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Forums - Gaming - At this point what advantages do Consoles have over PC? (Updated)

I wanted to update this thread and continue the discussion about pc vs console gaming, especially since new info has been released.

The main arguments for console gaming ive noticed have been:

Ease of Use - IMO this is still an advantage for consoles but the gap seems to be dwindling with new information regarding console DRM and restrictions being implemented.

Cost - Yes and no.  PCs aren't as expensive as most people believe, and most people have/need a pc anyway.  Games on PC are cheaper since buying selling used games looks to be coming to an end.

Exclusives - This is purely based on preference.  Each console AND the pc platform has their own exclusives.

Some other arguments I've seen:

Hacking/Cheating is less prevalent on consoles - Modding on pc makes up for some of this problem.  As console become more and more like pcs hacking and cheating will become easier.  PS4 will be a lot easier to hack than the PS3, wait and see.

Playing in the living room - Its definitely easier to do this with a console but it still can be done with the pc.  It also comes down to preference.

Failure rates on pc (spyware/viruses) - consoles fail a lot more than gaming pcs.  Also its mostly your fault for getting spyware/viruses on your pc.

Splitscreen - Makes me sad but this has been dying on console for a while now.  Of course there are still games that have it and will continue to have it (sports games for example).

Controllers are better on console - completely wrong.  PC gives you the option to use any controller you'd like in addition to keyboard/mouse.

Better community on consoles - Pretty sure pc gamers would take offense to this.  The modding community has done amazing things for the pc.  Also, I want to point out that COD on consoles is one of the vilest environments I've ever played in.

Installs - Next gen console and PC games will need to be installed so its a wash. I recently bought Gran Turismo used on eBay (i no i no I'm a terrible person) and had ridiculous install times.  65 minutes for the 22 patches, 50 minutes to download parts of the disc to reduce loading times and I have pretty fast internet.  This is an extreme case but don't ignore the fact that a lot of console games have patches even on release day.

 

 

 

original post

(This is coming from a primarily ps3 gamer who owns a wii and used to own a 360)

After reading about how the Xbox One will block used games, I honestly find myself lacking faith in the PS4.  Though Sony said that they would leave it to the publishers to control the used game market, I find it increasingly unlikely that used games won't be controlled in some significant way.  Gone are the days of trading/borrowing games with friends.  Being able to trade in games to purchase new ones at stores like Gamestop seem to be gone as well.  This was always the main advantage that consoles have had over the pc.  The Wii U doesn't block used games, but until it gets software support its hard to compare to the others.

The main advantage that consoles used to have over pc is gone.  I can see myself transitioning to pc gaming and maybe picking up a Wii U down the line.

What are the advantages that the PS4/Xbox One provide over PC?



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Consoles have the following over PCs:
- Price
- Dedicated game development
- Ease of use
- Less hassle with drivers and setup



disolitude said:
Consoles have the following over PCs:
- Price
- Dedicated game development
- Ease of use
- Less hassle with drivers and setup


Mid ranged PCs are not that expensive.  Everyone needs a computer anyway, so why not build a gaming one.

There are PC exclusive games, along with games that are developed for pc then ported down to consoles. (witcher, total war series come to mind)

Explain ease of use.

Definitely true.



Games that arn't crap.

~Mod Edit~

This post has been moderated.

-Smeags



Jozu said:
Games that arn't crap.


Why do you even bother posting?

@OP: Price is the biggest one. And setting up one in your living room is way easier (for most people) than your PC.



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mtu9356 said:
disolitude said:
Consoles have the following over PCs:
- Price
- Dedicated game development
- Ease of use
- Less hassle with drivers and setup


Mid ranged PCs are not that expensive.  Everyone needs a computer anyway, so why not build a gaming one.

There are PC exclusive games, along with games that are developed for pc then ported down to consoles. (witcher, total war series come to mind)

Explain ease of use.

Definitely true.

Or Gaming Laptops, just buy one and your good to go really. Dell Studio XPS has served me for the games I can, although I doubt you'll get one that can handle the 'Crysis setting'.

'Plug in and play' is an explanation of ease of use. Although that line is apparently disappearing sadly.



Hmm, pie.

Definitely price.



Nintendo and PC gamer

mtu9356 said:

Explain ease of use.

Power on, put the disc and play.

But that is changing with the all Xbone install.



ethomaz said:

mtu9356 said:

Explain ease of use.

Power on, put the disc and play.

But that is changing with the all Xbone install.

On Steam: download, click play and wait for updates....that's pretty much it.



Nintendo and PC gamer

I'll still buy multiconsole titles on the PS4 over PC if they come on disc without DRM that ties it to the console. That's the advantage. My PC is more than capable of playing games this gen, and should be capable of playing next gen games but I still would rather own them on consoles to actually own the games.

The consoles also have exclusives that the PCs don't and will never get.  PCs having exclusives consoles will never have is also true, which is why I have a PC that can play them.  Most fighting games, most JRPGs, any first party exclusive, and a lot of other games here and there. I own 54 PS3 games that aren't on PC while I own 28 that are also on PC.

I'm getting the PS4 and Wii U this next gen, but If by some chance we find out that used games are tied to an account through DRM on the PS4, then I'll buy all my multiconsole titles on PC and it'll be quite awhile before I purchase the PS4.

*edit*

While I like 60fps+ and no screen tearing.  I'd rather own the game so I can live with 30fps.  Certain games like Dead Island are horrible ports on the PS3, so those games will be on PC rather than the usual console game I buy.