Oliver Hum / Staff Reporter
“A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device…to generate visual feedback for a player” says Wikipedia. Video games can be played with a keyboard and mouse on a PC (personal computer), a controller on console, etc.
For many years, PC and console gamers have been arguing over which platform is best suited for gaming. By looking at the facts, PC gaming is clearly superior.
The big reason why PC gaming is better than console gaming is convenience. For console, many games must be bought at a store and then inserted into the device. According to gamingscan, “console games tend to be a bit more expensive.” However, with PC, games can be bought online and played right away.
“Consoles are walled gardens, while game stores on the PC have to compete for your money.” says Pcworld
Steam is a game platform where you can browse and purchase games for PC. According to Business Insider, “it’s better than stores on Xbox One and PlayStation.” On Steam, there are frequent deals on many games and can often be bought at a significant discount.
Console gaming can also be quite expensive due to many different fees that must be paid for the full experience. In order to play multiplayer games on consoles, you must sign up for the network services that must be paid annually. For Xbox, you must purchase Xbox Live, and for PlayStation, you must purchase the PlayStation Network services. Those memberships cost $60 a year. While this may not seem like a lot, after 5 years, you would’ve spent $300, all of which could’ve been saved by playing multiplayer games on PC, which is free.
Console platforms also have very little room for customization. Upgrades are extremely limited and there is nothing to boost performance. With a PC, there are a variety of different parts that can be upgraded. PC’s can also be optimized which makes some features more efficient by using fewer resources. PC users can also upgrade peripherals which could save desk space and make gaming feel much better. HP says “most gamers prefer mechanical keyboards because they’re more tactile, durable, and faster. This is better than a console, because someone could easily buy a new part and put it into their computer which will overall help it’s functioning and performance. With Console, users will have to buy a whole new device.
Playing video games with a keyboard and mouse is much better than console peripherals. With a controller, in-game hotkeys are extremely limited. For example, in Fortnite you cannot switch from 1 weapon to another if they’re on opposite sides of the hotbar, they have to press a button multiple times. With a keyboard and mouse, users can easily hotkey from 1 weapon to another, no matter where it is.
Also, using a PC doesn’t only serve the purpose of gaming. Many offices and workplaces have work PC’s that are used only for working. Consoles on the other hand, only act as a gaming device and cannot be used for anything else. This can help argue for buying a PC because of it’s multi-functional purposes.
If someone prefers better graphics for gaming, getting a PC is the way to go. Computers can have their graphics card upgraded which will allow for better visuals within the game. Androidauthority says “A top-tier gaming PC will always be more powerful than any games console, and that’s just a fact.”
In conclusion, there are many reasons why PC gaming is better than console. These include, convenience, saving money by avoiding unnecessary expenses, and much more room for customization and upgrades.
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