PC Gaming vs. Console Gaming

Hey,

In your opinions, which of the two is "better". Does PC have good game support? Which is considered more of a hard core gaming unit?

-Thanks

I can't really say that one is "better" than the other because they both have very unique strengths and weaknesses.

PC strengths: Always ahead of the curve with the latest and greatest graphics, mouse/keyboard setup better for fps and rts games, downloadable mods give games tons of replay value, expansions are far more abundant

PC weaknesses: A severe shortage of genres (it seems as though nearly every new release is either an rts, an fps, or another wow clone), plus you have to spend tons of cash constantly upgrading it to play the newest games, plus you need multiple pcs to do local multiplayer,

console strengths: no need to upgrade (once you buy it, every game released for it will work), a much larger variety of genres, you only need 1 system for local multiplayer, easier to pick up and play

console weaknesses: graphics get outdated after it's been out a couple of years, no mods, inferior setup for rts games, etc

I'll tell you whats better having all consoles,a great PC and the hand helds thats what would be better...........well i can dream can't I.

I can't really say that one is "better" than the other because they both have very unique strengths and weaknesses.

PC strengths: Always ahead of the curve with the latest and greatest graphics, mouse/keyboard setup better for fps and rts games, downloadable mods give games tons of replay value, expansions are far more abundant

PC weaknesses: A severe shortage of genres (it seems as though nearly every new release is either an rts, an fps, or another wow clone), plus you have to spend tons of cash constantly upgrading it to play the newest games, plus you need multiple pcs to do local multiplayer,

console strengths: no need to upgrade (once you buy it, every game released for it will work), a much larger variety of genres, you only need 1 system for local multiplayer, easier to pick up and play

console weaknesses: graphics get outdated after it's been out a couple of years, no mods, inferior setup for rts games, etc

UT_Wrestler

It's not true that you have to upgrade your PC constantly to keep up anymore. Many games are cross developed for consoles which puts a cap on the requirements of their PC counterparts. I have three gaming rigs with 8800s and 2.4ghz CPUs and they run all the latest and greatest games at 1920x1200 at near full or full detail. I have a rig that I built close to 2 years ago that ran FEAR 2 just fine when it came out.

-Byshop

I'm a console gamer. The only PC games I have ever played were Rollercoaster Tycoon games.

I play both type and I find PC's MMORPG alot more fun and addicting.:D

mouse/keyboard setup better for fps

UT_Wrestler

This is definitely subject to opinion. I always feel awkward playing an FPS with mouse and keyboard.

[QUOTE="UT_Wrestler"]

mouse/keyboard setup better for fps

Raikoh_

This is definitely subject to opinion. I always feel awkward playing an FPS with mouse and keyboard.

I prefer console gaming (*read my name*), but thats because many of my friends own consoles and usually use their computers for school and internet not gaming.

PC probably has the more "hardcore" image but i think its easier using a console, especially if your not good with things needed to get the most out of a pc game.

PC gaming is better.

If it wasn't better, then why would console gaming be striving so hard to be like PC gaming?

[QUOTE="Raikoh_"]

This is definitely subject to opinion. I always feel awkward playing an FPS with mouse and keyboard.

bigd575

The real distinction between console and pc gaming isn't what it used to be. Once upon a time console gaming gave you two big advantages, the ability to play on a TV and the ease of using a controler instead of a KB/mouse. These days tvs and monitors are essentially the same device so plugging a computer into a tv or a console into a monitor is no biggie.

As for KB and Mouse versus controller, that's largely a matter of game type and personal preference. As already mentioned, consoles force you to play using a controller whereas PCs give you a choice. However, exactly what that means varies by game to game. Ideal PC games have support for 360 controller utilizing the exact mapping the 360 had (Bioshock for example). Other games may not support the 360 controller directly but allow you to configure a generic joystick or use 3rd party apps like X-Padder to accomplish the same result (Fear 2). Other games still may not really be practically mappable for controller use (Oblivion, Mass Effect). You can't always use a controller on a PC game even if there's a 360 version of that game because the console versions are explicitly designed to accomodate the limited control scheme via context sensitivity or mapping different functions to hold versus press.

Here's how I handle it. I have one gaming rig and one to three consoles plugged into each TV in my house (three total). I buy the console version of a game if it meets one of the following conditions:

1) Console exlusive game (Halo 3, KillZone 2)

2) Released significantly earlier than the PC counterpart (I got a copy of Riddick on 360 two weeks ahead of the ship date for the PC version)

3) Is a game where I plan on playing online with friends I know who have a console version. (Street Fighter 4)

Otherwise I'll always get the PC version for the following reasons:

1) Often cheaper ($40 or $50 versus $60)

2) Way faster load times.

3) Smoother frame rates.

The real reason I like PC gaming though are the games made for PC that never get console versions. Complex space flight sims like the X series for example, a space flight sim with a full economy that behaves on its own without your intervention. Multiple MMOs are PC exclusive. Etc.

-Byshop

[QUOTE="Raikoh_"]

[QUOTE="UT_Wrestler"]

mouse/keyboard setup better for fps

bigd575

This is definitely subject to opinion. I always feel awkward playing an FPS with mouse and keyboard.

It doesn't matter because the PC has the option of letting you play with KB/M or with a controller. Consoles only give you the option of a controller.

[QUOTE="bigd575"][QUOTE="Raikoh_"]

This is definitely subject to opinion. I always feel awkward playing an FPS with mouse and keyboard.

XaosII

It doesn't matter because the PC has the option of letting you play with KB/M or with a controller. Consoles only give you the option of a controller.