So what is the advantage of a console?

[peruvianskys]

I recently have seen many threads pop up about the whole PC vs. console debate and they always shift within a few posts to a PC focus, i.e. why the PC is not better than the console. It seems that PC gamers are gung-ho about how great their platform is, while console gamers are mostly just playing defense by attacking the PC.

So what is the other side? Is there any possible advantage consoles have that PCs do not? Because I honestly can't think of any. The only one I've ever seen brought out is "simplicity" and while that argument maybe had some ground to stand on in 2001 or so, it doesn't stand up at all nowadays.

I guess what I'm asking is, does the console user have any recourse in this eternal debate besides convincing us that the PC is "just as bad" as their chosen system, or do they really have some ace up their sleeve I must be missing that keeps them with consoles?

Not a troll thread, just wondering.

 

[Aerosteam]

We have motion controls! Yeah, how can you beat that?! [small]nope[/small]

I also heard it's physically impossible to sit back and relax on a sofa whilst gaming on a PC.

 

[tippy2k2]

Really, if you know what you're doing, the console has no advantage over the PC.

HOWEVER, the "PC 133T" seem to forget that not everyone has their knowledge. Yeah, it's real easy to build a computer...if you know how to build a computer.

I for one know nothing about graphic cards, cooling systems, power source, "insert computer part #32115 here". I don't know how to tell if the game will run on my system. For someone like me, plugging a 360 in, plugging it into the internet to download a patch, and then playing my game is far simpler than dealing with the issues a PC brings to the table.

Could I learn the PC stuff? Probably but I like my console and I don't feel like doing the work to figure out a PC. I have the odd STEAM game but consoles are just my primary source of gaming.

 

[yunabomb]

You can play games distributed by major Japanese publishers.

 

[sanquin]

I personally think the pc is superior, but advantages to a console?

Let's see:
1: No annoying steam/origin/other digital distribution programs to all have running on your system
2: No need to really install. And if your game does have to, it's all automatic. Basically, it's easier to use.
3: It's smaller than a PC. Well, unless you have a laptop of course.
4: After the first months of a new console coming out it's cheaper on initial purchase, even if game cost evens it out after a while.

But like I said, I think the pc is superior. It's a bit harder to use and takes up more space, but games are cheaper, you can do a lot more with it than just gaming, most of the time pc's are more powerful, mouse + keyboard is a win for me, it allows for much more customization, etc. I mean, you can hook up a pc to a TV and use a controller as well. And they don't have to take up as much space as people claim.

 

[hazabaza1]

It's easier to buy/set up.
Exclusives.
Locked hardware.
Buying a new end console near release is a lot cheaper than buying a high end PC.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

If everyone has the same hardware, then it's a lot easier for devs to make the most of what they have without worrying about different permutations.

 

[TehCookie]

So what is the other side? Is there any possible advantage consoles have that PCs do not? Because I honestly can't think of any. The only one I've ever seen brought out is "simplicity" and while that argument maybe had some ground to stand on in 2001 or so, it doesn't stand up at all nowadays.

How did that argument lose ground? Plugging my console into my TV with a controller is a lot easier than doing that with my PC. Also you never have to worry about compatibility issues, you put a game in and it works. I use both and I prefer my console since I don't have to spend hours fiddling with it to get it to work.

 

[frobalt]

The biggest advantage comes from the fact that the hardware is standard. IE: You don't have to worry about upgrading it because your hardware should be good enough for all xbox games.

This point is actually why games are made for consoles a lot, as they're easy to develop since you don't have a wide spectrum of hardware to account for.

Another advantage people could see if the controller; Some people will prefer a controller over a mouse and keyboard.

There is also the price as well, as an Xbox will be much cheaper than a gaming standard PC.

Personally, I'm a PC gamer, but it always comes in handy knowing advantages and disadvantages to certain type of gaming.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

Split screen
Used games
Usually cheaper (at least initially)
Less bullshit (although this is becoming less of a point in console's favor, as DRM on PC is becoming less intrusive and online passes and traditional DRM are becoming more common on consoles)
Exclusives

FYI, this is coming from a primarily PC gamer.

 

[Maxtro]

Basically all games will have controller support, while it's not in all PC games, looking at you Bioware.

Power vs. value is higher in consoles. How much would a PC that was as powerful as the PS3 cost back when it was released? My guess is over $1,000. Even now, good luck getting a gaming PC as powerful, meaning plays games as well as the PS3 for $250.

No DRM.

System resources are not wasted on non-gaming tasks like they are with PC. Why there isn't a dedicated gaming OS for PC's I have no idea.

 

[Wayneguard]

With a console, I can pop in a game and, with near 100% certainty, not have to do anything beyond that to be able to play. With PC games, I constantly have to optimize, fix, patch, etc. to even be able to play at all. After all, making games that run on multiple operating systems (or different versions of operating systems) and across all different hardware configurations is difficult. Also, you don't have to upgrade the hardware on consoles. In general, a console won't match the capabilities of a top-of-the line PC but you'll never have to worry about whether or not you can cool your GPU or whether or not you need to upgrade your power supply. Some people like tooling their computers; some don't. For those that don't, we have consoles.

 

[Nietz]

Now, I don't own a home console. But for my money, the biggest advantage is convenience, and that's a big one. Just to be able to "plug-and-play" and sit back in your couch and have a good time. Also, it's pretty easy to have on the road. A friend of mine came up to my town a while ago and brought is Xbox and a couple of controllers. It provided us with many a fun, alcohol-fuelled nights.

As for something I do have experience in: Hand-held consoles. I've got a couple of those and they are quite invaluable when you're out and about for a longer amount of time.

 

[james0192]

With a console, I can pop in a game and, with near 100% certainty, not have to do anything beyond that to be able to play. With PC games, I constantly have to optimize, fix, patch, etc. to even be able to play at all. After all, making games that run on multiple operating systems (or different versions of operating systems) and across all different hardware configurations is difficult. Also, you don't have to upgrade the hardware on consoles. In general, a console won't match the capabilities of a top-of-the line PC but you'll never have to worry about whether or not you can cool your GPU or whether or not you need to upgrade your power supply. Some people like tooling their computers; some don't. For those that don't, we have consoles.

This exactly really. Sometimes installing a game on PC can be exasperating!
If a game comes out for ps3 I know that if I buy it and stick it in my ps3 its going to work whereas for PC I've got to check whether I have the requirements to play it, what graphics settings it'll play on etc...

The other big plus for consoles in my opinion is controllers. I know you can argue that with a mouse and keyboard you have more control and more functionality but I prefer the more simple approach of a controller - that and i don't like sitting on my chair at my desk for any length of time as its uncomfortable.

 

[Total LOLige]

The price of the console is cheaper than a gaming PC, but a downside is that you've got to pay more for games. I like the fact that you don't have to worry about system requirements. However when I think about it the money you save buying games for PC(£10 saving) vs console you actually save enough over time to upgrade your hardware on a regular basis(if you want). I'd say the consoles especially Xbox have an edge when it comes to social aspect of gaming. It's just so simple to invite your mates, Bob, Bill, Brian and Barney into an xbox live party while you play different games. The console's simplicity holds it back when it comes to shit like mods and performance so it's always going to be a little inferior. I've never gotten used to keyboard and mouse, whenever I quit a game you can guarantee that caps lock will be on.

 

[Vanitas likes Bubbles]

Ease of use
No bullshit DRM to worry about
Exclusives
Doesn't take up much room (really good for me seeing as the room I live in is extremely small)
Split Screen
Used games (Now this is becoming rarer now due to bullshit online passes)
Being able to sit on my bed and play games at the same time

I'm not saying that consoles are better or equal though. Even as a console gamer I can admit that the PC has a lot more pros.

snip

Ask online what parts to get and state a budget.

When it arrives follow the extremely simple instructions that come with the motherboard.

Boom, you are now part of the "master race".

fyi It's not "part #32115". Nearly every cable and slot is easy to identify and aren't hard to use.

We actually learned about the different parts of a computer last year in my IT class (CPU's, motherboards, RAM etc.). But we never learned how to put it all together. I'm guessing it's like lego?

 

[Evil Smurf]

you don't need to upgrade it for the whole generation it is out. You can play MGS, Zelda and other exclusive titles. You can hack it to Make it a media server. The games can be as cheap as pc games if you know where to look. For reference I have a computer, Wii, iPod touch and DSi