The Pros and Cons of Console vs. PC Gaming

The single biggest and most influential gaming debate of the modern world is which device to play on. You wouldn’t think it a big deal, but it is. To those who don’t game much, they envision gamers on consoles such as Xbox, Playstations, or Nintendos. But many gamers game on PCs, or computers.

So ultimately, which is better, gaming on a console or gaming on a PC?

First, this is all about preference. When it comes to consoles vs. PC for gaming, you tend to gain one advantage by giving up another luxury. Nothing is absolutely better beyond what you prefer.

Below are some helpful points that may help you better understand what gaming device is right for you, the console or the PC.

Consoles Are Easier To Use

While many advocates of computer gaming won’t entirely agree with this sentiment, Console gaming is simply easier. That’s due first to gaming console makers designing more ergonomic-centric experiences. Second, the gaming console is built only for gaming, unlike computers which are intended for a variety of uses even if gamers fail to remember that.

Console remotes are made to fit your hands, allow reach from all your digits, and generally feel smoother in the hands. This makes maneuvering an on-screen character or vehicle much, much easier.

That is, of course, until you get used to a PC. Because a PC has many more button options that can be programmed to work, the PC allows for more enhanced experiences. But PC keyboards are a steeper learning curve than a basic Playstation remote.

But, Consoles Don’t Do Nearly As Much

As we touched on with console remotes, consoles as a whole don’t offer as much empowerment as a PC.

Many consoles do offer apps such as Netflix and Hulu, to name a couple, which allows them to be a more expansive portion of your home entertainment ecosystem.

However, PCs allow downloads of most web apps even beyond Netflix and the likes. You can use your pimpy PC for work and personal purposes, like sending emails through Office, or designing via Photoshop, or surfing the web in any number of web browsers.

PCs Can Offer More Robust Power

Here’s the biggie that you’ll hear most PC gaming advocates cite when asked the difference between consoles and PCs.

A gaming console is what it is when you buy it. But that’s not the same for a PC, which you can upgrade hardware on. You can even construct your own PC and install a powerful processor, tons of memory, and a dope keyboard.

Even if you buy a PC, you can upgrade the parts. You’ll need to be a bit more tech-savvy in order to install memory, or especially in building your own gaming PC; but that’s part of the journey. Consoles are out of the gates ready, but they have a processing and memory ceiling that PCs don’t have.

Console Games Often Cost More

Gaming on consoles is often a bit pricier than the PC experience. With PCs, you can subscribe to places such as Steam and get a deal. And to that note, Steam offers adult gaming options not found on console gaming racks.

PCs Play Old Games Better

Not only can you play more current games on a PC due to platforms such as Steam, you can also play oder games more readily. When new consoles arrive, they are built for the latest and greatest in games and often, older games fail to work on them. And there’s nothing you can do about that unless the game developer launches a new version, or for much older games, you need a “classic version” such as what Nintendo Switch offers with Super Mario Brothers and Tyson’s Punch Out.

I mean, did you ever beat Tyson? We did… Just sayin’…

The backwards compatibility of the PC means your old games have a higher probability to work even when newer games are released. And that means playing some of your old favs well into the future, which is a nice bonus.

Many Gamers Have Both

Ah, yes, the heart of our PC vs. console article.

Most gamers actually utilize both units. Sometimes, they make the decision of which unit to use based on the game. Some people love consoles for first-person shooter experiences while others prefer PCs. You do you, folks.

That said, having both types of units can be expensive, particularly if you build a robust PC gaming unit.