since the biggest difference between pc and console gaming are the kind of games i don't think this is the most important reason for most. if you are the strategy/mmo/simulation guy (and some other genres like adventures) you can't go without pc. and for many, the controls for ego-shooters are also why they prefer pc then (in combination with the other genres)

i really believe this is a more important factor why pc gamers play on pc and not on console and graphic is only the second reason.

i played empire: total war 120 hours or something, just imagine that game on console omg

True - PC gaming was always chase after latest and greatest - I remember how annoyed at first I was, as someone accustomed to only one upgrade per computer cycle (disk drive for C64; additional 0.5MB of RAM for Amiga) to have computer that you constantly have to upgrade if you want to play latest games in all their glory.

But, than again, PC gaming was pretty much always about chasing the latest and greatest - I remember people buying 386 PCs just to play Commanche: Maximum overkill. Or buying Voodoo cards to play 1st Quake hardware accelerated. Or completely new rigs just to get to high settings in Crysis.

It is the price PC enthusiasts are willing to pay in order to get that latest push in gaming technology, and honestly, I don't see that ever changing. I wouldn't say that's either better or worse than fixed hardware approach - just different.

My PC only just outperforms consoles and it cost me well over £500, so I agree. I still wouldn't say it's the strongest argument against PC gaming though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvdf5n-zI14

Graphics card is a HD 5770.

Graphics are a bit better as I run all games at high, I only have a 720p monitor so I'm missing out on 1080p.
Framerate is the goal for me, not graphics, I need the game to run at 40-60fps on PC. Moving the camera with the mouse really exaggerates lower and more erratic framerates and I can't lock the framerate at 30fps.

Again. If you only buy PC's like you would consoles.

PC hardware is cheaper.

The "upgrading for maxium settings" arguement of it being more expensive, only applies if you need your games to run at max settings.

In which case... sweet.  Good for you.  You can be like Barozi and spend a bunch.

Meanwhile everyone else can just... not upgrade their PC, and have a cheaper "console", with cheaper games AND greater graphics.

The only real downside is complexity... and that's really just a few slide bars.

I bought a laptop just this year, that set me back about 600+ dollars, thats more than i payed for my PS3. And i doubt my laptop can run anything at max settings.

But I can think of one reason why console gaming is better. Games. Yes the PC games are cheaper, but some Ubi games you have to deal with DRM, you have to wait a little bit longer ala GTA, AC etc. and people seem to forget that Japan doesnt really support PC. That is a large amount of games missing. THe next MG game will be on PC but when was the last time one was on it? how about RE? Hell what about fighters,( my fav genre), JRPGs? I find it funny when some people say you can just game on PC and dont need a console, sure if you dont care about alot of games coming out, especially from Japan. Now you could say the same for console games, but IMHO, its not nearly as bad anymore. FPSs have caught up at least in terms of amount of games being released, you do have your sims although there are less of them, a couple of strategy games here or there. the point and click adv genre has exploded on consoles, thanks to PSN/Live. the only genre that PC has a firm grip on is MMOs and i dont see that changing soon. (lucky for me I hate MMOs)

Age is irrelevant when the rig you put together makes no sense to start with, just because you've assembled a PC before, it doesn't automatically make you an expert. The barrier to PC gaming is more knowledge based than price based where as consoles are plug and play, that's where the difference really comes in. If you want to count the price, then you must only own one console and nothing else, and that's perfectly acceptable as a casual gamer, but just like you, I've spent a lot of money on consoles and PCs alike, and gaming is expensive no matter what, and console gaming is definitely not cheaper if you are a serious gamer that simply loves games and want the best possible options on all fronts.

Most PC games to me have no heart.

I can't see myself saying I will remember this moment forever or have that good feeling so therefor I don't care for pc gaming.

Let's start with my general PC philosophy:  Buy the most powerful computer you can for your needs 5 years out.  The logic behind this is simply, the more powerful the PC the longer the usable life. 

Typically the best computer today will meet the minimum specs of some the majority of games 5 years out.  In some cases, minor upgrades would only be necessary for that five year old computer in an effort to play games between 5 and 10 years out.  The risk you run by purchasing lower-end PCs is that they may not be as upgradable, they may not provide the performance you'll need over the years, or you may not be able to buy the necessary parts later on.  In otherwords, you're not buying so much for today as you are for five years out.

While you can go for a more active upgrade cycle, with a less expensive computer, then an upgrade a few years later, and then possibly a new computer towards the end of the cycle, it will still be more expensive than a console and it requires more work on the gamer's part.

There is an axium to apply here:  Use the right tool for the right job. 

Have you ever torn down an automobile engine?  I have.  It's far easier to remove a bolt with a socket wrench than it is a cresant wrench or a pair of pliers. I'm not saying someone can't buy expensive gaming computers, I'm not saying don't do it, I'm not saying don't do any gaming on PCs, and I'm not saying a console is the only option for playing video games. 

I said price and value is a reason why console gaming is better than PC gaming.