"Steam Is The Only Good Monopoly" – The Danger of a Digital-Only Future for Gaming

[Chrkeller]

BraLoD said:

Chrkeller said:

Easy to replace.  Easier than a specific disk drive.  

I mean, you can at least agree if something dies in a PC my options and availability of parts is superior to finding something for a ps1... yeah?  

edit

meant to add speciality tools.  Nintendo and MS are notorious for using speciality screws that require all kinds of speciality tools.  I remember having to hunt down a star driver that had a hole in the middle to fix my xbox, I think the 360.  

At one point I had a NES, SNES, N64, GC, ps1, ps2, TG16, Genesis, Sega CD, Saturn and DC.  And a xbox.  I found it a PITA.  Constantly fixing things, replacing things, ordering speciality tools, etc.  I made the jump to emulation and never looked back.  

Generally yes, finding a new PC part would be much quicker than finding an old console part. But what if what you want to replace is an old PC part too? A specific soundcard you love to use on an old PC?

You are comparing finding a new PC part with an old console part, not a new PC part and a new console part, those are also everywhere. Or an old PC part with a old console part.

Also, there are substitutes for old console parts, also, I could simply buy another used console for way cheaper than some PC parts just as well, at least the consoles I like are still readily available, not even the Master System is a problem as it was popular around here so even something that was doa in the USA could still be imported from here.

I also agree emulation is by far the most comfortable way, I would even say anyone that has no problem with not playing in the original hardware would actually only benefit from emulation, I personally have no problem with emulation but choose to not use it anymore myself, both because I like seeing how games worked when they were released, and as a principle, as if I can buy a game I would rather buy it, but again, zero problem with anyone else using it.

Honestly, I don't know.  I only got into PC 3 years ago.  But I would guess a giant PITA.  

I think that is my point.  Steam excels at keeping games compatible with new hardware, which means replacements are easy.  Given Steam BC, odds are I will update my computer before anything breaks. 

I love the idea of having the real legit hardware, there is something nice about playing old school, it was just a hassle.  Possible I had bad luck. 

Original hardware wins for experience, while emulation is just for convenience, especially in unique situations.  Like Shining Force III Scenario 2 and 3 having english roms.  I don't know how else to play scenario 2 and 3. 

Edit

As for cost, I think PC is way cheaper than building a collection of old games.  Shining Force III is $300 on Ebay, that is a GPU.  Skies of Arcadia on the DC is $150, that is hard drive.  Retro gaming is super expensive for games.  Canon Spike is $300, there is my CPU.  Luigi's Mansion on GC is $50, there is my PSU.  

I could easily build a computer far cheaper than collecting retro games/hardware.  

Last edited by Chrkeller - on 01 May 2026