PC vs Console Gaming - Which is better?

[DellStudioXPS]

6649 How many here prefer PC and how many here prefer consoles and why? I like both but my preference is the PC even though I do not have the best graphics card in the world ATI 4850 , it looks stunning. But I do give credit to the console because I think overall, it sets a higher standard for PC gaming.

[batkinson001]

I noticed that there were no recent threads in this section,

they delete threads on this forum if they're inactive after a month or so....


consoles have set a fairly high bar for PC's to match as they can provide a consistent gaming presentation time and time again.

[smirnoff]

they delete threads on this forum if they're inactive after a month or so....


consoles have set a fairly high bar for PC's to match as they can provide a consistent gaming presentation time and time again.

Naw not really.

Console games if there messed up can't be updated or patched in most cases.

Consoles are under powered compared to pc these days.

Gaming graphics on a pc tend to be much better.

Pc if they break are much less of a headache to get fixed or repaired and doesn't happen any where nearly as often.

Now here the big but!!

The belief is that console games are harder to hack and copy so more of the stuff is now made with consoles in mind.
Problem is this isn't really the case anymore as most are hackable now.

Upside for consoles is you get much more for you money now then just a thing to play games.

[Limey32]

Problem also is that in the last couple of years, there have not been many good games made period, for either console or PC. If you don't like shooters, you have been pretty much SOL.

Shooters are for gaming like Reality Tv is to cable.. if you like it, you are in heaven. If you don't, there is not a whole heck of a selection.

[winemaster]

The Xbox 360 has a tri-core 3.2 gigahertz processor with a 500 meg video card and it came out in 2005.
If a regular computer had those specs it would still be considered an upper end system today

[IgWeb]

Naw not really.

Console games if there messed up can't be updated or patched in most cases.


All the next gen consoles/games can be updated and patched via a downloable patch from the internet or disc media. :):)

[batkinson001]

All the next gen consoles/games can be updated and patched via a downloable patch from the internet or disc media. :):)

yup. though why is it that every game has to be updated to work on live even if they are developed with live in mind?... it should work without updates right from the release date....

[Law]

I cant say I like one more than the other. They both have their ups and downs.

Im going to be buying a new pc soon and it will cost more than what a new 360 would cost and its more than what my ps3 cost.

I love consoles for their online play, i think its handled better on consoles. I like consoles for the shooters, fighting games, racing games and act ion g ames.

I like PC for RTS games, oldschool adventure games, and simulation games (not the sims)

My PC though is mainly for work, downloading movies and tv shows, burning music cds, dvds, watching tv and listening to music.

My PS3 is a blu ray player and my 360 is my gaming machine.

[Aristera]

The nice thing with consoles is that every one and every system is on the same playing field. You buy a game and it's just going to work. You don't need to know if you have enough RAM or if your video card is good enough.

[SPARKY]

The nice thing with consoles is that every one and every system is on the same playing field. You buy a game and it's just going to work. You don't need to know if you have enough RAM or if your video card is good enough.

Thats way they have minimun specs, plus most games have a trail version you can download before buying, and with a PC the games there alot of them, don't forget about MAME if your into retro video games like, Pac man, asteroids space invaders, ECT... over 8000 of them.

[IgWeb]

yup. though why is it that every game has to be updated to work on live even if they are developed with live in mind?... it should work without updates right from the release date....

And games for PC never come out with patches??? Do a fresh install of World of warcraft and see how many patches download...its no different! No game is %100 from release date, be it on PC or console.

[smirnoff]

Never said consoles couldn't be patched but rather that most games can't be (now acounting for live games which is a different story).

With a pc you can get a patch or update to fix a issue unless of course its from ea and then it never seems to quite work no matter what you use..lol.

[Aristera]

Thats way they have minimun specs, plus most games have a trail version you can download before buying, and with a PC the games there alot of them, don't forget about MAME if your into retro video games like, Pac man, asteroids space invaders, ECT... over 8000 of them.

The minimum specs aren't a concern for me but what is a concern is when game data gets corrupt, needing to uninstall and reinstall a game to get it to work, reinstalling the OS when something gets really screwed up. Updating your drivers for your specific hardware because something isn't working right. It's usually simpler with a console.

[IgWeb]

Never said consoles couldn't be patched but rather that most games can't be (now acounting for live games which is a different story).

With a pc you can get a patch or update to fix a issue unless of course its from ea and then it never seems to quite work no matter what you use..lol.

sure they can. There have been many updates for many PS3/Xbox360 disc based games.

[DellStudioXPS]

The things that I like about PC gaming as it is a niche of its own. PC games tend to be more complicated, thus I find more challenging. The hardware specs can be more demanding and if one has a capable machine, they can get the better frame rates and graphics. There seems to be more games for the PC platform and doesn't just target shooter games. In terms of multiplayer, there is more control like spectating ect and more people on the servers. However, PC gaming tends to be as very expensive in terms of hardware, the whole issue of pirating games tends to be much higher with pc games and you have to be tied to the keyboard and monitor...Obviously the choice would be to have both a pc and console but that can get even more costly. There are def pros and cons to both...

[smirnoff]

sure they can. There have been many updates for many PS3/Xbox360 disc based games.

Maybe its time for a refresher for me on them...lol.

[Deathhawk78]

5 years ago I would have said computer. Now with todays Game console's and how easy it is for everyone I would have to say Game Console.

[Mr. Apollo]

Console gaming is nice as you know a game will always "work" for the system. No worries about bad frame rates, or reducing details to get it to work with your older hardware. A game designed today for a PS3/360 will play just as well (maybe even better) than one designed two years ago.

That said I still like computers for gaming. I grew up on the WASD and mouse layout.

[smirnoff]

One thing that is still true is pc game be upgraded easily and cheaply.
The same can only be said for consoles to a very limited degree.

[DellStudioXPS]

Well..I notice people , when debating this issue tend to focus on the hardware aspects which are of course very important to do, especially in this day and age where we as consumes ( gamers ) have to stretch our dollars further. However, I feel that one should also consider the games itself. Certain games perform better or are better integrated with xbox live then with pc servers within the game. So one considers graphics and frame rates and social aspects. I myself will research a game to death sometimes to make what I feel is the right choice. For example Left 4 Dead a game I love and play often is in my opinion very very good on the 360 but even better on a pc if the pc can handle it. Where Madden 08 in my opinion plays better on the 360. Anyhow, just thought I would add that also.

[IgWeb]

Consoles will always have a 1+ on PC gaming as console games are designed and programmed to work with one set of hardware. Performance will never be an issue with console gaming. With PC's, there are thousands of different types of hardware chipsets the programmers have to deal with.

[Rasta]

If you know your way in and out of a computer and you intend on complimenting it with a gaming video card then PC gaming is for you.
Who doesn't love playing pirated games? Instant saves, hacks that allow you to have infinite life/ammo? Playing in a server with 3 thousand other players (usually in MMORPG's)Lots of customization for your specific needs.
To be fair, the drawback to PC gaming is they are more vunerable to hacks/exploits and it is not a level plaing field because everyone is using a different hardware setup.

Console games have less hassle placed on the user and the game developers have to work out the bugs and patches. Many of these great games run beautifully on large HDTV screens which I doubt any gaming PC can match in resolution and speed.

I choose PC because after all the games are over I can still do lots of other stuff with my machine.

[Law]

I for one dont love playing pirated games. Honestly, I dont. If i dont think a game or anything for that matter is worth paying for then i dont need it.

Or if i do want to play a game but dont think its worth the pricetag, i wait till it drops in price to which i think is worth it.

[compygeek]

Pretty soon, it won't matter what hardware config your PC is at when OnLive (http://www.onlive.com/) service is released. I'm still hesitant on this new tech, but if they can deliver on what they claim, this can be a major blow to the console industry.


FAQ For Gamers

* What is the OnLive Game Service?
OnLive is Games on Demand. Play the hottest current titles instantly on your TV, PC or Mac through your broadband Internet connection. Access OnLive from your PC or Mac via a small browser plug-in, or from your TV via the OnLive MicroConsole™.

* When will OnLive be available?
OnLive is currently in internal Beta, and we expect to have an external Beta to gamers around the US this summer. If you’d like to help Beta test, sign-up here. We plan to make OnLive available in Winter 2009.
* Where will OnLive be available?
We’ll be launching across the continental US.

* How much will this cost?
As we get closer to our launch we will be disclosing more details about pricing and availability.

* What kind of Internet connection do I need to use the OnLive Service?
OnLive works over nearly any broadband connection (DSL, cable modem, fiber, or through the LAN at your college or office). For Standard-Definition TV resolution, OnLive needs a 1.5 Mbps connection. For HDTV resolution (720p60), OnLive needs 5 Mbps.

* What do I need to play OnLive on my TV?
All you need is your TV, an OnLive MicroConsole and a couple of cables. Power up and play!

* What if I want to play OnLive on my PC or Mac-what are the minimum specs?
Since the game is running in the OnLive data center, our system requirements are pretty low. All you need is a PC running a current version of Windows XP® or Vista®, or an Intel®-based Mac running a current version of OS X.

* How long does it take to download a game?
Trust us, it’s really fast – it’s instant, unlike anything you’ve tried.

* How do I patch or update my games?
OnLive games are patched and updated automatically for you in the OnLive data center. So, games start up the instant you click on them.
* What is the difference between Onlive and other services delivering games via the network?
There isn’t anything like the OnLive system in terms of instant access to the latest games, a media-rich experience, ease of use, and ability to play on your TV, or entry-level PC, or Mac.

* How long until the newest games are available OnLive?
OnLive works with its partners to deliver the newest titles as soon as they’re released. No waiting in lines, pre-ordering, or waiting on shipments. Just connect and play!

* Can I try new games before buying?
Yes. You can play the latest and greatest demos, and even rent games to try them out. OnLive also lets you watch the top players as a way to discover new games and learn a few new tricks.
* Are the games currently listed on your website the only games available?
These are just the games we are announcing right now and showing at the 2009 Game Developers Conference. We expect to have more titles available at launch.

* Does OnLive support multiplayer?
Absolutely. Even beyond normal online multiplayer action, OnLive has many social features that make it a great place to watch your friends, join in, and record and share your highlights (or lowlights).

[DellStudioXPS]

Wow! Thanks for the link CompyGeek...This def looks like it could be a major blow to the console industry! They are addressing every single issue of current downfalls of gaming on a pc!! I wonder how the console companies will respond to this threat!!

[compygeek]

Don't forget, if this service works, the PC hardware market will suffer too as you will no longer need the latest and greatest in your rig to run today's games. It won't mean the end for PC gamers, but only the elite PC enthusiasts out there will be the one's buying the crazy expensive high end hardware... and that niche is already small as it is.

I saw an interview with one of the dev team for this project. They showed the Onlive connector box to play games on the TV... it's the size of a wallet!!!

[DellStudioXPS]

Perhaps..hoever, as you stated there are still a few that despite this will still buy the latest and greatest despite system requirments getting lower just to say that they have the best of the best...for bragging rights! I do not think this will greatly impact those very few extremeists out there.

[compygeek]

Perhaps..hoever, as you stated there are still a few that despite this will still buy the latest and greatest despite system requirments getting lower just to say that they have the best of the best...for bragging rights! I do not think this will greatly impact those very few extremeists out there.

I agree, but if OnLive provides an "equal playing ground" for gamers, hardware developers won't see high end R&D as a financially feasable market anymore... and instead will focus on more middle ground development.... which will only benefit us, in the end, as it should mean competative pricing on all fronts.

[dawtcalm]

There's alot of advantages to the OnLive theory, but some technical issues they might not be able to resolve:
-CAN they stream HD content? If Google/Youtube can't figure it out yet, how can they?
-How will they resolve latency between controller and server?
-Many ISPs are instituting bandwitdh caps now, that may interfere with how much you can play this service amonth?
-Can ISPs sustain this load of constant HD streaming content, or will the games lag?
-Will this company be able to build the infrastructure to supply the needed computing power for eventually millions of gamers?

[DellStudioXPS]

Calm, yes I agree with the points that you have made. I guess they will be thinking of these points as well. Intresting times ahead for us gamers.

[DazedNConfuzed]

phenomwithcrossfire? is that you?

[compygeek]

There's alot of advantages to the OnLive theory, but some technical issues they might not be able to resolve:
-CAN they stream HD content? If Google/Youtube can't figure it out yet, how can they?
-How will they resolve latency between controller and server?
-Many ISPs are instituting bandwitdh caps now, that may interfere with how much you can play this service amonth?
-Can ISPs sustain this load of constant HD streaming content, or will the games lag?
-Will this company be able to build the infrastructure to supply the needed computing power for eventually millions of gamers?

These technical issues are the reason why I am hesitant as to the success of OnLive... I don't know, smells a bit like vaporware...

From what I can remember from the interview (I saw it on techTV's X-Play), they said they're using some new form of packet compression at the data center end for transmitting the data to your PC. The client side then takes care of the rest. For playing on HDTV's, it's the microconsole you purchase that does the grunt work. Funny thing is, after the interview, even Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb said thet even it looks good on paper, they're not holding they're breath - because of the statements dawtcalm suggested.

[DellStudioXPS]

Packet compression? I wonder how they will achieve that? Even if they can not achieve that, one can still choose between playing on a pc or console.

[RoSmecher]

pc games are better because you can just download and pirate them. that is all

[simoesj007]

pc games are better because you can just download and pirate them. that is all

You can do it on consoles too. I have a high-end system and have been a PC gamer from the start. But I have to side with the console in this war. I just bought an X360 and have been very happy with the purchase. The LIVE community is unprecedented on the console front which makes it a strong contender in the market. Consoles are far more accessible and target a broader audience. No installations, patching, googling for random bug errors, updating drivers, rolling back drivers and buying a new PSU for pronlonged usage. The PC may pump out more polygons but come attached with premium prices. If consoles were not around, gaming would cease to exist as a respectable and mature industry.

[Hawkwind]

I cannot stand using a game controller to play any of the games that I like. I primarily play 1st-person shooters, or RPG games and for me the mouse and keyboard are the only way to fly. Playing FEAR 2 on a console would bring me very close to throwing the whole thing outside into the snow. So, that's why I will never own a console system.

[dawtcalm]

my consoles have about triple the power my pc does.
I personally like relaxing on a couch feet up with a controller in my hand, then sitting at a desk with keyb and mouse
my consoles have a 60" and 110" screen, my pc is 21"
the game art on the back of the box is EXACTLY what I'll see on screen, I don't have to upgrade my video card every 8 months.

That's some of the reasons I prefer consoles, its all personal opinion.

[peavyjay]

I love my PS3 for gaming, the mutli player kicks ass!!! I haven't played a new game on my PC since FEAR.

[Law]

I'm loving gaming on my PC right now. Graphics are much nicer on PC, you can use any kind of gamepad you want (i use a 360 controller) Multiplayer is awesome especially since lots of games have more players than you can get on xbox games.

I still like my 360 though.