I came across this thread while weighing up PS4 vs Xbox One. I'm still undecided at the moment; though I like the idea of the One's backwards compatibility, it just seems a bit redundant unless I get rid of the 360 completely. Whereas the PS4 has a few exclusives I might be interested in. Not to mention I got rid of my previous Sony systems - big mistake to be honest - and would like to pick up some of the older games as digital downloads.

Anyway, one of the arguments in the thread made me register - the argument that people should just build/buy a gaming rig rather than a console. I somewhat disagree and think it purely depends on personal circumstances and no, I don't mean finances. I won't deny that they may find improved performance and/or graphics but the overall package is just less appealing to me than a console. The space required, the upkeep/maintenance, the temperamentality of PCs at times all being valid reasons in my opinion. The screen size is another issue entirely. I know two people with a maintained gaming rig, one has his set up with what I believe is a 22" monitor in the corner of a living area and I'm sure it runs amazingly well but I can't imagine enjoying any hack and slash game for example on a screen that small. The other uses his with a 42" HDTV. Great, perfect "console experience" in my opinion. The downside now coming back to the space required; having a tower sitting around in a living area just isn't aesthetically pleasing. At least to me. I should note that his is in his bedroom so it's not a problem for him as he loves technology. Whereas, I'm the type of person that doesn't even like having a TV in the bedroom.

I also find it a bit antisocial to head into a corner of the home to game, leaving your girlfriend/family/kids/whoever to sit on their own. When I game, my girlfriend is usually next to me. We're doing our own thing, yeah, but still interacting with each other. Not to mention it's simple for her to pick up a spare controller and join in if I'm playing something she's into. The only games I play on a PC (laptop in my case for the most part) are strategy games and the like. Games designed for PC, that work best with a keyboard and mouse.

Anyway, I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion of anything discussed in the topic nor do I even think that's possible judging by some replies lol, just pointing out that people don't need to be "stupid" or "poor" to not want a gaming rig in their home.