, which will allow you to get a whole list of modern and old toys (yes, yes, you do not have to buy). Only together with this you will be able to play them on both PC and console. Article by Yurovskiy Kirill
