So what is the advantage of a console?

[NewQuest]

This is more of a personal issue, but still:

On PC, even the people with the best graphics cards and best PCs seem to have issues running games. I don't mean like getting 60 fps or anything, but I'll try to run a game, and there will be some issue. When I look it up, people explain that you need to download unofficial patches, or download other things because games don't work on certain computers. A lot of those people have the latest Nvidia graphics cards, and yet you have to worry about peformance rather than just playing the fucking game.

I remember trying to play Max Payne on my laptop and it turns out you need to download some program because the sound is messed up, and you need to copy and delete files in order to fix it. Yeah, it's worth the work, but I've always enjoyed just popping a game into a console and playing it with no issues.

People will probably quote this saying that I don't know what I'm doing/talking about, but some of this sends me over the top.

I also think split-screen is a great reason to have a console. Playing multiplayer games online, on a pc/xbox live or whatever is fine, but splitscreen is fun as shit. Because shit is fun.

To end this post: I play a lot of games on PC, don't get me wrong, I enjoy it, but I get frustrated with it sometimes. Sometimes I feel as though it's more about the technical aspects rather than the gameplay or the story. People pride themselves with having 60 fps, high resolutions, large draw distance, anti-aliasing, etc., but I can easily just pop in a game on a console and enjoy it. I don't know. It just feels easier.

 

[MiskWisk]

For me, the advantage is just that if a new xbox/ps game comes out, you can generally trust your console to be able to run it with (hopefully) few problems (unless the "next-gen" console has come out). On a pc, it is a lot more hit and miss although if you fork out for a top of the range rig, you should be safe for a while.

 

[NotALiberal]

Ye gods, this again?

Really, people? Fucking really?

*sigh*

- It's cheaper.
- It's less hassle to use.
- You can use it on your couch.

- Only in the short run
- Ok I will give ya that one, some people are far too stupid to use PCs
- Both can do that very easily, so isnt really applicable.

See, this is where the elitist ponce PC gamer stereotype comes from. The amount of smug conceit dripping from your words is a bit nauseating.

It staggers me, fucking staggers me, that people are so desperate to prove the inherent superiority of something as pathetically inconsequential as the platform they play video games on. "Oh man, those people who wear white socks clearly do it because they're too stupid to figure out how to put on green socks."

Uh huh.. "smug conceit". Also, you are the only one who seems to be up in arms about something as "pathetically inconsequential" as choice of gaming platform.

Also, he is right. Contrary to popular belief, PC's are not intricate machines that break down at the slightest turn. And if you know what you're doing, it won't break down at ALL beyond the dud lemon hardware you might buy because of shitty manufacturing, but it's not like consoles suffered (and still suffer) from the same shit amirite? Oh wait.. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360_technical_problems]

 

[Something Amyss]

"Did you say you stream movies on Netflix? Clearly you're too lazy or stupid to jump in a car and go down to the DVD rental joint."

That brought a smile to my face.

Don't you know entertainment isn't about enjoyment? >.>

 

[Woodsey]

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.

Although it'd be interesting to know how much time they spend having to cut corners and scale back. If FOVs get any smaller we'll be playing games with black screens.

 

[Winthrop]

Snip

Fair enough, but bear in mind that my pc is able to play the orange box just as well as my xbox 360. Game designers expect me to continually update my pc to be on par with average while my 360 stays the same. It isn't very old, only a couple years, but its graphics card is horrible which is the main problem. Still I was more making a point, I don't really believe it is true for hardcore PC gamers, but I think for your average joe with a computer used only for work and the internet it is. Everyone I know except for one really hardcore PC gamer plays at lowest settings because they have to, and the hardcore friend plays at low setting for ridiculous FPS though I'm sure he could max them if he had the desire. I just get so goddamn sick of these threads I feel the need to be a dick to anyone who starts them which is why I put that in my post. I would have done the exact same thing if it was an "advantages of a PC?" thread as I consider myself to use both fairly extensively as certain games are better suited to certain platforms. Honestly though, I couldn't care less about graphics. That was more just a shot at people who start these threads. I mean they have to know that most people don't have a badass rig and the initial cost/need for knowhow is a huge barrier. Please don't take too much offense to my post, my favorite game is Garry's Mod which is a PC exclusive.

snip

I addressed all of your concerns in the non TLDR part of my post except possibly the modders and graphics part. For the graphics part read the above half of this post. As for modders I did mention that there were some but fewer, but I get how that could be misconstrued. For the rest, please refer to the post that you quoted.

 

[SlaveNumber23]

Convenience, ease of use, low maintenance. A console is generally going to cost less than a decent PC but then again PC games are a lot cheaper than console games. Thats about it really.

 

[Scarim Coral]

I assume one of the advantage to the console is due to the fact that the PC is somewhat high maintence and cost more in a long term. Unless your pc is may to play games only, you do use your pc for other stuff especially if you're in Eduction.

From my understanding an average life for the PC is around over 3 years which after that it will become unstable no matter how much reformat you do (like the harddisk start to wear out).

Even then if you're obsess with the graphic or to maximise the performance than you will be guying upgrade like the graphic cards and other spec throughout the years.

Ok sure the console itself can break down in those years but most of them are built to last a while like e.g. my Gamecube is still a ok unlike my mate whic his got broken ages ago.

Overall the console is build to last and stay the same therefore there is no upgrade cost for it unless you're buying a new console.

 

[UnderCoverGuest]

I would say the first advantage would be wrestling games, the second advantage would be the ability to 'pick up and play', third advantage could be sports games other than international-football.

 

[UnderCoverGuest]

When you buy a game it's yours so even if the internet fucks out u can still play them.

I'd say when you buy a PC game it's "even more yours" because you don't have the option of resale, since so many are either linked to an account, or utilize a CD code. Also, not every game has online-only DRM, in fact it's a small minority--online-only DRM games come mostly from Ubisoft and Blizzard (maybe, or maybe not, I just wanted to throw some sticks).

Also you can borrow games from friends, you can have fun LAN parties where everyone comes over with their console. You can play multiplayer (sometimes) on the same console so again - actual human interaction.

Can't borrow a game for PC very easily, you win that round! And I'll grant a tie to the LAN parties point: though I have "LAN" parties, they're usually international using a network. So, yeah,not a lot of physical human interaction takes place when a PC gamer sits down for a weekend gaming night. Consoles are great for friends to get together and have fun.

The only point I would make is ability: Consoles are best at granting 'fun' to players, while the PC has more options, letting you be 'immersed' a bit more with custom player-made content for several games, improved graphics, etcetera. If you want to sit down and escape the real world for a while, the PC is great. If you want more of an 'experience' when you play games, the PC gives you all the options to do so, with less effort required to suspend disbelief.

Finally you can sell your games when you're done with them unlike all this online shit these days where you don't get a physical copy of what you bought.

Agree with you there, but is the Used Games market a good thing? If we were to look at numbers comparing money developers lose because of game resale to money lost because of pirating (which is prevalent on Consoles as well, mind).

Anyway, had a few minutes free while enjoying breakfast, so figured I'd do a thought exercise and share my perspective on this issue. Not tryin' to "prove you wrong" or anything, Green Dragon!

 

[spartan231490]

Consoles are cheaper and lend themselves more easily to relaxing on the couch while playing, as well as to bigger screens. Not saying you can't do those things with PC, but it's easier and more common with consoles. Similarly, consoles lend themselves to same-room cooperative play(and lan partys) more than PCs because they're smaller.

 

[xPixelatedx]

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.

Having both a gaming rig and all three consoles, I will say that "simplicity" still has quite a bit of ground to stand on. Maybe this sounds crazy, but having to update drivers (and sometimes hardware) often to play games at their best, (or play some games at all, ouch) is quite annoying. There is something to be said for putting a game into a console and prettying the ON button. Kind of like how some people just like to get into their cars and drive, rather then take apart their automobile every other evening to tinker with stuff like a real enthusiast.

But an even better place that consoles have an edge over PC gaming is some of us have social lives. No, I don't mean internet friends, I mean real friends sitting beside us. Lets be honest here, PC gaming (as a whole) basically places a bet on you being a friendless loser who doesn't need the ability to play with anyone else in the room. And in order to do that for most PC games, it requires actually lugging in a bunch more PCs in a horrible mess of cords, tables and arranging furniture. It's just a mess to put together and a mess to take apart, when me and my buds can just sit down and play a game of Mario Kart instantly and then instantly stop, or a split screen FPS on a console.

 

[Snowblindblitz]

I like my console because it's upfront about not having backward compatibility.

While that "PC" sticker on my Dungeon Keeper and various older games tends to be...problematic in getting to work.

Not impossible, but having to download a fan made version and copy files from my disc and yadda yadda was a bit of hassle.

 

[Kathinka]

well..there is one thing really. convenience. that's about it.

on the downside you have vastly weaker tech, overpriced hardware (you can easily assemble a PC for the cost of a console that will outperform it), less flexibility in controls (controllers are good for some games, but playing fps' with two wobbly thumb sticks is a travesty) and generally "simpler" games (which doesn't have to be a bad thing though, if you prefer cod 24 over arma or other more complex games, it's ok), no mods and less backwards compatibility (there is not a single game i have not been able to run on my pc yet. not. a single. one.)

however, i'm not saying console have no place. there is people out there unwilling or unable to learn how to operate a pc, although it's really not that hard to be honest. and for those people, consoles are an option, sure. i, however, are not willing to pay more for a technically inferior system just to avoid reading about the ins and outs of my hobby for an hour or two. that doesn't make the people who rather wouldn't and are willing to make sacrifices for some convenience worse human beings though.

what really grates on my nerves though is the amount of misinformation that some people display.

"you need to fiddle for hours with every game on pc before it runs!"
"a three year old pc can't run modern games anymore!"
"you need to pay 800 bucks for a gaming pc!"

seriously people, at least get your facts straight.

oh, and also, i am by law required to include this picture, if someone else hasn't yet.

 

[Chunga the Great]

Indeed the easier to use aspect is appealing.

There is also the aspect of money. Being a PC gamer means you have to update your PC's hardware about two, maybe even three times a year so you can play all the latest games. That is really expensive when you start to add up all the money spent for a gaming PC. With a console, until now it's been "Spend 200-300 dollars now and you're set for playing games for the next 5, maybe 10 years!" And I'm saying this because I know some of the latest graphic cards cost more than a console. Overall it's less expensive.

Spend $800 to $1000 on a high end rig and you will be able to play games on maximum settings for ~2 years and will be able to play smoothly for ~6. I have know idea why someone would upgrade their PC three times a year when GPUs are releases on a yearly basis and CPUs are released at even greater intervals.

 

[MysticToast]

(you can easily assemble a PC for the cost of a console that will outperform it)

You could assemble a $300 PC that would run Uncharted 2 or God of War 3 better than a PS3?

What is this black magic?

 

[Kathinka]

(you can easily assemble a PC for the cost of a console that will outperform it)

You could assemble a $300 PC that would run Uncharted 2 or God of War 3 better than a PS3?

What is this black magic?

not sure if this is the joke here..but in case it isn't: those two are exclusives as far as i know.

HOWEVER, there is a fairly good emulator out there for the uncharted games (and before anyone starts assembling the angry mob with pitchforks and torches, it's perfectly legal where i'm from) that run them on my now almost six year old pc with significantly better visuals and frame rate than on my ps3 (yes, i'm one of those despicable beings that can afford a pc and all three current gen consoles just for the exclusives).
there is an oddity though about the uncharted emulators: it takes 10-12 minutes to initially load the game xD i suspect it has something to do with how the blueray is emulated or something. but after its done loading: bam! better graphics and performance than on the playstation.

 

[Soxafloppin]

Exclusives are a pretty big advantage. Some of my favourite games this gen have been Sony published. Infamous, Heavy Rain, God of War, Uncharted etc

Another thing is I like to play games with my friends who play games but aren't into gaming enough to worry about getting a gaming P.C so they get a console because its simpler.

If I'm honest I see P.C gamers complaining a lot on here too. which is off putting (shitty console port, P.C release date pushed back etc)

 

[Entitled]

(you can easily assemble a PC for the cost of a console that will outperform it)

You could assemble a $300 PC that would run Uncharted 2 or God of War 3 better than a PS3?

What is this black magic?

With emulators, it could run them significantly better than PS3 could run Total War: Shogun 2, or, for that matter, Minecraft.

 

[burningdragoon]

The main advantage has always been convenience. Even for things that PC can do. Lots of PC games can use controllers, you can hook up your PC to a TV and play on the couch. Still more convenient to do so with a console. The gap between consoles and PC is getting smaller though.

For devs, there's an advantage to having standard hardware configuration to work with, but that has different pros/cons.