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Dragoniae Magis

Console vs PC Gaming: Which is better for gamers and developers?

I have a Nintendo Switch where I have a few games. One of my cousins has a gaming PC.


A complete gaming setup with a desk, screen, keyboard. mouse, monitor, and chair.
My cousin's gaming setup
A Nintendo Switch used for gaming.
My Nintendo Switch










I've tried both before. I could adjust to consoles fairly quickly, but was hopeless at keyboard controls (but I may learn some laptop play)

They have 2 similarities: Both are popular among gamers and both are specifically great for gaming. Consoles have been used for gaming specifically for a bit younger audience, PCs are multimedia with great power, optimization and more for older kids (talking about faulty keyboard combinations). Keep in mind that this article will only talk about the purposes they suit to gaming. Multimedia capabilities will be counted as extra features.

References

Consoles

Hardware

Game consoles have built-in buttons and mechanisms. My Nintendo Switch has 4 standard buttons (A, B, ..), 2 joysticks, a Home button, a screenshot button, a - button and + button and 4 above buttons (ZR, ZL, ...). That's an example of a hand-held console. A controller like for my old Xbox 1, would be different in shape or button locations. It will serve game systems (even attachable to TVs or laptops). I once tried a Steam Deck and found interesting (but innovative) controls.

Top view of a Xbox One controller.
Another look at my Xbox One controller
Front view of an Xbox One controller for a TV.
My Xbox One controller









System Software

You'll know that to play a game on the Switch, you need to buy a game card and insert it into the slot. You'll have to switch game cards to play another game. But on, say, a Steam Deck, you can just switch between the games in the E-store. You'll needa find out how to send the screenshots. You also find account controls and special cooperative functions for certain games. In the E-stores, you could buy DLCs and games.


Pros and Advantages

+Special functions and personalization for gaming purposes

+Easy and simple built-in control

+Great online connectivity and social features

+High performance optimization

+Capable of supporting streaming services and media playback

+Have settings for comfort and accessibility

+Good user interface

+Interesting features like motion or sound sensors, or customizable buttons and feedback.


Cons and Limitations

-Limited system functions

-Often have limited libraries of games, exclusive or 3rd-party allowed

-Likely small-scale backward compatibility (nothing from previous console generations)

-Frequently have restricted multimedia capability


PCs

Hardware

One a PC you have a huge setup. You have the screen for output, the keyboard and mouse for input, and the monitor for functioning. High resolution is for high-quality visuals, and high refresh rate is for smoother gameplay. Sometimes your PC may have cool aesthetics like lighting or glass panes. CPU and GPU are important for gamers. Storage is always high on PCs, but more is needed for multitasking. Then there are cool features like on-board Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Compatibility is also important. Expansion slots are when a gamer wants to evolve his PC. You can actually use a TV as a better screen.

Another view of the gaming setup.
Another look at the gaming setup










Software

To function, a PC has an operating system (OS). You need a game store/launcher to get games, or you can just use your app software. Some game stores are more suitable than others. And when you open your game, you'll be blown away from the splendid graphics, audio, and the whole experience overall. However, getting used to your keyboard and mouse is easier said than done. It gets fun after a while, but requires patience. Oh, and controls can be infuriating. You might do better minorly jamming your keyboard. Keyboard combinations can be faulty and way out there.


Pros and Advantages

+All PCs are incredibly powerful, therefore handling demanding games with ease

+In a PC game, the graphics, audio, and performance are all great

+A committed PC gamer has a lot of potential

+In all hardware areas, PCs are strong

+You will be blown away by the vivid experience of PC gaming

+You can have more than one monitor, for an even better experience


Cons and Limitations

-PCs are full of hardware, therefore very expensive

-So is upgrading your setup

-PC gaming is hard for beginners

-It's annoying to adjust to all the buttons for controls

-All PCs are extremely big and hard to port


Showdown!

Introduction

First of all, you will be answering the questions as well. And I'll provide my opinion and give my reasons. I keep score, you keep score.


Hardware Assets


Which device's hardware Assets are better for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: PCs!

There's a reason they're so big. With all that, they definitely have the cooler hardware!

Score: 1-2, PC gaming


Software Features


Which device's software features are better for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: PCs!

C'mon, do you really needa ask? An average device has a lot more than consoles, which just have an extra few features.

Score: 2-0, PC gaming


Easy to Learn, Hard to Master


Which is easy to learn, hard to master steadily for you?

  • PC gaming

  • Console gaming

  • Both


My answer: Console gaming!

Games consoles sure are easy to learn, and they're also moderately hard to master.

Score: 2-1, PCs


Expenses


Which have higher expenses for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: Consoles!

As in consoles are much cheaper in every category. Up-front expense for buying or building. Ongoing payment like maintenance or upgrading.

Score: 2-2, all


Gaming Experience


Which has the better gaming experience for you?

  • PC gaming

  • Console gaming

  • Both


My answer: Both!!

They both have such cool experiences, I can't decide. Console gaming is specific and friendly, while PC gaming is gimmicky and powerful.

Score: 3-3, all


Game Libraries


Which have the better game libraries for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: PCs!

They have big online game libraries and are pretty backwards compatible, while consoles are rather limited.

Score: 4-3, PCs


Controls


Which device has the better controls for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: Consoles!

The controls have never been hard for me. Meanwhile using a PC as a beginner is infuriating.

Score:4-4, all


Capabilities


Which have more and better capabilities for you?

  • PCs

  • Consoles

  • Both


My answer: PCs!

They ha]]can do a lot more stuff than consoles, which are mostly single-media. They can do a lot of things, even after a long time.

Score: 5-4, PCs


Convenience and Portability


Which is more convenient and portable for you?

  • PC gaming

  • Console

  • Both


My answer: Consoles!

They're plug-and-play, while PCs require a bit of waiting. And PCs are huge and hard to port.

Score:5-5, all


Graphics and Performance Settings


Which have better graphics or performance settings for you?

  • PC gaming

  • Console gaming

  • Both


My answer: Both!

They both are good in their own ways. PCs allow for greater customization of graphics settings, while consoles run games at optimized settings for their hardware.

Final Score: 6-6, a draw!


Conclusion

Overall, they're both good in their own ways. Use whatever suits you and your interests!



Notes

Yeah, this was a hard article, considering my limited knowledge. I've tried a PC a few times. I have an Xbox 1 One controller. As well as a Nintendo Switch. I really had fun playing games like Breath of the Wild or Legends Arceus. Anyway, bye, and have a great time with your gaming and development!



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