PC Gaming vs. Console Gaming
PC gaming vs console gaming – they are two very different ways to play video games. Some people swear by PC gaming, while others prefer consoles.
So, which is better? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming experience. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of each gaming platform.
Pros of PC Gaming
PC gaming has come a long way since the days of bulky CRT monitors and PCs that took up half a desk. Today, PCs are more powerful than ever, and they come in a wide range of prices and sizes to fit any budget. But what are the real advantages of PC gaming? Here are just a few:
Customization
One of the great things about Gaming PCs is that you can customize them to your own needs and preferences. If you want to tweak the graphics settings or upgrade your components, you can do so without much difficulty. There are also pre-built configurations like the MWAVE Gaming PCs, which offer everything you might need to have the best gaming experience. By contrast, console gamers are stuck with whatever configuration the manufacturer decides to use, with limited personalization options.
Free-to-play and Indie games
The PC gaming market is full of free-to-play games like League of Legends and Dota 2. Additionally, PC gamers also have access to PC-exclusive indie games like Phasmophobia and Raft. These indie games are often on the cheaper side compared to AAA titles, which are often priced upwards of $50. This not only saves you money, but it also allows you to try out a variety of different genres and styles without needing to spend big.
Modding
Thanks to the open nature of the PC platform, gamers can modify their games in all sorts of ways. Even games like Minecraft – which is available on both console and mobile – can be made even better with different mods. From basic changes like skins and textures to larger mods that add new levels or gameplay features, there’s no limit to what you can do with a modded game.
Steam
Steam is a digital distribution platform for PC games that offers tons of features and benefits for gamers. From its huge library of titles to its generous sales and discounts, Steam makes it easy and affordable to find the perfect game for you. Plus, its social features let you connect with friends and fellow gamers from all over the world.
Gaming Laptops
Not everyone has space for a desktop PC, but thanks to gaming laptops, anyone can enjoy PC gaming anywhere they want. Many gaming laptops pack most of the power of a desktop into a portable form factor, making them ideal for gaming on the go. Best of all, they’re getting more affordable all the time – MWAVE offers a number of gaming laptops in every price point, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Esports
Although several popular esports games are played on console, the vast majority of esports are played on PC. This can be a major deciding point for those who are looking to try going pro in a video game. Additionally, competitive gaming has never been more popular, thanks in large part to streaming services like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. If you’re looking for some excitement, there’s nothing quite like watching (or playing in) an esports tournament such as Intel Extreme Masters (IEM).
Cons of PC Gaming
There are a few key disadvantages to PC gaming that you should keep in mind if you decide to start playing on this platform.
High Cost
Gaming PCs can be expensive to upgrade and maintain – particularly if you want the best of the best. Console gamers simply need to purchase the latest model in order to enjoy the latest games, but PC gamers need to regularly upgrade their hardware in order to keep up with advances in technology. As a result, building a PC can get pretty costly and intimidating for beginners.
Retailers like MWAVE make the PC-building process significantly easier for desktop players, whether you’re a seasoned keyboard and mouse gamer or you’re looking to make the switch. Their MWAVE Custom Build PC allows you to choose everything from the case to your motherboard and power supply.
Console-Exclusive Games
PC gamers can miss out on console exclusives, like The Last of Us and the recently released God of War: Ragnarok. These are well-loved titles, and it can be difficult to avoid having FOMO as you watch others play these games. Though it’s possible to play these through features like PlayStation RemotePlay (which requires the ownership of a PlayStation console) or PlayStation Plus, it’s much easier to just turn on your console and jump straight into the action.
However, it’s worth noting that in recent times, many XBOX exclusives such as the Forza racing series has made its way to PC and even some PlayStation exclusives like Death Stranding.
Pros of Console Gaming
Photo Credit: Venson Chou
Console gaming has been around for decades, and it remains one of the most popular forms of entertainment. There are several reasons for this popularity. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why console gaming has endured to this day:
Price
Compared to PCs, consoles are much more affordable. While a high-end gaming PC can cost a couple thousand dollars, the latest XBOX Series X or PlayStation 5 can be acquired for under $1000. And don’t forget about all the accessories you need to game on a PC, which can quickly add up. The cheaper price point of gaming consoles makes them a more attractive option for budget-minded gamers and parents.
Ease of use
Consoles are designed for gaming, so they’re much easier to use than PCs. You don’t need to worry about installing drivers or configuring settings. Just plug it in and start playing!
Multiplayer
While PC gaming has its own share of multiplayer games, console gaming is still one of the best ways to play with friends. Most console games offer built-in multiplayer features, making it easy to connect with friends and family members for some friendly competition. With a dedicated console, everyone can join in on the fun.
Cons of Console Gaming
There are some downsides to console gaming that should be considered before taking the plunge.
Games are Expensive
Although consoles are comparatively more affordable than PCs, the games are more expensive. Between the cost of the console itself (around $500) and the price of games (roughly $50 or more), it can quickly add up. Additionally, both PlayStation and XBOX require users to pay a membership to play online with other people.
Lack of Customization Options
There’s no doubt that there are limited options for personalization of your console. While PC gamers can change up their keycaps, switches, or hardware according to their preferences, console players don’t have as many choices available to them.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to customize your gaming experience. Trusted retailers like MWAVE offer a variety of gaming controllers with different colors and even RGB options so you can make the most of your gaming experience.
Limited Game Library
Publishing games on console can be expensive, so most indie game developers choose to publish on platforms like Steam or Ichi.io. This limits the number of games that are available for console players. Additionally, there are only so many times you can play through the story of a traditional AAA game without it getting stale.
PC Gaming vs Console Gaming: Which is Better?
In the end, both PC and Console gaming have their pros and cons. In the race between PC gaming vs console gaming, it really comes down to personal preferences as to which one is better. If you are looking for more power and customizability, then PC gaming is the way to go. However, if you are looking for simplicity and ease of use, then console gaming might be a better fit.
No matter what your decision is, MWAVE has everything you need to get started in the world of PC Gaming. From pre-built gaming desktops to graphics cards and other hardware options, they have whatever you need to make your perfect gaming rig. MWAVE also offers a number of PC & Console Games for you to choose from. Check them out today and see how easy it is to get into PC Gaming!
