console > PC

[Dude]

Beyond the "system requirements" issue of PC's, why do gamers seem to prefer consoles over PC games?

[pankakes123]

Other than system specs and crap, I prefer consoles for controllers, yeah you can use a controller for PC but you gotta get extra stuff, I also prefer the online gaming on consoles, the online just seems to be more social and easier to use rather than having to join servers hoping they are actual games instead of hacking 5 year olds laughing at each other. Also, console game cases take up much less space.

[emwearz]

Console gaming feels much more streamlined that PC gaming.

[Ziggy]

Before any one attacks me for defending PC gaming, let me just say that I'm mainly a console gamer. It's like 95%.

I can understand the system requirements argument, but seriously, that's only an argument an older generation should be making. Our generation is growing up with computers, you should be able to understand computer specs. It's the older generation that might have a hard time wrapping their head around this.

And it's a FACT that getting a console game is infinitely easier since there's no system requirements or compatibility (for the most part) to worry about. But again, if you're not aware of the specs of your computer, then you might have other problems to worry about.

But the controller thing I definitely agree with. 95% of the time I prefer to be holding a controller and watching the TV, rather than sitting in front of my computer screen using the keyboard. However, I must say this: The keyboard/mouse makes a GREAT controller. I was extremely hesitant the first time I used it, but it as good if not better than a controller. But like I said, most of the time I still prefer to be holding a controller. But it's not like using a keyboard/mouse is bad news.

the online just seems to be more social and easier to use rather than having to join servers hoping they are actual games instead of hacking 5 year olds laughing at each other

I thought Xbox Live was THE place to get yelled at by little kids.

Also, console game cases take up much less space.

Like, physical space, or hard drive space?

[fvgazi]

I go back and forth. There are certain series I refuse to play on console because of how I grew up playing them ie. Half-Life, Doom etc.

I find myself playing consoles 95% of the time though. I play my 360 mostly, but I rotate games through my retro consoles regularly. It really depends on the genre of game I feel like playing.

[irixith]

I'm in the opposite camp. I enjoy my consoles, but prefer the PC. I have the unbeatable keyboard & mouse combo, and my choice of controller for games that play better with one. I enjoy that PC games are (well, at least they USED to be) far more customizable in terms of what you see and hear, and how specifically you control them. I also enjoy the mod community for many different games, which gives a lot of old favourites a lot of extra replayability and new life.

About the only thing I see consoles as currently more superior for is the online experience. However, a) I don't care about online because I'm a single player gamer, and b) the only reason online on the PC has suffered is because developers have made it that way. The push to get people away from their PCs and on to consoles (where gamers spend more money, steal less, etc etc) has really made PC game quality suffer in recent years. A lot of these direct console to PC ports just aren't very good. They aren't optimized for the PC, they depend on the laggy, imprecise mechanics of the analogue stick, even the field of view is wrong on so many games. It's a shame, but it's no wonder people are preferring the console versions of games when the PC versions are so gimped.

[CRTGAMER]

I enjoy both. I like the console for gaming on the HD CRT at the comfort of the couch. Mac and PC gaming for a quick distraction while blogging. Both console and computer gaming each for their unique games. Agree with Ziggy and irixith about the keyboard and mouse FPS gaming on the PC. I do have a keyboard and mouse arrangement for the Dreamcast in playing various FPS games. The living room table height doesn't quite work as well for the mouse keyboard combo. For the PS2 the EdgeFX a good workaround.

Maybe the OP could change the Thread title to "Console or Computer Gaming"? Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

[FerretGamer]

I hate to say it but the line between console and PC gaming is rapidly becoming non-existant.

PC gaming is just as streamlined today as console gaming. In fact, you could say that consoles today are too much like a PC. They are constantly needing to be updated, patched, etc. Consoles also have digitally distributed content, hard drives, online gaming, etc.

Then, take a look at PC gaming using an interface such as Steam. It will take care of game updates and patches, store content on hard drives, digital distribution, online gaming, and a much more integrated experience thanks to strong pushes by Steam and Games for Windows (even Xbox 360 controller compatibility with PC.)

Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who hasn't played a game on the PC for many years. Simply, I just keep up with the PC scene from time to time to stay up to date.

[SuperAnthony64]

PC gaming seems to have more gamers IMO. Less kids play pc where as xbox live is full of 10-16 year olds talking about their math homework and calling 20 year olds old. On consoles like L4D games you have to pay for the dlc where as its free on steam. Also you get to download mods and user created maps on some pc games where as consoles you are stuck with paying 15 bucks to get 2 new maps. Most of the console to pc games look better on pc. Look at bad company 2, alien vs predator, metro 2033, team fortress 2. All better games on the pc compared to the console counter part. Plus the pc games are usually cheaper. thats a plus. So PC>consoles any day. Playing a FPS on consoles now is like struggling with tight jeans.

[BananaXX]

Beyond the "system requirements" issue of PC's, why do gamers seem to prefer consoles over PC games?

The only time I prefer a console to my PC is when I feel like playing my Saturn or N64. For my modern gaming needs I look no further than my big beautiful PC. And I agree with Ziggy, you should know a thing or two about computers since you use one almost daily in this day and age. And I also agree with Ferret, "PC gaming is just as streamlined today as console gaming" especially thanks to Steam.