5 reasons why PC gaming is better than Console Gaming

An opinion piece on the reasons why PC gaming is a better platform than console gaming.

[Future_2015]

I have a 4K gaming setup and play games at 4K and it is amazing, I do own a PS4 as well for the sports games like Fifa and nba 2K but multi plats and pc exclusives get played on pc for me.

[JBSleek]

Nice, I only have 1440p at the moment but looking to get a 4K monitor when the GTX 880 come out.

[Ezz2013]

all the reasons in that article are just opinions and gaming preference
the Editor like Gaming on pc more than consoles it's his right to feel that way
but not all would agree

i have a gaming pc as well and huge backlog of games on it i have yet to finish
but most of my time i game on consoles
and most if not all of the best games ever for me are from consoles

that's me though

[Ravenheartzero]

@Ezz

Agreed, been gaming on console's for 20 years and pc for 10 years, most of my time is on consoles. My favourite genre is JRPG and let's be honest the pc is not the platform of choice if you enjoy this genre.
I multiplatform more on my pc now but still looking forward to persona 5, Tales of zestiria and KH2 final mix On my ps3.

Used to game On all platforms but with bills to pay now I'm older just gonna be ps3, ps4 and pc this gen, been with PlayStation since the beginning and tbh it's the platform that's given me the best gaming experiences.

[AliTheSnake1]

SIX reasons why consoles are better than PC gaming:
1.Game optimization.
2.Plug and play.
3. Exclusives.
4.More friends play consoles.
5.couch co-op.
6. Comfortable Laid back sitting with a controller. All my pc gamers friends have bad posture.

PS: you can't play shooters on PC with a controller, Huge disadvantage, specially that there's no aim assist.

[Moncole]

@ali

1. PC also has game optimization and with this Gen PC ports would be easier to make

2. Consoles are not like that anymore, you need to update your system and games before you can play some games.

3. Each system has its own exclusives

4. It depends who you're friends with. If you're friends with adults than they will game on PC but if you're friends with kids than they would be on consoles.

5. Less and less games are offering that and there are tons of PC games,with couch co-op

6. You can plug a PC into a TV and sit on the couch any way you want while using a controller.

[Darkstares]

1. Software prices - PC
2. Hardware prices - consoles
3. Online multiplayer fees - free on PC
3. Library selection - PC
4. Exclusives - Both
5. Ease of use - consoles
6. More open with more options - PC
7. Marketing - consoles
8. Power and performance - PC (scaleable)
9. Co-op and local multiplayer - consoles
10. Future proof - PC (scalaeable)

[badz149]

meanwhile at QuakeCon 2014,

"XBL booo..."

[ShinMaster]

Wow, the PC supremacists have been on a role lately.
Could they be any more insecure?

- You seem to assume that people should care more about technical graphics than the games themselves. I'm sorry, but you cannot make experiences worth coming back to with just graphics. Gameplay, story and art direction take priority. At least for me.

- Mods don't make games great. A good game is a good game no matter what. Garry's Mod is great. But Half Life 2 is not great because of Garry's Mod. Far Cry 2 had a far more expansive creation kit and didn't have nearly the success. Why? Because Far Cry 2 wasn't as good as Half Life 2. It’s like saying Star Wars is the greatest series ever because George Lucas keeps putting out new and "improved" editions.

- Mouse and keyboard are better for strategy games and FPS only. WASD is so outdated.

- That's assuming that I got rid of my previous console/s in the first place. Also, recent versions of Windows have had compatibility issues playing older games.

In the end, console exclusives from first and third party studios, along with friends who are playing on the same platforms you are and they overall feel of a more unique experience than a regular computer, counts more for me.

[GeraltofRivia]

Me too! I am gaming at 1600p with 2 GTX 680s currently. I still think it will take 2 gtx 780s or two 880 to game at high settings at 4k.

[Darkstares]

@ShinMaster

You do realize Steam has far more online players than the PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, and XBox One right?

Lots of games now are supported by a game controller but many still prefer k/m because it's more accurate. Why do you think some developers don't like cross-platform play? It's because they know console gamers are at a disadvantage. You can still play with a controller on the PC for most new games. Options are GOOD.

Mods add replayability to existing games. Some are great, some not so great. The fact is you don't have to use them, they are a BONUS.

PC games can have a technical advantage AND also have great art, gameplay and art. You seem to be under the assumption game developer talent only exists on consoles.

"Could they be any more insecure?"

Odd considering here you are trying to defend consoles. The fact is the PC offers far more flexibility and isn't behind a walled garden. What consoles do have is marketing.

[styferion]

nah man better wait for next generation, 880 still packing 28nm node. better wait 20nm or possibly 16nm next year.

[ShinMaster]

@ Darkstares

When did I say I cared how many players there are online on PC or any platform?

You missed my point about mods.

Yes, PC fans are insecure. You don't see me going into PC articles the same way PC elites jump into console articles, especially those that talk about graphics.

If a console game isn't 1080p@60fps, console gaming gets bashed.
And if a console game IS 1080p@60fps (see recent Uncharted 4 article), PC gamers don't even allow console gamers to be excited about the game because "it's nothing new and should have been that way years ago". As if playing old games in 1080@60 made them any more next-gen.

[Darkstares]

ShinMaster wrote,

"When did I say I cared how many players there are online on PC or any platform?"

You mentioned friends and a unique experience. Have you even played online on the PC? It offers the same thing, and for free.

"You missed my point about mods."

No I didn't. Your argument is they add nothing when they do. You missed the point entirely because they are added bonuses and the mod community can come up with very good ideas. They can even come up with new layouts and maps. The mod community is also able to upgrade games, and for FREE. Ever play the high res Skyrim?

"Yes, PC fans are insecure. You don't see me going into PC articles the same way PC elites jump into console articles, especially those that talk about graphics."

If they are insecure what does that make console gamers who seem to make up the most heated discussions about why my console is better than your console? Do they not also get all giddy about graphics, frame rates? Do they also not act immature when it comes to exclusives? Besides, is this not an article about the PC? If so why are you here?

"If a console game isn't 1080p@60fps, console gaming gets bashed.
And if a console game IS 1080p@60fps (see recent Uncharted 4 article), PC gamers don't even allow console gamers to be excited about the game because "it's nothing new and should have been that way years ago". As if playing old games in 1080@60 made them any more next-gen."

Not as much as the bashing that's been going on because the XB1 doesn't have as good of a frame rate or resolution. In fact PC gamers put console fanboys in check because so very often they act all superior. How many times do we see Uncharted being mentioned and how it is only possible on the PS3 or PS4? That is insecurity because they have to try and rub it in and argue. So why is that any different when PC gamers come in and say if it was on the PC it would do 1080p and 60fps no problem? Console gamers suffer from a superiority complex and that is why they HATE when PC gamers come in.

Like any hobby people will invest in what they can afford and PC gaming can take the hobby to the extremes. Why are console fans insecure about them? We all share the same hobby yet console gamers want to exclude themselves from the PC master race so they can argue all day about how their console is so much better than the other console.

[ShinMaster]

@ Darkstares

Yes and that has nothing to do with the number of players(strangers) online. I was talking about friends.
When most of your friends are playing on a certain platform, that and the games themselves are what ultimately push its value further than other platforms.
If someone buys an Xbox One because all their friends are on it, then I totally respect that.
And by unique experience I meant it's not the same old Windows experience that I've used for 20 years. Each console is a unique experience.

PC fans seem to care more about console graphics than console gamers sometimes.
Don't get me wrong. Console gamers DO care about graphics, but only to a certain extent.
Gameplay, story and art style usually take priority (depending on the game and not necessarily in that order).
The only time technical graphics take priority over everything else is during a console war or if you're a PC supremacists with nothing better to do. Yes, fanboys can be dumb.

""That is insecurity because they have to try and rub it in and argue""
This is exactly what PC fanboys do all the time.

""How many times do we see Uncharted being mentioned and how it is only possible on the PS3""
Probably twice like 4 years ago because it's obviously exclusive and not nearly as many times as I've heard PC fans say that about games with a higher number of online players(ex: BF3) or how every single game would look better on PC or how a 6 year old game looked better than a new game running at anything lower than 1080@60.

""So why is that any different when PC gamers come in...""
Because comparing consoles to PC is incredibly redundant. And you wanna call us insecure? Let's not be hypocrites.
It's called a CONSOLE war for a reason and has been around since the SNES vs Genesis days. YES PCs have always been more powerful. EVERYONE knows that. You think this is news to us? I've been playing games for 25 years and you think I'm gonna start caring about that now? It's a choice.
""Not as much as the bashing that's been going on because the XB1 doesn't have as good of a frame rate or resolution.""
You're gonna lie to my face and tell me that PC elites don't attack any and all consoles, regardless of power? Xbox and PlayStation games have always been scrutinized. Don't act like you're coming to the rescue of the weaker consoles when PC fans bash those as well.

""In fact PC gamers put console fanboys in check...""
...PC gamers suffer from a superiority complex and that is why they HATE when console gamers are excited about a console game that looks really good.

So what you're basically saying is: "Hey you guys are not allowed to get excited about a good looking game or eve argue about frame-rate and resolution, that's our job to be d*cks". Got ya.

[RIP_Cell]

nice! I expect to move into 4k gaming in the next couple of years

[CYCLEGAMER]

5 reasons pc isn't better than consoles

1.) preference
2.) preference
3.) preference
4.) preference
5.) gaming preference

[assdan]

Same. I got my ps4 because I love sony exclusives, and I do get 3rd parties on console from time to time. I love my PC, and I love my ps4. Is my pc capable of better graphics with my 4k monitor? Yes of course, but I also had to get a $1500 set up to be able to do this. I paid $400 for my ps4. Both solutions are equally viable in my opinion.

[BattleN]

PC gives me too many issues so I'm done with it!

[SpiralTear]

This article literally looks like it was made in a high-school desktop publishing class, and after reading it, I can say that it sounds like it did too.

If you're gonna tackle a subject that constantly gets people riled up, put some effort into it. One sentence per reason does not a good article make.

[Palitera]

But N4G granted him 200 degrees, so he got what he wanted.

I decided for a different approach on ads blocking. I unblocked every site on adblocker and am slowly adding sites to the blacklist. Don't even need to say that this site is there, with cinemablend, forbes, examiner...

Small consequence? Yes, very small, but that's what I can do as a comeback. For now.

[guitarded77]

Well played. I rate down sites for quality if they have pop-ups. It's shameful. If their site is worth visiting, then it's either getting real advertising money, or it's a passion project and not about 5 cents for every 1,000 hits.

On topic: People who ONLY choose to game on one platform aren't really gamers in my mind. PC could never fully satisfy my gaming wants and needs. I understand people who are financially strapped to one platform, but if you can afford a decent computer, you can afford other things. Many PC gamers I know just play a particular game for a LONG period of time... like an MMO, or an RPG. It can be a 6 month or a year or longer thing... just waiting for their next fix.

[Majin-vegeta]

NO UC,TLOU,GOW3,Ressitance so yea no...

[JBSleek]

Do people actually use this as an argument? You know PC has exclusives as well right? Also has a bigger and better library than any current generation console.

The argument can be said for any platform they all have exclusives.

[NihonjinChick]

I never understand all of this bickering.

PC may have exclusives too, but it doesn't have the exclusives that he prefers. He gave a list of specific properties that are only found on his platform of choice.
I assume these games are why he chose the platform of his choice.

That's the problem with articles like these. People can't seem to grasp that other people aren't always going to enjoy the same things that they do.

[JBSleek]

"NO UC,TLOU,GOW3,Ressitance so yea no..."

PS3 emulation on PC is here:
http://www.cinemablend.com/...

Checkmate!

[NihonjinChick]

Okay, but you are forgetting that these franchises are continuing on the PS4. As of now, there aren't any decent PS4 emulators so he has to get a PS4 to play the next Uncharted, a God of War sequel, or any sequel to any of the other PlayStation exclusive games he likes.

Checkmate!

[Majin-vegeta]

"NO UC,TLOU,GOW3,Ressitance so yea no..."

PS3 emulation on PC is here:
http://www.cinemablend.com/...

Checkmate!

Lol all I saw were little cheap games running nothing of the kind of games I said.Nice try though.

[Ezz2013]

@jbsleek

WHAT?! 0_0
http://media.tumblr.com/tum...

[Master-H]

@JBSleek

Emulating ps3 games while the system and the games are still available for sale is piracy, and you wonder why devs skip/delay their games on PC..

Plus that emulator doesn't even work properly, at least not yet, and you can't use psn with it meaning you lost the online features/modes and split screen/local play, and possibly the access to DLC/game patches.

All in all emulating a console on PC will never feel as normal/natural as playing that console, plus it isn't even legal, if everybody emulated their games on PC instead of buying them legitimately who's gonna support the devs ?

[skoorydook]

Yes people will use that as an argument and it doesn't matter if you like it or not it is a valid argument.

If a gamers favourite games are on a specific platform and that is what is most important to them then of course that will be the reason they give and why shouldn't they, especially when some pc elitist is trying to rub their faces in specifics that make a pc better.

well guess what, what he said holds merit

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

Checkmate because of emulation? This is why I consider PC gamers scum.

I remember when the Wii U was announced PC gamers where cheering because it was "weak" meaning easy emulation so it meant dolphin-U coming to a PC near you! lol

What a bunch of pirating pricks.

[make72]

Only good pc Exlusive 2014 is Spin Tyres,its indie game but still very good game.Rest of the games I play mostly with consoles.

[RIP_Cell]

why is it on an articles like this you never hear Nintendo fans say PC can't play Mario or Zelda, or Xbox fans say PC can't play Halo or Gears, it's always from the Sony crowd?

[KONAAs]

funny how u say the horrible pc is better besides the graphic wich i dont notice a difference between my gtx 780 ti classified and my ps4 i prefer my ps4 speciallt the stupid keyboard and mouse, FUNNY how valve is trying to use contolers with their big screen set up

[MysticStrummer]

Why is it on articles like this you always see people making inaccurate sweeping statements?

OT - No platform is "better". They all have their pluses and minuses, and different people like different things. For me, PC gaming is a non-factor.

[ocelot07]

O well I can sort of answer the Xbox questions. Halo 1,2 have both been on PC. Gears of War 1 was also on PC with exclusive content.

In my opinion even though I have a PC and enjoy PC gaming. I simply prefer consoles because A, You put the game in and they work. Sadly I can't say this about PC from time to time. B, I think console exclusive are just so much better than PC exclusives.

Last Of Us,Uncharted, Forza, Gran Turismo, Zelda,Mario Kart, Pokemon, God Of War ect as in my opinion so much better than what PC games offer me.

All I seem to find on PC these days are early access survival multiplayer titles.

Don't get me wrong I like games like DayZ and H1Z1 but I much rather have titles like I mentioned above for consoles.

Also can you please tell me when a console exclusive title is discussed the PC crowed have to come in and go on about 4K ect. I remember when GTA 5 came out. While all us console people was enjoying GTA 5 the PC crowd where making gifs about how we are just beta testing it for the PC players. It was some beta test it was fun I actually even got to complete the game a whole year+ before PC gamers.

Another reason why I prefer console gaming is. Poor ass PC ports. Watch_dogs being 1 remember that? Assassin's Creed 3, Dark Souls, GTA 4, COD Ghosts ect. If am going to spend £600-£800 on a PC I expect decent ports or games built from the ground up for PC. But no developers see PC gamers as rotten ass thieves so simply give them crap ports.

[Moncole]

Because they are too busy enjoying their games so they don't have time to go on the internet to say they have the best games.

[tee_bag242]

Hmmm... that's a sorry looking arguement right there.
"But but... Naughty dogs lol"

[ScottyHoss]

B..but.. GOTY :) don't see you playing TLOU on PC. Why can't we agree that the industry needs both?

[JackBNimble]

PS3/PC here... FTW!

I'll get a PS4 sooner or latter, but as for now there is nothing on either new console that I want that I can't play on PC.

[LightDiego]

Now that pathetic troll wants to talk about Naughty Dog, just lol. These fanboys with only one platform are a joke, that's why you need to beg for a port every time like Tekken 7.
You are ridiculous.
About the "article". What can we say? Just look at the uploader, this guy is a joke.

[Daniel_Potter]

The Forest, Red Orchestra, Star Citizen, Natural Selection, Mount & Blade, Chivalry, ARMA

[Spotie]

And that doesn't at all invalidate a list of console exclusives. Don't know why you'd think it would. Guess your brain is wired like JB's above: wrong.

[Revengeance]

@JBSleek

LOL that's not even a fully working emulator! Not only that it's piracy! Did you actually try to use that as an argument? You only made yourself look worse XD.

[bunt-custardly]

For me, the biggest reason aside from the obvious is 3D for any game using Tridef and then there's the almighty Steam.

[Godmars290]

PC negatives:
- Cost
- The need to upgrade for certain titles.
- The need to be PC literate.
- Patching broken games, sometimes to a point you're doing the devs job.

As many times as this subject has been touched upon, the expectation of PC gamers that *everyone* should be PC gamers, that everything should be on PCs and not consoles, there is just an unwillingness on the part of "the PC master race" to comprehend that not everyone wants to deal with the issues of PC gaming.

[JBSleek]

PC misconceptions 101

-Cost... PC gaming is cheaper than console gaming in the long run. We don't pay for online, we pay for cheaper software, better marketplace with sales. You will make up the PC initial cost with cheaper software. I'll take a higher initial cost over.

-Need to upgrade for certain titles... You mean how console gamers have to upgrade to PS4 and Xbox One for better games?

-Need to be PC literate...Sure, but is that truly difficult. I assume if you are a PC gamer you have some sort of secondary schooling with enough common sense.

Your last point is valid. I concede.

[ScottyHoss]

However the upgrade is 400 dollars for the next 8 years, now I'm not sure how expensive PC upgrading is over that time, but 400 isn't bad to me. NGL I'm building my first gaming PC this holiday season, and the only thing that's turned me off of PC is the arrogance and initial cost. Why can't we agree that it's preference? THE INDUSTRY NEEDS BOTH.

[Godmars290]

You say misconceptions, I say blind spot which PC game defenders will never realize - especially when its pointed out.

[DoctorJones]

@HaydoThePotato

Your sweeping statements are untrue and misguided. I'm a 37 year old with a good job and a decent disposable income. I don't need a parent to buy my hardware, I'm a parent myself, and I can afford my own hardware well enough.

I don't need to upgrade to play the latest games that came out, the last upgrade I made was a GTX 670 which I bought in January last year for 180 odd quid, I sold the graphics card I had for 100 pounds and so it only cost me £80 in the end.

The last upgrade I had before that was the processor and the motherboard, it barely cost me anything once I had sold the parts I replaced them with.

I can play most games that come out at near to maximum settings, and in worse cases they still perform much better than on current consoles.

Pc gaming is cost effective, it's not expensive and these lies that get told by people such as yourself are laughable.

Please, try not to spread crap around, it makes you look bad.

[gamernova]

The reason why consoles do not need upgrades is because they aren't pushed as hard as the PC version because there are no settings to max out. If you compare AC or other cross titles, they look miles ahead on PC. PC could lower the requirements of any title by simply turning down the specs so then we could play a similar quality to the ps4 version but at significantly higher fps. It all depends on what you're looking for. But PC isn't necessarily known for turning down the requirements lol

I know teens that can handle PC gaming so although it does appear scary, it is really not that difficult.

The cost up front can be cheap or significant depending on what kind of quality you want. You can go for something cheap and still get something better looking than consoles but even cheap PCs tend to be more expensive than consoles but definitely not by a wide margin and trust me when I tell you, the cheap PC games more than make up for the price difference.
Some devs do suck like ubisoft but most devs are actually really good. Obviously there are different PC configurations so it's tough to maximize the potential of all of them so patches are needed.

You do have to admit that console gaming is getting close to PC gaming with the issues you mentioned. For example, there is hard drive failure on consoles and replacing a hard drive is very PC. Also, patches hit consoles all the time now. It's a way of gaming now because games are super complex. And paying that 60 dollar price tag is outrageous for games. Console gaming is anything but cheap.

[Godmars290]

"You do have to admit that console gaming is getting close to PC gaming with the issues you mentioned."

Because PC devs are now the majority of game makers. From the NES era to mid PS2 JP devs dominated console gaming, worked within the limits of what they were given, then with MS and the first Xbox PC devs came in and brought their baggage with them. Demanded better hardware to work with.

Don't mean to make that last past insulting, but just can't think of any civil way to put it.

[gamernova]

Godmars, I agree! The more resources devs have, the better things can be made. It's funny because now Ps4 fans know how it feels. The feel multiplats are held back by the one and they might be right.

[Godmars290]

Um, no. Pretty much the exact opposite of what's going on. Games like Skyrim, GTA and COD are often bug riddled despite the amount or resources supposedly dedicated to them. Aliens: Colonial Marines was literally sold on one version and released as another of far lower quality.

Even something as highly regarded as the Last of US.

[gamernova]

God mars, so you mean to tell me that the more complex games get the most they need patching? What a shocker. Lol devs aren't perfect and I would much prefer them to make the most out of the hardware and actually support their game with fast fixes than to not even try.

It's pretty obvious that more resources lead to even more complex programming and designing but that is why patches exist.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Better to be able to patch a broken game on PC than having a broken game on console and can't do anything about it.

The need to be PC literate? Putting together a PC is like putting lego pieces together. Its not hard. Getting games on it isn't hard either. Building a rig isn't as hard as people think it is.

[VJGenova]

I have to say that every time I buy a game (old or new) it takes me roughly 2 hours to get it working right.

Some games, such as Diablo 1 and Fallout 2, I couldn't fet to run right. They were all washed out. In spite of this, I've used my pc almost exclusively for the last 3 years. i figure if i spent the money on a gaming rig, i should use it. Not to say i wouldn't enjoy the console exclusives, I just haven't felt compelled to play them.

[Rimgal]

I am not a PC gamer.
I am not a console gamer.
I am just a game.

If someone games on a consoles or PC I couldn't care less, because for me it doesn't matter. What should matter is that we enjoy the games we have and the service that are provided to us by the platform that we choose.

And btw what this article says we already know about, it doesn't bring something new.

[TheDevKit]

You're a game?!

[mushroomwig]

It's almost like you get what you pay for!

[TXIDarkAvenger]

1. Better Hardware, Better Visuals and Faster Frame Rate
That's true however relating to your analogy, the reason we don't have a Ferrari and have a Ford Focus is because of price. As of right now there isn't any PC that can be made that is priced at the same cost of a PS4 and performs better.

[kingduqc]

The price argument is just bad:

The console initial price is better then a pc but, You got to pay 50-60$ a year just to play online, the games are usually 10-30$ more expensive. If you add this up 400$ for online and 300-400$ more a year for games well the pc price just disappear and it's actually cheaper in the long run.

[finals]

Games being "10-30$" more expensive on consoles is a huge misconception anymore. Almost all big releases cost exactly the same as consoles.
While the yearly fee sucks you do get games that you can play with you subscription.

Why can't some people freely admit PC gaming is more expensive? It should be, as its better technology.

[magnoliafan]

The triple A games that often bring prior to buy consoles are often the same price on the PC upon initial release. Sure you can save on services like steam, and I'm not saying this will disprove your argument, but you can save money with discounts and free games on psn and Xbox live. What I am saying though is the math isn't that simple and price may vary. We all know PC has better graphics and sweet mods. I was jelly of the macho man mod on skyrim. I knew the plus side of PC gaming and still went console. It's all about simplicity. Consoles are a purchase that is simple. You don't need to think. You know it will work out of the box with little to no assembly or research. More work (again, its disputable how much work is indeed necessary) is needed for the great PC experience. But why go through that work when consoles are simple and with no learning curve (learning curves are a case by case basis upon the individual). It's why people smoke when they know it's bad. It's hard to quit. Its simple to stick with it. And at the end of the day we choose what would make us the most comfortable and happy. Why begrudge us that? Enjoy your obviously better PC. While I enjoy my console. We all know PC is better and that's why most of our comments aren't bashing PC. We are defending the credibility of a console. Maybe one day I might make the jump. But until then I am happy with something I can play with my kids and tech illiterate friends.

[Mr Tretton]

"Why can't some people freely admit PC gaming is more expensive? It should be, as its better technology."

I'm very certain that I spent way more on my PS3 in the long run, acquiring games, than I did on my PC. As in, a short time, I acquired a huge PC library (that I get to keep and is forwards compatible) for not a lot of money compared to what I spent with PS3 and got way less games out of it. The PS3 experience was more expensive within the same time frame. And that's back when PSN was free.

If you are talking about the buy-in cost of the platforms, of course PC is more expensive. But who just does that?

[d3nworth1]

You're using the worse case scenario for the console and what price range PC are you comparing them to? Your price on console games for a year is assuming that you buy every game at launch and every game was $60. Wait a month or 2 and the price drops like $10-$20 plus there are retail console games that launch at $40 - $50. Not every console require or console game requires an online fee. Realistically people spend less money on console gaming than what you make it out to be.

[finals]

@Mr Tretton "If you are talking about the buy-in cost of the platforms, of course PC is more expensive. But who just does that?"

Nobody of course but who just buys old releases? I imagine most people look forward to new games just as much if not more than old games.

Which is my point, New games cost almost always the same between ALL platforms.

[Mr Tretton]

finals, if COST is the issue here, then one has no business being a 'DAY 1! DAY 1!' buyer. I wait for sales for most games. Whether back with console or now with PC. The sales come faster on PC with cheaper prices.

[Beastforlifenoob]

Wait I have to pay soley for online on PS4? Oh then why do I get 24 games a year? Oh thats right when you pay $60 a year you get 24 games (2 p/mo)... That averages out to $2.50 per game plus online multiplayer plus exclusive discounts plus cloud storage. I think its worth every penny!

[tee_bag242]

Yeah, stop paying them that money every month and see if you can play those games still.
I laugh every time I read a fanboy refer to them as "free games". Its technically closer to renting.

[magnoliafan]

Nothing is free. True. Cause let's see anyone play games without electricity. Everything is renting. Her her her.

[Clunkyd]

Lol I can afford a gaming PC but I rather play on a console.
I wouldnt say the same thing with a Ferrari and a Ford Focus though.

[xxx_Solid_Snake_xxx]

the ps4 fanboys are stopped talking about graphics right now ha ?!....lol
sorry for bad English :(

[disKinected]

Learn to write english properly first.

Secondly, this article is comparing CONSOLES with PC, that includes your precious BOX as well. Lol.

[tee_bag242]

Why don't you learn to write in a forgein language before you start casting stones Mr. Mouthbreather.

[disKinected]

Oh another d-bag here. Did I hurt your feelings princess?
Mind your own business and buzz off.
What is a forgein language btw kiddo?

[tee_bag242]

They forgot free online in the list.

[Mr Tretton]

Well, there are ton more than 5 reasons anyway.

[mysteryraz11]

lol I see you still trolling pc geek

[--bienio--]

Pc is a great and now all AROUND starting to see. because of the power which possess consoles, Pc shows already on the start why is better:)

[teo72]

PC are great for gaming, but not for the games I want to play (on PS4). The Last of Us, Metal Gear Solid 5, Gran Turismo 7, Driveclub, God of War 4, No Man's Sky, Destiny, Uncharted 4 and many other console exclusive games. I also prefer gaming on my PS4 with my trusty Dual Shock 4 controller. PC's are expensive (if you want best graphics), generally noisy, often quite large. I have a cheap laptop (absolutely not a gaming rig). But that's just me...

[user7402931]

can i get tlou on pc?

edit prove it.

[JBSleek]

Soon

[mixelon]

Usable PS3 emulation is a Hell of a long way off. Seriously. Believing otherwise is insanity. Years. And even then, the hardware most of us have now will not be able to do it fast enough.

[Imalwaysright]

PS3 emulation on PC is difficult because of its architecture. PS4 has x86 architecture and despite it being more powerful than the PS3 it will be much more easy to emulate on the PC. Mark my words, by the end of this generation, PC gamers will be able to play TLoU remaster.

[TheDevKit]

If a single game is all you want out of gaming, I'd hardly consider you a gamer.

[uth11]

14 reasons PC gaming is worse than console gaming

1) hardware fragmentation means poor optimization and buggy implentatios
2) mainstream devs treat PC as an afterthought- games are often released shockingly buggy- at least for some PC configurations.
3) viruses
4) spyware
5) trojan horses
6) "What Intel giveth, Microsoft taketh away" - software bloat is a perpetual issue. Every new update consumes significantly more RAM, disk space, and processing power. The attitude of developers in the PC world is customers can always upgrade, so they don't bother too much with size or performance optimization.. For consoles, developers must optimize.
7) Being forced into upgrading your hardware frequently in order to keep up with the latest games... especially true if you try to go the budget route to building a PC. The money you save on games can easily go to hardware purchases.
8) High cost of a decent gaming rig
9) noise. High-end systems need lots of cooling. Some systems can easily have 6 or more fans in them. which leads to...
10) heat- those fans have to blow that heat somewhere. Some PCs can make it feel like you don't have air conditioning on summer days
11) maintenance- whether building, upgrading hardware, updating drivers, solving issues. You'll find that you put time into performing maintenance tasks that you'd rather spend doing other things..
12) Power usage vs consoles- the more powerful a PC the more power it uses. Sure you might save by not having to by a PS+ or Xbox Live subscription. But instead you'll pay that money and maybe more to the electric company.
13) aren't as ideal as consoles for living room usage. Because of Keyboard/mouse & Windows
14) Windows- It's a pretty miserable operating system that should have died years ago in favor of better options

[mixelon]

Well, that was partly FUD. :P viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, oh my! (Easily prevented)

Bloat? Not an issue. Forced to upgrade frequently? Not forced, even a meagre setup can last years, just some of use choose to upgrade frequently.

I'll agree about the heat/power/electricity stuff. I keep my pc in a different room to my TV though for silent running when couch gaming. :)

Windows doesn't really matter, you don't actually have to spend any time using it while gaming.

[uth11]

problem is, not everybody understands how to prevent them. I've had to clean spyware off other peoples machines one too many times.

Forced upgrades is true. I can't tell how many times I bought a new game that runs like crap. Time to get another video card, or CPU/motherboard. Or all of the above. It's not by choice either. I've grown tired of upgrading my PC. I just want things to work now.

[aliengmr]

@uth11

Forced upgrades aren't true. Sorry, man saying it doesn't make it so.

Please detail all your upgrades so we can all BS.

[DoctorJones]

Everytime I see this uth11 dude in a pc and console article he goes on about viruses and trogans and what not.

Look at his reasons, every single one of them is total BS.

You're not fooling anyone uth, you just look like a fool.

[ScottyHoss]

Finally someone who agrees that Windows is absolute sh1t!!!! Very well put together argument sir.

[tee_bag242]

Stop visiting dodgy porn sites

[sorane]

At least you numbered your list so it's easy to count all the lies. You spend more time being jealous of PC than you ever did playing a console. I find it funny and sad at the same time. If you spent 1/100th the time studying how PCs work that you do trolling then maybe your posts wouldn't be so easily picked apart.

[jnthnbgg]

WOW all terrible reasons.
1) fragmentation uh yeah there is a solution to that and I am pretty sure consoles use hard drives now so that is snuff.
2) PC actually is not an after thought it merely takes more time to develop a game because they can do more and get better performance so less limitations so more room to expand than consoles thus takes longer. GTA V for example. I have relatives in PC development for RStar so snuff that one.
3,4,5)Virus Spyware and Trojans hahahahaha OMG I cant stop laughing only if your an idiot and look at porn and download unsafe stuff. OH MAN that was a great one. I don't think I have had any virus or the like in better than 10 years.
6)Nope no performance drop because if you actually build a Gaming PC it will run top AAA games for years. Oh and Xbox One er 720p is def optimized.... for failure.
7)The only thing I have upgraded in the last 6 years was my graphics card which cost half as much as a PS4 GTX 760 4Gb ($235) last November and I was still running just fine the sale just won me over. plus the only hardware I have ever had fail is RAM and with lifetime warranty I have never had to foot the bill. Xbox or PS4 you foot the bill for shipping and probably labor and parts once out of warranty.
8)High cost upfront yest in the long run no. I have spent about $800 on my rig which includes a GPU upgrade but I sold the old one for $150 so actually $650 and that is for a term of 12 years. Pretty sure you cant get good resale out of a previous gen console.No dice here.
9,10) remind me what was the killer problem with the first couple generations of xbox 360... Oh yeah Heat it loosened the cold solder on the GPU and caused Red Ring of Death. Anything computer creates heat so that is a stupid argument sorry but it is. And noise blah no issue there anybody knows a serious gamer uses a good 5.1 or 7.1 surround headset, you just cant beat it so noise away but my rig I can hardly hear the fans even right next to me on the floor.
11) I am pretty sure that you get updates ALL the time from Playstation or Microsoft and that loathsome Windows or another program pretty much manage that for the less techy people out there.
12) I will give you this but with more power come better performance so yes PC is much more powerful tan console.
13) I will give you this consoles are great for living rooms. But that is about it.
14)Other favorable options..... being? Cant pitch without a baseball gotta have something to throw. Lynux sure but not everybody understand that. Apple well we are talking about gamers right and that is an afterthought.

The fact is who cares consoles fit one person for another reason and for somebody else they do not. If you like console great if you like PC then great. I like both for different reasons but abandoned consoles because a PC is more versatile than just a gaming streaming machine. Thats my take if you dont agree great but I dont care. So go play and enjoy what you enjoy. Its all perspective anyway.

[aliengmr]

Things, its "you" not the computer.

You cannot blame the computer because its a foreign concept to you.

Seriously, I am genuinely surprised you are even able to post here.

Its, either, you are so computer illiterate that there should be laws in place to stop you from ever using one, or, you are just making crap up. You pick.

Yes, if you are trying to game on a 486 these days you are going to have problems. Yea, you'll have to upgrade it and developers won't optimize for that config, but its 2014, even consoles have to upgrade some time.

You got one point right, a PC is more expensive than a console. The rest is all hyperbolic ranting that lacks any modern experience at all.

[uth11]

Ah so you can't defend against the facts so you attack the messenger.

I have built PCs since 1994. I know what I am talking about here.
As for being computer illiterate, I have a degree in computer science and work in software development.

PC is great for some people, but it's not for everyone. It will never be a mainstream gaming device in its current form.

[DoctorJones]

'I have built PCs since 1994. I know what I am talking about here.
As for being computer illiterate, I have a degree in computer science and work in software development.'

Look Walter Mitty, no one believes your BS, we can see through you like a window. Stop with the lies, it's pathetic.

You don't have a degree in computer science and you don't work in software development, otherwise you wouldn't come out with the crap you're talking about.

Everything you have talked about is something from a era long past. You had a problem you couldn't solve the last time I spoke with you involving a system error, and you didn't know how to fix it.

Someone with a degree in computer science and a career in software development would have been able to sort it out - http://n4g.com/news/1540914...

'But if you're so smart, then tell me how to fix all these "COM Surrogate" processes that keep launching on this PC, and grow until all they consume all the memory and CPU (or until I kill them in task manager)? I've followed everything I could find online, but it won't go away. Microsoft doesn't have a fix for it either. '

Like I said, you're not fooling anyone.

[aliengmr]

@uth11

Guess what, I'm clairvoyant. I totally called that you would try to back all that BS up with "I have a degree in computer science and work in software development."

If you actually did, you wouldn't have posted all that crap. You aren't fooling anyone, troll.

Want help being more convincing? Try sticking to reality. The reality is that for the last generation, few games were designed to push the current tech to its limits and those that did always had what "real" PC gamers call an OPTIONS menu, where you can adjust a game in a myriad of ways in order to suit your config.

That's something that someone with a computer science degree should know. My upgrades for the last ten years for GPUs was

1. 7950 GTX x 2 (Where I learned a valuable lesson about over-priced pre-built PCs)
2. 8800 GTX
3. GTX 460
4. GTX 660 - current

Those last 2 I got because they were having a sale at the time. Haven't been forced to upgrade one time. Prior to that? Sure, Creative was still in the game and visuals were rapidly advancing before y2k. PC was the ONLY place visuals really mattered at that point. The consoles eventually came in and slowed everything down.

If you really had any modern experience in PC gaming, you would know first hand that your "facts" are garbage.

[mixelon]

Better to game on both and not miss out on a) the best multiplats and b) some of the exclusives on both platforms.

I need my TLOU, my Mariokart and my Civilization... None is better than the others as they're all totally different and incomparable.

[finals]

Exactly the exclusives on the consoles and the performance of Multiplats on PC make it the best to have both if you can afford it.

[_LarZen_]

PC is a nice platform for more enthusiast gamers. Personally I prefer the more laidback experience I get with a console.

And ofc...Destiny and a bunch of other games I like run at about 0 fps on PC. So it's a easy pick for me.

But options are always nice to have!

[SirKenneth89]

I find it quite childish when people claim to be "master race" when they own a PC. Of course the PC is the better option if you only want to play multiplattform games, but you miss out on many different games by not owning console(s).

Why cant we all just be proud of what you play on and stop at that! :-)

[Mr Tretton]

Because it's fun to troll people that actually take the trolling seriously :). No one should take 'master race' seriously, it's just a joke.

[skoorydook]

Don't personally know hardly any guys who game on pc, all my mates are on PS & Xbox and that is the main advantage for me.

[dota2champion]

Cheaper games, that's the #1 reason why i prefer pc gaming over console

[GoodnessGreatness]

Preferences. I play some Dota or Warcraft on PC and play The Last of Us, Uncharted on PS4.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

I don't really get the attraction with PC... atm there's 100s of copycat MMOs, A whole bunch of pointless simulator games that flood the steam store... trying to find a decent game on Steam is like trying to shit gold nuggets. It's over crowded with pointless crap and not enough is being done to fix this issue. Also the fact EA has been snooping in your files thanks to origin is pretty bad too. As for graphics (something all PC gamers bring up) there is piss all that over shadows console games visuals atm unless it's been heavily modded. There's not a single PC exclusive that has mind boggling visuals. It's all MMOs, MOBAs and RTS games. Sorry but I'm going to need to see something special in order to even bother forking out several hundred quid for a PC. 5 reasons isn't enough at all.

[voodoochild346]

You need to have your head examined. Pc gamers like RPGs(The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout etc.) and sports games too. Pc is the only place for TRUE competitive shooters( sorry cod and BF4 fans. Nothing competitive about aim assist and magnetic bullets.)

Yet another uninformed fanboy...

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

"You need to have your head examined" Says the village idiot.

[voodoochild346]

@sharn

A person that doesn't know enough to research the numerous incorrect statements he makes despite being on the internet calling someone else an idiot. N4g...

[iceman600]

"My Reasons why I prefer consoles over gaming PC's
1. Games are well optimized for consoles(Most of the time)
2. Exclusives (This is a must)
3. Dedicated interface.
4. No BS hardware problems
5. All my friends game on consoles.
6. I'm not gaming on a computer."

no bs hardware problems? lol boy are u dumb, so what about the endless updates you have to download to fix all the damn game breaking bus that come with your game after u buy it?

[Goku781]

Yes hands down for whats out there its unbeatable, but come on, that like saying Lebaron James and the would beat Michael Jordan and UNC, or a 35 Year old uncle will beat someones 15 year old brother, it makes no sense. As underpowered as Xbox One is, its still a console. Wii U as well. But they are consoles, stop trying to put them in the same sentences and categories people. Is the 3DS or a Nabi the same as a Samsung S5 or an ipad just because you can play games and they are portable?. Lets use comon sense, PC against at least different graphic cards, and consoles however weak or strong against consoles. Vita is not going to win against the Xbox One any time soon. Lets keep things relevant.

[GundalfDeGrej]

It all comes down to what games you like, where your friends are and how much you're willing to spend initially (PC really does pay off in the long run but some people just ain't got time fo' that). There's no need to bring up bs arguments like viruses or the need to upgrade every few years. The first three is enough to justify buying a console. Different experiences for different people.

[voodoochild346]

One thing I hate is when console fanboys pretend like the pc has no exclusives. As soon as those games get ported to consoles all of a sudden they are the greatest games ever.

Do you think Fallout 3, ES IV Oblivion, The Witcher 2, Far Cry 2, Team Fortress 2 etc. just started with numbers after their name because the developer felt like trying something new? No they started on pc. All the while these games were on pc console pretended like they where trash and now The Witcher 3 is one of the most anticipated game for console gamers. Sony fanboys brag to xbots about getting a port of Planetside 2.

If you don't feel like finding out what pc has fine but it's very idiotic downplay there offerings because you're uninformed.

[BobBelcher]

eh... online population continues to grow for consoles.

[Flames76]

I build computers love them but would never take a step back to game on them.Better exclusive's on console's don't have to upgrade every week for a new game.Plus pc gaming is dead you cant find them in stores retailers removed them low sales.Steam sells their games for a few bucks so people will buy them.Yea no thanks

[mysteryraz11]

who really cares which is better? does it matter, I dont have any problem with the pc I enjoy games on it but these stupid troll articles need to stop, this is a gaming news site not your opinion which you think is better, everyone knows pcs can be stronger if you pay enough then again they could easily make a 4k console but its far too expensive,I dont really care about graphics otherwise I still wouldnt be playing on my ps3 and 360 and even my tablet which I have besides having a ps4

[urwifeminder]

Prefer PC these days was not always the case , but I will still go back for gears, forza and halo.

[GeraltofRivia]

All the pro console comments against pc gaming sound moronic.

1) Steam Big Picture mode makes pc gaming exactly like console gaming.

2) Guess what, news flash!!!!!!!!!!!! You can actually play pc games with any gamepad you want from your COUCH!!!! No, you will not explode. There was recently a Windows patch that allows you to play pc games from a couch and not catch on fire or explode.

3) PC gaming has its own share of exclusive titles.

[kingdom18]

Which then, can be narrowed down to :

1)Preference

2)Preference

3)Preference

[mixolydian_id]

The reason I game on console is because it is a games console.

I use my PC and Mac for recording/video editing purposes.
Not to mention office programmes... web surfing... D/Loading music/movies/programs and syncing devices.

They live in the second bedroom, have audio mixer's, audio interface and extra cabling.

It's not moving it to the living room...because the studio equipment would need to relocate.
Not to mention, would I want it situated there.

Consoles take up less space and fit my home cinema, TV setup wonderfully.

Gaming experience on the PC i'm sure is great, but doesn't fit my lifestyle nor those who I live with.

PC's in the living room are a conflict of interest.

I'm one new graphics card away from a super gaming rig... will still wind up with an Xbox one :)

[PickAShoe]

On PC, better hardware = better skill. On console, all hardware are equals.

[snarls200]

what % of games allow mods

[capitan1979]

I can mention one hundred reasons console gaming is better than PC, but the exclusive content and simplicity of a console is enough to win this argument. Listen, I love my PC, but comparing the two experience is really dumb, an only shows how desperate for attention PC gamers are. PC gaming is more expensive, more complicated and more time consuming.

[Surt]

Consoles beat pc in exclusives. Each and every time. I love my rig, but no way in hell I'm going to say that besides FPS and Horror games pc has what?

PC has what games? MMORPG?, RTS?, Hipster indie games? All that power and they can't bloody port over a decent console game. We all know how console to PC ports are.

Now add to that list

1) HAcks

2) Ripped for free. Why pay for game on pc?

3) gaming level goes up. social lv goes down. plus the risk of playing shit like EVE online.

[spektical]

as a pc gamer. I would like to point out that not all of us are assholes. play as you see fit

[kingdom18]

PC

Con: No JRPGs

Consoles

Pro: Buttloads of JRPGs

[jjb1981]

A little of topic but does anyone know if I should get the r9 m290x or the gtx 880m? I need a new laptop and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions.