There has long been a pretty major divide in the gaming world forming two distinct tribes: the PC gamer and the console gamer. These two have for a long time been arguing with each other about which is better, each defending their preference. This has been going on everywhere, the internet, gaming forums, game stores and more.
Okay, so there is some cross over, but most gamers tend to prefer one or the other. But when it comes to the crunch is one actually better? Here’s how the two types of gaming measure up.
The style of play
The ‘plug and play’ style of console games makes them hugely appealing to many. Switch it on, choose your game and you’re ready to play no matter what your technical know-how is. This has made consoles popular with people of all ages. You don’t have to set up a game or customize it – you can simply get started by inserting the game. This makes it user friendly and accessible by all.
On the other hand, the ability to customize play on PC games is exactly what makes it so attractive. Individual parts can be bought to create a super PC that creates the ultimate gaming experience. For those who take their gaming and tech seriously, the limitations of console gaming can be a real turnoff. Mastering the tech wizardry associated with gaming can be part of its appeal.
Intuitive or challenging?
Many people simply prefer the games designed for consoles and therefore stick to this format. Take the FIFA 14 PS3 game as an example. High quality and technically advanced play demonstrate just how complex console games can be. The console controller is also easy to operate and many people much prefer it to mouse and keyboard gaming, particularly for sporting games such as FIFA. However there are gaming controllers and joysticks for PC gaming too which make PC games appealing to some console gamers but are never enough.
Many PC gamers see console games as simplified and too easy to master. Games designed for the PC, on the other hand, are challenging to master and skill intensive in a way that console games could arguably never be. Using a keyboard and mouse to game arguably involves a more complicated level of skill and manipulation. There are more options which at the same time increases the difficulty.
The bottom line with gaming is that PC and console are so unique that it is very hard to compare them, let alone decide which is better. However, the pros and the cons of each side are clear. After that it depends on what each person is looking for in their gaming experience which also leads to the division of players in the groups of casual and hardcore games. Usually casual players prefer easy games that pose little challenge.
Which kind of gaming do you think involves the most skill, or do you enjoy both? Have your say in the comments below.
i Played both in PC and in Play Station 2 also.
i think PS 2 is Better than PC but it costs around 7000-8000 in India only for Games + CD’s Charges extra.
When I grew up computers where rare and costly so there wasn’t really that much computer gaming. Console systems where very simple and basic, but that was all we knew so they were great at the time and in the day.
As they got more advanced and complex, and I got older I kind of got out it. I can’t even control them or figure out which button to push fast enough anymore. I can handle 2 or 4 buttons tops. Anything more than that and I’m a goner. A 4-6 year old could probably beat me these days.
The graphics and sound is amazing today, and I do enjoy watching others play to some extent. I can’t even imagine what they will come up with in 10-20+ years from now.
Yeah I used to play the game of tetris on Gameboys, they were very simple, basic and the display was in black and white (or green?) 🙂
Well, my PC is my activity hub, so naturally I’d prefer PC games as I’m more accustomed to the keyboard and mouse environment. Even if I were to play a console game, I’d simply use an emulator on my PC, though such emulators are always lagging behind by a generation.
Yeah I agree. I feel the mouse and keyboard are better controllers for most of the games I play. PC gaming for me too! 🙂
I used to play games on an old Sega 16-bit back in the days, but I have not touched any console machines for at least 15 years. I like strategy games and I believe that PC’s are the best option for these type of games. I don’t think there’s any difference in skills when it comes to playing on a console or PC, it depends on how difficult the game is.
Sega games were simple in concept, but brilliantly entertaining. No doubt gaming difficulty is highly influenced by the game developer, the very same game can actually feel pretty different on the console and on the PC!
I reminisce the days where I’d spend countless hours playing Super Mario against my friends on the console. Somehow the touch of console and the nifty TV screen, makes myself feel more like an old-time, authentic gamer.
Oh ya, Super Mario.., one of my favorites! Love that game. Hey does that make me an old-time gamer too? 🙂
I am 100% a PC gamer at this point. I feel like the overall experience is much better with the mouse and keyboard. I also like being able to tinker with my gaming PC too. I find this to be a pretty fun hobby on top of the game playing.
I notice some gamers are enjoying more in improving their gaming PCs than actually playing the game itself. Guess that’s part of the joy huh? So another vote in favor of PC gaming here! 🙂
I just bought the XBox One and it is one of the best gaming/media devices I have ever had. It really opens up a new world of interactive game play and television usage for me!
Congratulations on your purchase Ed! XBox One has made remarkable improvements in its processing time and graphic quality as compared to its predecessor. You are more than welcome to share your XBox one experiences!
Personally, I prefer PC gaming. I like that monitors have a high resolutions and PCs have better graphics and control.
Consoles have there own fun but there is an advantage to PC you can upgrade your PC with the time while on the other hand you have to buy a whole new console you cant upgrade your console and also playing game on PC is totally different from playing on a console.
I totally prefer PC because I’m used to using a keyboard and mouse. Playing with keyboard and mouse is easier and I get like fast hands with them and I get to be good in-game.
consoles are easier to play , are more practical and make life easier because they have almost no complications , since the PC gamers are more difficult to install and configure , but it is obvious that the graph is much higher, each has its strengths and negative
I have a PC gaming which can’t be compared to any gaming console. But still, as I am used to playing on my Xbox Controller, gaming on pc is little bit difficult for me.