The Unofficial Console vs. PC debate

[The Smith]

Tonight, I was debating with my father which one out of the two is best. All of a sudden, the phone rings. Who's that? My uncle. So he also gets into the debate over the phone. Now I thought we could have that debate here at OverclockersClub, in an organized manner obviously. Although we are a computer-focused community, I know a good chunk of you guys play on consoles.

 

So the rules are simple. I will be the debate master. I will compile the valid arguments submitted by the folks in this thread and adjust the score according to them. Now obviously as in a real debate you have the right to replicate to an argument and try destroy it. Most importantly, when you submit an argument, you have to explain it!!! Also... no flaming plz The forum rules still apply.

 

When you want to reply to an argument, please quote it. Oh and one last thing: when we talk about consoles, at least two of the three current ones must have the discussed feature for it to be eligible.

 

Consoles - 10 : 18 - PC

 

Arguments in favor of PC:

1. PCs are great for porn. Porn is also accessible on consoles.
   
2. PCs have more types of controllers; the mouse and keyboard is best for FPS, RPG and RTS games.
   
3. The DIY satisfaction.
   
4. PCs are upgradable.
   
5. PCs are more polyvalent; they can do anything.
   
6. PC games are cheaper.
   
7. PCs have more games.
   
8. Laptops can be lugged around quite easily, and can play everywhere.
   
9. PCs can multitask. i.e. use some other software at the same time like FRAPS.
   
10. PCs have better graphics.
    
11. Multi-monitor gaming can only be done on PCs.
    
12. 3D gaming is unique to PCs.
    
13. Persistent-world Massive Multiplayer Online games are unique to PCs.
    
14. Free gaming. Consoles also have access to it.
    
15. PCs can softmod.
    
16. PC games have a command console.
    
17. Fanbase is a more mature.
    
18. PCs can be very silent.
    
19. PCs are not proprietary.
    
20. You can brag about your PC, whereas consoles are all the same.
    

 

Arguments in favor of consoles:

1. Consoles have less issues than PCs.
   
2. They are cheaper. However, one must consider the difference in cost between a PC and a gaming PC, since the very large majority would have one anyway.
   Consoles also have problems.
   
3. Hot seat.
   
4. Consoles have more games.
   
5. Console games have no CD-keys, and thus can be rented or sold.
   
6. Consoles are easy to use, even for a child.PCs too.
   
7. No hacks and cheaters.
   
8. Consoles do not have compatibility issues.
   
9. Developers now seem to spend a lot more time focusing on consoles
   
10. There are no viruses for consoles.
    
11. Console games have no SecuROM thingy.
    
12. Consoles have a warranty as a whole.
    

Edited August 7, 2010 by The Smith

[rourkchris]

I don't game on consoles anymore. Never used the XBox 360 I had so I sold it. I use my PC all day every day so it's most convenient for me. I love the fact that I control the hardware and nobody will ban me for modifying it to the way I want it. I also prefer the controls for FPS with a keyboard. Though racing and flying games often aren't good without wheel or joystick controllers.

[Desktop-pro]

I'll stick up for the consoles in this debate. Here are 3 reasons i prefer a console for gaming.

 

1. They just work. You put the game in the drive and (depending on the game/console) once it is done installing, your playing.

 

2. Cheaper. Even if you buy the console at launch costing you about $300-$600, it's lifespan should be 5+ years. if you build a computer for the same price as a console, could you still play new games using the same hardware 5 years later? And if you can would they look as good graphically?

 

3. Easier to play games with friends. I don't know about you guys but sometimes i like to have some of my buddies over and play some games together.

Edited December 20, 2009 by Desktop-pro

[Coors]

PCs are great for porn.

 

Consoles - 0 : 1 - PC

[The Smith]

Rourkchris, you talk about controllers, but state it both as a con and a pro. Please make a clear statement.

 

Edit: Ok guys there are some arguments that can easily be refuted since they are not very well detailed and explained.

Edited December 20, 2009 by The Smith

[actionstan]

-with a pc the inital cost may be more than a console but with a pc you have the options to overclock it/upgrade mutliple componets on it to keep it up with the times, people i know are still gaming with 2.8 ghz single core amd processors and 7300gs video cards(that may not be exact) but hes playing all the games he wants...

 

-with a console after they release a new one your old one instantly becomes dated. with a console you do not have a option to build coustom maps or have modded servers for extra fun.

 

-you cant fix a console. if a console breaks now you have no right to open it up and fix it without voiding the warranty.

 

-you get to build your pc, i dont know about all of you, but when i compare my xbox to my pc which i built from the ground up with my parts my way its special to me.

 

-pc has more capabilites than a console, more than just gaming, browse the internet, burn disk, technically the skys the limit. and i say this from a biased stand point BUT consoles are geared tword a certian group of people, and pcs are geard twords another set of people, so it will never be a fair debate.

 

EDIT: as rourkchris stated when it comes down to shooters you cannot compare a mouse to a controller and vice versa with flying games, but thats why they make joysticks for pc's. if shooters ever become cross platform pc to console i bet people good with a mouse will destroy people with controllers, but thats just my thought on it

 

ALSO consoles "just working" is a debate all in itself if im not mistaken hasnt ever major console had some sort of major hiccup i know the xbox had the red ring of death.. i guess if not working, is just working then im wrong lol

Edited December 20, 2009 by actionstan

[actionstan]

PCs are great for porn.

 

Consoles - 0 : 1 - PC

rofl, cant you view porn with a ps3's web browser hahahahah, its pretty funny for a pc communities first pro for pc to be "porn"

Edited December 20, 2009 by actionstan

[The Smith]

actionstan you have many valid points in there. Please separate them in a list so that it will be clearer for people(including me) to follow.

[Andrewr05]

I'm struck between the two.

 

I can turn on a console and pop in a disc/cartridge (whatever) and it works almost 100% of the time quite quickly.

Thee are quit e a few games on consoles that are not on PC.

 

 

As far as PC gaming goes I think (as far as I'm concerned) that FPS and RPG games are the top games, I would much rather play one of those games on a PC than a console due to no mouse or keyboard.

 

So I'm essentially split down the middle, if I had a PS3 and a HD TV screen in my room I would play that probably 50/50 between PC.

[rourkchris]

Rourkchris, you talk about controllers, but state it both as a con and a pro. Please make a clear statement.

 

Edit: Ok guys there are some arguments that can easily be refuted since they are not very well detailed and explained.

I'd say it's a pro for the PC for me. I can always use the same keyboard/mouse but can expand beyond that and configure things how I want easily.

 

After reading Desktop Pro's arguments for consoles I can see their merit in ways I hadn't personally thought of.

 

For me it's just a personal choice that I prefer gaming on a PC. It's comfortable and familiar. There's just something magic about playing high-end games on something you built yourself.

[actionstan]

yes there may be more games for consoles in a whole, but generally the different consoles have different games, so if you want to play all the good games for the consoles which are generally sold to only one console like halo, or metal gear solid, and mario games, youd have to buy all three consoles, which would= up to one super computer, and as a pc gamer you still have tons of games, to play, also pc games are usually 10-20 dollars cheaper.

 

on the console side, im surprised no one has mentioned it yet, you can RENT GAMES!! cant do that on pc, you buy your game, you love it or hate it and are stuck with it

 

 

MOBILE GAMING, now a days you can get a laptop which puts alot of common users desktops to shame, you can take your games with you, so if you travel alot on business or what have you, even to college then back home, you dont have to lug a console and a tv or a pc and a monitor you can get a 17 inch laptop that will replace pretty much everything a desktop could have done for you. and it will most likley play all your games without a hitch

Edited December 20, 2009 by actionstan

[WhenKittensATK]

Consoles:

1. Cost Effective

With the cost of the console hardware and controllers. Both provide a much more economical package. Even with the Xbox 360 requiring a membership subscription to play online, many, millions of owners are more than willing to pay for it. Sony is also planning to bring a membership subscription to the PS3, which currently is a free online service. Although any detailed information on Sony's plans for a PS3 membership subscription remain unreleased.

2. Ease of Use

It's plain and simple enough for even young children to operate. Children of this new electronic age, know more about them than the parents who buy it for them. Although the reliability of the Xbox 360 is in question, Microsoft has countered several times with warranty expansions.

3. Sense of a Dedicated Community (Built-in)

When you first turn on a console you are greeted with:

• Who is online and what they are doing
  
  
• News in the gaming community
  
  

 

PC (views of only gaming perspective):

1. Customization

The ability to pick and choose every single piece of hardware/software gives much liberty to the user.

2. Upgradability

Allows the user to keep up with the ever so growing ambitions of game developers.

3. Established Communities

With a computer it allows the users to connect with many others. Through blogs, websites, forums, and gaming messaging software.