I see this statement a lot and I'm going to call people on it.  There are still a lot of SDTVs out there and even some people who game with HD consoles are using them (as evidenced by the complaints over text in Dead Rising and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts).  That same text problem is far more widespread in PC games to the point where PC gaming on a SDTV is simply not feasible.  Bringing a computer monitor into the livingroom can be a hassle and defeats the purpose of playing easily in the livingroom and having to buy a new HDTV or large PC monitor to replace the current SDTV just adds to the cost of PC gaming.

Also I noticed there are people talking about patches for console games but there are still far more problems on average with PC games simply based on the fact that there are near limitless hardware and software combinations.  People claiming that PC games are as easy to install and use as console games are only kidding themselves.  I still have people that call me because they need help to get a PC game working.  Some are simple driver updates, others require patches, some require uninstalling conflicting programs, etc.  Anyone that thinks PC gaming is as easy and hassle free as console gaming is only kidding themselves.  I have yet to get a phone call from someone because they couldn't get a Wii, 360, or PS3 game working.

Exactly. It's like the arguments for LCD vs Plasma. Plasma has the best potential picture. PC has the best potential gaming. However, the best CHOICE for most consumers, is LCD.

For me to hook my PC to my HDTV, I would need a 25 foot optical cable, 25 foot HDMI, wireless mouse and keyboard, and 2 adapters that I'd have to research. I'd have to run it all under carpet. How much would that cost, and how much trouble would that be?

Yes, my desktop is a desktop. It's not portable. Hooking my PC to my TV is a hassle, and just because something has the capability to do something, doesn't make it the same. It's like saying "Nexflix 360 doesn't matter, because I can hook my PC through my PS3, through my TV(as if you couldn't just skip the PS3 alltogether)." It's a hassle, and a bother, and there are many problems that may and will crop up.

It's expensive, time consuming, and a big hassle to hook most people's PC's up to their televisions. How many people do you know who have those types of setups?

"Plug and play connectivity to TVs that conoles have, doesn't matter because I can hook my PC up to my television." Is a talking point.

I pity us all when shio storms in.

Consoles are really good at what they're supposed to do: play games.

However, console makers are now trying to get some of the functionalities of the PC to the consoles. They are trying to capitalize the presence of consoles in the living room, being output of the centerpiece TV. So now we see Netflix services on 360s, for example.

Now, a person *can* use an HDTV as a PC monitor, but I doubt it would be on the center of the living room. You wouldn't want housemates to look over at what you're typing when you're posting at VGChartz, or chatting with someone on IM.

Heck, you wouldn't want an Excel chart being displayed on the living room, would you?

PC games on the living room, maybe okay. But the PC has so many functionalities that it actually goes against being THE living room centerpiece. And it's a hassle to plug/unplug cables and stuff when you want to play PC games on the living room, and go back to the PC den when doing work.

This doesn't diminish what PC games can offer. What I'm just saying is that they have different territories. The console is more of a family stuff. When I log in to the PC it becomes private -- and I want my privacy respected.

It all depends on where you shop.

I could use wires for my PS3 with the PC too if I wanted to play it on a big TV. For my PS3 for example, we have an optical cable, HDMI cable, and ethernet cord specifically for it. They would work on my PC too and all I have to do is bring it out and place it almost exactly where I place the PS3. Even though my video card isn't HDMI out, it's still HDCP so all I'd need is a DVI-HDMI adapter for a couple of bucks and that takes care of the sound and video. For my keyboard and mouse, all I'd need are some usb extension cables and they would also work nicely for playing and charging my PS3 controllers.

DVI to HDMI $3.20 - Don't know if this would be one I need, but it illustrates the price.

15ft USB extension $1.73 - Great not only for extending the reach of the mouse, but also for PS3 (or 360) controllers)

15ft PS/2 extension $1.62 - If you're like me and use an old keyboard and don't have a PS/2 to USB adapter, this should work.

1. Mouse and keyboard > controller
2. PCs can be hooked up to most modern TVs
3. What a laugh, I have a broken NES, Dreamcast and PS2 yet no PC issues
4. I upgrade my PC no more often than twice per console generation
5. I can build a Crysis ready PC for less than $500 including taxes and S&H, nuff said
9. HD console games are just as guilty as PC games for patching
10. Last time I checked, it's the developers who handled the truly significant innovations and innovation is lacking across the board.
12. Who cares what people think? People like Solja Boy and the Backstreet Boys so the opinions of the majority hardly matter

I mostly agree with points 6, 7, 8 and 11 but PC gaming still destroys console gaming.

PC gaming is better if you are willing to put in the time/money/effort. So basically, PC gaming is a good choice for hardcore gamers, but illogical for everyone else. Which is why causal PC games like The Sims have low computer requirements to play.

Computers can easily be played on TVs, as has been mentioned. You can use a 360 Gamepad on the PC without any hassle, but pretty clearly the M/KB combo is superior for shooters, whether you prefer it or not. Preferences don't change tangible measures of accuracy.

Otherwise, most of these points boil down to "It's more expensive and complicated." Which I agree with. Of course, handhelds are even less expensive and even less complicated than home consoles, so if those are your main concerns, I suggest selling your 360/PS3 and buying a PSP/DS/GBA.

The one concern I think is totally valid and without rebuttle is the lack of Japanese support. That is a real concern. Just as you have to buy a Nintendo console to play Nintendo games, you can't buy a PC and play Japanese games in general.

I just want to make sure it's understood that all of these are a sliding scale.

For example, expense. I absolutely agree that PC gaming is more expensive, despite the fact that the games are actually cheaper. However, PS3/360 aren't the cheapest either, and if those are your primary concern, you should really be playing a DS or even a PS2.

Just as on the flipside, the DS doesn't have the best graphics or the best screen. However, if those are your primary concerns, the PC offers the best possible resolution and the highest end tech. My PC has a Blu Ray burner for goodness sake, let alone a Blu Ray player!

Because the PS3/360 are the middle children, it's just improtant for people to realize they aren't the best at any one thing, but they represent a reasonable compromise for a lot of people. They don't have the best technology, and they aren't the cheapest, but some people prefer that. Everyone has a spot on this spectrum that they prefer, where they wouldn't pay more than X dollars to get Y horsepower. People who exclusively own the DS are often bargain hunters; PS3/360 owners are willing to pay more to get more technology; and PC owners are willing to pay more than anyone else to get the absolute newest technology available.

Heck, even amongst PC enthusiasts, there is a pretty significant sliding scale. For example, there is a difference between me (I spend about 500 dollars a year to keep my rig up to date) and an enthusiast who is willing to spend 5k+ dollars a year to make sure he always has the absolute best parts in his system. And yes, there are such people.

@ Bodhesatva

Mouse and keyboard are not superior for gaming other than for most strategy games (I hope future PS3 strategy games will support keyboard and mouse).

I have been a FPS keyboard'/mouse gamer since Quake, but I must say a wireless controller on the couch in front of a HDTV provides me with a whole lot more pleasant experience. Mouse and keyboard is not superior, sure it's faster and if you need many buttons/keys you have them, but it's not more comfortable for all people. Console FPS games are optimised for gamepads, it's a matter of taste.

For most other kinds I would say most gamepads are general is vastly superior (analog sticks, triggers and buttons, all the functionality you need in a tiny handheld device).