An age-old battle that has seen millions of gamers across the globe desperately beating their chests to prove why their platform is the better choice, the gaming PC versus video game console debate is a hot button topic.
In the right corner, there’s the traditional console – a mighty veteran who has experience on his side and a league of fans who vehemently swear by his strength. In the left, the younger and more powerful PC – a newer fighter to the arena who constantly evolves, always sharpening his skills to keep his opponent on his toes.
Both contenders have their merits and shortfalls, and personal preference and budget also play a role in determining the overall winner. Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding which platform is your clear champion.
PRICING
Touted as being more convenient and cheaper than gaming PCs, consoles are usually more cost-effective when you buy them initially, and for the long haul. Why? They’re standardised hardware platforms which means that you can play all the games released for the console model without needing to update the hardware or experiencing compatibility issues. However, the upcoming ninth-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X) are likely to cost you a pretty penny, starting at around $500.
When it comes to PC pricing, there are a lot of different components that determine costs. An entry-level PC won’t get you very far for gaming, a mid-range PC is suitable for casual gamers, and a high-end PC may cost a lot initially but you’ll get what you pay for in market-leading hardware, excellent gaming performance and longevity. And, for the hardcore gamers out there who take their gameplay very seriously, an enthusiast or specialised gaming PC is worth its hefty price tag because of the cutting-edge features it boasts.
To go with your PC, the latest Acer Predator XB273U NV monitor combines the industry’s newest technology to give gamers smooth and supreme performance, and comfortable ergonomics. As one of the first gaming monitors to be certified by Eyesafe®, the innovative powerhouse filters out blue light while still maintaining crisp and vivid colors.
GAME SELECTION AND COMPATIBILITY
Both consoles and PCs offer exclusive games that will never make their way to the competitive platform. However, if you are weighing up the sheer number of games, PC comes out on top. Developers also often release games in PC versions first, before launching console-friendly variants. Not to mention, MMOs, MOBAs, and strategy games barely feature on consoles.
Additionally, you can download mods for PC games to add interesting new content or further enhance the graphics.
PCs also trump consoles when it comes to backwards compatibility. On a PC, it’s pretty easy to run older releases without many hiccups. Meanwhile, some consoles can’t run any of their predecessors’ games. And as for being able to play the latest games, you won’t be able to play Cyberpunk2077 on older consoles.
GRAPHICS AND PERFORMANCE
A dedicated gaming PC dominates consoles when it comes to better graphics, smoother gameplay, and powerful performance – arguably the three most critical factors for modern gamers. That is because the hardware inside a gaming PC naturally outperforms the parts in a console, resulting in higher graphic settings and higher, smoother frame rates.
A 27-inch, G-Sync enabled, IPS screen that boasts a 4ms gray-to-gray response rate and a 144Hz refresh rate, the Acer Predator XB273K is the perfect companion for your PC as a 4K gaming monitor that packs a deadly punch.
UPGRADABILITY
Another advantage of owning a gaming PC is the ability to upgrade its parts to keep up with new games. Each individual part inside a PC can be switched out for a newer, shinier version – you can even build a brand-new PC from scratch if you want to.
Meanwhile, aside from storage, you can’t upgrade anything inside a console. The parts inside a console remain unchanged until you splurge on the next generation model.
THE VERDICT
While it still comes down to personal preference and what you deem as must-haves for gaming, PC does win in most categories, especially when it comes to offering real value in the long run. Plus, you won’t just be using your PC for gaming…
At the end of the day, though, the winner here is up to you, what kind of gamer you are, and what gaming experiences you enjoy.