Why so much hate for consoles?

[Callate]

As ever, twenty people complaining about fanboys and very few people commenting who can actually be described as such...

First off, there's nothing particularly wrong with playing on a console. Or on a PC. They are, however, despite cross-platform releases and the like, notably different experiences. Even as the next generation brings us console hardware that more closely resembles a PC under the hood than ever, the simple fact of the places where people use them and the effect of standardized hardware, controls, and operating systems is always going to make for some division.

More controversially: a decent gaming PC is more powerful than today's console hardware. No, really- it just is. That's not a flaw- it's built into the system. You can chase the bleeding edge of Intel's technology, or you can have a standardized system that everyone can use that you can manufacture at a price range that people accept of an entertainment appliance. The next generation will introduce more powerful hardware to the home, hardware that is more comparable to many home PCs. And then in a couple of years, home PCs will probably again be much more powerful, assuming Microsoft doesn't manage to implode and/or the tablet market takes over.

It would also probably be not completely inaccurate to suggest that PCs are jealous of consoles' success. Again, systemic- the platform with twenty million players gets to have a bigger influence on what the market than the platform with five (those numbers completely out of the air, but the point still stands.) PCs being more powerful becomes something of a moot point if all you play is AAA games ported over from consoles with lower resolutions and locked frame rates.

This I will say of PCs, however: the PC user who can be bothered to do so can create games for their own platform, a capability that barely exists within consoles (the occasional Little Big Planet or Warioware DIY noted, but barely.) The PC user who chooses to do so can render graphics, modify photos, compose music, edit video, and a hundred other things. The "independent" scene lives and breathes on the PC in a way that consoles are only just beginning to grasp. Though people have come up with very creative things with consoles, the PC is much more an open-ended creative tool; if that is of any interest, the slightly higher investment is arguably very much worthwhile.

If, however, one's interest is largely playing games with friends, streaming movies, and maybe occasionally surfing the web- there's definitely something to be said for the less expensive, lower-maintenance option that isn't as likely to lock up or get a virus.

 

[LetalisK]

I don't hate consoles. I just recognize the majesty and beauty of the PC Gaming master race.
(If you can't tell, that's a joke.)

As ever, twenty people complaining about fanboys and very few people commenting who can actually be described as such...

Seriously. I see way more people complaining about the PC fanboys than I've actually seen PC fanboys. Unless we've devolved to the point where someone saying "This is what a PC can do" constitutes hating consoles now.

 

[Godhead]

Consoles are better geared to the social aspect of gaming (at least in the real world, Steam, Skype, Raidcall, etc. has enabled you to play with your friends much easier without having to LAN. Unless you have an ultrabook it's easier to move, more people can play on it, sharing games, etc.) along with the principle of being able to pick up and play/ease of use (even if that one is getting smaller and smaller every generation). PC's generally have better performance, you aren't hampered to a single system (Mac and Linux are getting more and more games now), games tend to be less expensive, and you can do a lot more with your games (player made content and shit) and you have a wider set of peripherals to choose from. PC's also have the added bonus of allowing you to do your work on it.

All of these are important things, but each of these will mean more or less depending on the person who is making the purchase. Consoles were very important in the rapid growth of the gaming industry and is still important now and most likely in the foreseeable future as well. PC gaming has always and will always be here, and will generally be able to do better in performance (loading screens, graphical quality, etc.) . Pc's might be objectively more powerful than consoles, but consoles and PC's will always be subjectively superior to one another; it just depends on who is deciding.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

I've been a PC gamer for more than a decade, built the computer I'm posting this on from the ground up, and I don't hate consoles. I really don't have any use for them- besides, if I wanted to buy a current-gen console, I'd also have to buy an HDTV, because my only TV now is a 20" inch CRT that's older than some members here- but they have their own benefits for different kinds of gamers.

I think the hate-on some people have for consoles is how console-centric gameplay and control designs have invaded PC ports and even games concurrently developed for both platforms, where those elements really don't belong. I'll reference Thief: Deadly Shadows, where the ridiculously small and cramped level sizes were blamed on the XBox's 64MB of available RAM. Eidos insisted that it was actually an engine limitation and not due to the console port, but when the mission design tool for the game was released for the PC, one of the first things created on it was a custom Fan Mission easily as large as anything from the earlier games, that ran with no problems.

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

A lot of PC gamers feel games are being dumbed(Really? That's not a word?) down as a direct result of consoles and their accessibility.

I don't believe this is the case, but I can see where they are coming from. The whole point of consoles is that they're easier to use, which draws more casual people.

There are other reasons why some PC assholes feel superior, but I think this is where a lot of the negativity comes from.

To be fair, Consoles DO limit the graphics of games. Computers can handle way better graphics that are currently used in even the newest games, and its because consoles can't keep up with computers.
Its not bigoted, its science!

Indeed they do. But they are also single handedly(also not a word. what the fuck) responsible for the incredible size and power of our current games industry. Without that, we would never see any of the excellent high budget games we do now, so the negativity at a few graphics limitations is really pretty silly.

Yeah, I just loove the glut of gritty brown FPS stanking up the AAA market.

I count the large console industry as a mixed blessing, sure we get some amazing titles out of it but when I look back at entire genres that have been abandoned I question whether they are worth it.

Horrible UI and crappy ports don't help either.

 

[Joccaren]

I'll be brief, I recognize PC's as superior platforms on multiple levels. However, I think the prices to buy good PCs are too high for me to afford. Instead of buying a $2000 PC, I buy a console for (lets use the PS4 as an example) $400, plus a nice game to go with it, landing at a total of $460. I still have $1540, still get reasonably good quality and I am able to play games that I enjoy. I see so much hate on consoles, but I don't quite understand why. Isn't the point to play games? Why do people seem to treat consoles like the apocalypse of the game industry? Are they? If so, why?


EDIT: I'm only using $2000 because my friend is building his own PC and this was the price he ended up with.

2nd EDIT: Actually, the price tag is more like $1300, however even if I bought a PS4 I'd still have $840 left over.

They're not really hated, but often not liked by PC users for a few reasons...

1. They are the sole reason platform exclusives exist. I can't play Halo 3 on the PC because it was made to move copies of the Xbox, and allowing it to be played on the PC would cancel this out. Hence I am locked out of playing a game, and many more, I may like to because console manufacturers want to sell consoles, and as long as consoles exist this will keep happening.
2. Do you like loading screens everywhere? Only having 3-4 enemies to fight at once? Small linear corridors for levels? Congratulations, all limitations partially imposed by console hardware. Over time they became more mainstream, but they were also solutions to console's lack of processing power, which of course developers prioritise assigning to graphics over more interesting levels and such.
3. Bad ports. Seriously. When I'm told to press the left trigger button to shoot, in a PC game where I have only a keyboard and mouse plugged in, we've got a problem. Its the developer's fault, sure, but it wouldn't happen were consoles not the primary target audience.
4. Console fanboys and the ridiculous myths they try to spread about PC gaming. "It costs $2000", "You've got to be a tech genius to build your own PC", "You've got to upgrade your PC each year for hundreds of $" and many more. That gets on my nerves, a lot.

In regards to low-res textures, do I need to have some sort of trained eye to see the difference between pc and console? I didn't really see a mind boggling difference between crysis 2 on xbox and pc.

Depends on the game, and what you're looking for.
Whilst playing you're unlikely to notice too much unless the textures are truly horrible [I.E: Skyrim textures, even on the PC, sometimes], but compare the two and you'll be able to see the difference. Its also a lot like resolution in that once you've spent a lot of time with 2560*1440p resolution, going down to a console's sub 1280*720 resolution tends to look fairly awful, whilst going in reverse you don't notice a great change without actively comparing them.
Then there's also things like shaders, lighting effects, depth of field and other more intensive effects that aren't directly related to textures, but make a very noticeable difference in game. From experience, playing consoles games they look less sharp and more smudged, less shiny, and less colourful in general.


Edit: As an example of the myths crap, we have this post:

There easier to use

Were* easier to use. Back with the PS2 sure. Now that I can't just insert a CD and have it automatically start gaming, I find it easier to use a PC that I have had 10+ years experience using thanks to having to type up word documents for school or work than figure out how to get a game to start on a 360. The inclusion of a menu for things outside of games was the downfall of consoles in this area.

less fuck up prone

Uhh... no. PCs don't fuck up, period. Ok, if you're stupid or really unlucky they can, but not often, and there is always a way to fix it.
There is no such thing as Computer error, merely user error. I've been running my previous 2 PC builds for 8+ years without an antivirus, no problems. Its not 'cause I'm lucky, its 'cause I don't click any "You've won 1 million dollar" links, or anything else suspicious or stupid on the Internet.
Then there's the console side of things, where my PS2 and PS1 would stop working after 2 hours or so due to heat, the X360 with its RROD, PS3 with its system bricking firmware updates - yeah, consoles are so immune to fuck ups its not funny. Oh wait...
The difference is on the PC its 90% you that's fucked up, and there is 90% of the time a way to fix it. On a console its the company that fucked up, and 90% of the time the only way to fix it is to call in a warranty and get it replaced.

and dont cost tons of cash just to upgrade to play 1 game half decent

Amazing that PCs don't either then. Can get one for under $500 if you want to that would play at console settings, can get one for $1000 that will run everything on Ultra for the next 2-3 years. My games cost less than $10 usually thanks to Steam sales, and I get the multiplayer component free. I get more games, cheaper, on a system that can be the same cost as a console, with better settings, and no pay-for-internet outside of my ISP. Yeah, PCs definitely cost tons of cash mate.

and controllers own keyboard and mouse on almost all games.

Provably wrong. There is a reason PC and console joint play doesn't exist. It was tested years back with console players vsing PC players. The funny thing? PC players destroyed console players every time due to superior controls.
Even with the auto-aim that is omnipresent on consoles and non-existent on PCs, the console players couldn't compete. FPS, TPS, RTS, 4X - the only bastion of refuge for the console players is racing games, and even then there are peripherals for the PC that will win out there.
Speaking of peripherals, guess what one peripheral for the PC is? That's right, a console controller. You don't have to use KB+M if you're crap with them, you can in fact use your own controller.

The rest of it was opinion and an assertion based on opinion, so I'll ignore that, but... Come on, you want me not to get annoyed at such blatant bullshit?
This is why people dislike consoles right here.

 

[Sir Thomas Sean Connery]

A lot of PC gamers feel games are being dumbed(Really? That's not a word?) down as a direct result of consoles and their accessibility.

I don't believe this is the case, but I can see where they are coming from. The whole point of consoles is that they're easier to use, which draws more casual people.

There are other reasons why some PC assholes feel superior, but I think this is where a lot of the negativity comes from.

To be fair, Consoles DO limit the graphics of games. Computers can handle way better graphics that are currently used in even the newest games, and its because consoles can't keep up with computers.
Its not bigoted, its science!

Indeed they do. But they are also single handedly(also not a word. what the fuck) responsible for the incredible size and power of our current games industry. Without that, we would never see any of the excellent high budget games we do now, so the negativity at a few graphics limitations is really pretty silly.

Yeah, I just loove the glut of gritty brown FPS stanking up the AAA market.

I count the large console industry as a mixed blessing, sure we get some amazing titles out of it but when I look back at entire genres that have been abandoned I question whether they are worth it.

Horrible UI and crappy ports don't help either.

I knew someone would say something like this...

Here's the thing: Even if you dislike all the games that have come as a result of the expanded games industry, how many incredible smaller developers wouldn't exist?

I consider all the problems absolutely worth it for an industry big enough to inspire millions of game creators.

 

[Zeckt]

Let it be said I don't hate sony or nintendo, I hate microsoft for making products that break down ALL the time.

 

[Jack Joe Tip Toe]

Because people need to feel that they are superior to others. I've already said who the true master race is (having both unless you're broke then I understand) I couldn't see myself being a PC only gamer. I'd miss out on too much (The MGS series, GTA 5, KH III, Red Dead, Uncharted, The Last of Us, Destiny, Persona, Infamous, the list goes on) But the PC also has one of my favorite games (The Movies) and an amazing modding community. I love both and if you only want to play on PC that's fine. But don't spew out that "Master race" bullshit. It makes you look like a dickhead. And I'll be over here playing both, cause I don't care how pretty my game is or how many AI's are on screen. If a game is good I'll play it, regardless of platform.

 

[GonzoGamer]

The problem is that consoles are getting all the crappiest parts of the pc gaming experience and none of the good parts.
On top of that, consoles add their own list of travesties like paying to use online features.
It used to be that the console was more convenient because you just pop in the game and play but now you have to punch in codes, install (maybe have to delete some stuff from the drive for that), download patches....
The console was also good for playing games with other people on your couch but they seem to be phasing the feature out of console games to get everyone into playing online.
I used to only buy games on the PC that were completely different or just not available on the consoles but I think I might just be sticking to the PC for the next gen.

 

[balladbird]

You're legitimately surprised that people militarize their opinions, eager to feel vindicated that they're more "right" than those with differing opinions by associating their tastes with higher intelligence or superior "trueness" as a gamer? Honestly, almost 2 decades of console wars have made me pretty numb to it. Pretty much the only reason the PC versus console gaming hype registered with me at all was because the PC crew took a title created specifically to make fun of their supremacist tendencies, and started wearing it sans irony, but it's not like this is the first time that's happened either.

Play what you like to play, and fie on the hate-filled spewing you encounter for doing so. PCs with appropriate specs do objectively outperform consoles, but inferior performance doesn't equate inferior gaming experience. Depending on your gaming and genre preferences, of course.

Personally, since JRPGs are the only things I play with any modicum of passion, anymore, and they're a genre that, due to lower budgets won't benefit from higher spec graphic cards, thanks to gameplay conventions don't require mousepoint precision, and due to the japanese attitude toward PC gaming have an almost exclusive library of quality games for consoles only. As a result, until DRM policies chase me away, I'm perfectly happy not being a part of any master race.

 

[votemarvel]

I am just going by the prices (with estimated inflation) of my past 3 custom built PCs. Each lasted 4 years before I built my current one. My buddy, however, built a PC for under 800 (USD) and he had to upgrade within the next two years and two years after that. So overall, he paid more for his cheaper computer than I did within those 4 years.

My previous PC was built for under $800 dollars and lasted me around 5 years. True I wasn't running titles on anything near the top settings any longer but the games would still play with looks at least as good as my 360 was capable off.

 

[TehCookie]

Uhh... no. PCs don't fuck up, period. Ok, if you're stupid or really unlucky they can, but not often, and there is always a way to fix it.
There is no such thing as Computer error, merely user error. I've been running my previous 2 PC builds for 8+ years without an antivirus, no problems. Its not 'cause I'm lucky, its 'cause I don't click any "You've won 1 million dollar" links, or anything else suspicious or stupid on the Internet.
Then there's the console side of things, where my PS2 and PS1 would stop working after 2 hours or so due to heat, the X360 with its RROD, PS3 with its system bricking firmware updates - yeah, consoles are so immune to fuck ups its not funny. Oh wait...
The difference is on the PC its 90% you that's fucked up, and there is 90% of the time a way to fix it. On a console its the company that fucked up, and 90% of the time the only way to fix it is to call in a warranty and get it replaced.

So my entire family is stupid? I had my liquid CPU cooler decided to break and spray all over my PC. My brother caught his computer on fire and my dad had his harddrive needle grinding into the harddrive. They're not immune to screw ups and they're not more stable than consoles. Except the 360 because that is plainly terrible, but consoles also have the indestructible Gamecube and Gameboy.

 

[VodkaKnight]

You don't NEED a £1500 PC to run a PC game, unless it's Far Cry 3 or something similar.
You can buy a good gaming laptop for about £400 where I live, the same price as the console pre-orders.

 

[Joccaren]

So my entire family is stupid?

Possibly, but seeing as they're hardware errors I'm going more for "Really Unlucky" - unless you bought unreliable, cheap, budget components from brands known for their failure rates. That's like buying a PS3 placed in a Microwave that starts every time you turn it on. Its asking for trouble.

I had my liquid CPU cooler decided to break and spray all over my PC. My brother caught his computer on fire and my dad had his harddrive needle grinding into the harddrive.

As said, I'd guess custom liquid cooling loop there, in which case likely assembly error, or if its closed loop then either a bad brand or bad luck. PCs catching on fire hasn't happened since the old AMD processors without safeties. Modern PCs, if they get too hot, automatically shut off to prevent this. Harddrive likely from a bad brand, or just really bad luck.

They're not immune to screw ups and they're not more stable than consoles. Except the 360 because that is plainly terrible, but consoles also have the indestructible Gamecube and Gameboy.

A well cared for PC made from quality components should not break. Unless you are really unlucky, components from reliable brands will not break, and often come with 1-5 year warranties to guarantee this. From there that leaves software problems, which are 98% user mistakes like viruses, and rarely something like the RAGE driver issues.
Consoles yes, you have things like the Gamecube [I wouldn't count the Gameboy as that's a handheld, which is IMO a different platform], you have things like the 360 [Equivalent of your not-so-reliable brand PC], and you've got ones in between like the Playstation series; some overheat, a lot don't. At the same time a console being bricked by a new firmware update isn't uncommon, and is completely beyond user control. This is the main reason I find PCs more reliable; If I build it myself, I am in complete control of it. If it fails, its 'cause I've done something that couldn't be considered smart, or was incredibly unlucky and have a warranty covering that so I'm good. With a console, everything is beyond my control, and if its going to brick its going to brick. Its a gamble.

Granted this is a bit too complex of a situation to properly compare failure rates, seeing as you've got everything from budget $150 computers to your $16000 super-rigs, each failing different amounts thanks to the different brands and parts in them, and on the console side you've got your numerous brands, some failing significantly more than others. Really they can both break, and often both do. PC you can be in more control over that though, which I find preferable.

 

[Xarathox]

I blame consoles for shitty UI's, QTE's, low-res textures and unconfigurable video settings - when applicable, of course.
See: Saints Row, Skyrim and any game that wants you to switch weapons through a "wheel".
Like this:

This shit needs to die. Or atleast removed when ported to PC.

Yeah, console designed UIs are complete suck. As well as odd FOVs that have to be fixed via mods (See: Mass Effect).

 

[schtingah]

I have both a PS3 and a PC but I really do prefer playing games on my PC. Not because I think it's a 'superior platform' or anything. I just grew up with PCs and a controller just doesn't feel as natural to me as a mouse and keyboard.

Sadly though there is a growing trend of games being lazily ported over from consoles to PC where the shitty controls and the very limited options can make games nigh unplayable.

Other than that, I have no problem with consoles at all.

 

[Soxafloppin]

It could be from jealously from how content most console gamers are with there choice, even if PC gamers consider it to be blissful ignorance. Most console gamers are completely unaware of the benefits or PC gaming.

Things like DRM, no used games, later release dates are probably harder to ignore than not having the shiniest graphics possible.

The PC vs Console bitching matches need to stop though.

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

I knew someone would say something like this...

Here's the thing: Even if you dislike all the games that have come as a result of the expanded games industry, how many incredible smaller developers wouldn't exist?

I consider all the problems absolutely worth it for an industry big enough to inspire millions of game creators.

I would like it a lot more if there wan't such a large pile of corpses at the bottom of the hill and that the the phrase 'formed from the refugees of..' wasn't so common. I'll also like it more if it didn't try to homogenize everything in the name of 'a wider audience.'

 

[loc978]

...still pretty sure I'll be able to build a PC that performs as well as the PS4 for around the price of an Xbone when they actually launch. So long as you're not demanding absolutely top-of-the line discreet graphics hardware, a decent PC build is amazingly affordable these days. Still, I'm waiting to see the price point of the Kaveri line (and the motherboards they'll require). It's possible that the build won't be possible for under $700... which, considering the price and availability of games on the various competing PC districution platforms is still a win in the long run, if not on entry.

As for the hate... I blame publishers for pushing horribly restrictive deadlines on ports (that, and the ones done through outsourcing). The more flexible input methods available on PC really do necessitate a different sort of UI, or at least the option to swap to a different sort of UI. Thankfully, that's often doable with mods.