PC Gamer Hybrid

[bfgmetalhead]

I recently got my first gaming PC, it's mid-range and can run anything at a decent level, however I have been a console gamer every since I was little. I always defended consoles in the inevitable PC vs console arguments that pop up everywhere on the net and in normal life. Now I have been a PC gamer for a couple of months I can say that to my surprise I do prefer it; steam kicks the XBLA in the balls so hard it's laughable. The graphics on my games are sooooo much better and I can extend them with mods.

Now I always thought that gaming PC's were super costly and not worth the price, however mine was custom built for £515! Plus with all the money I saved during the sexy steam summer sale I have managed to build a large libray of games in very short time, also for under £60!

However I still own my Xbox360 and have no intent of selling it yet, as I still feel it has some small advantages that I love about consoles. For instance I have a Bulldozer processer that does not run some games properly (serious sam 3, Shogun 2) unless I use a spot fix to change the BIOS code called Orochi-CEG. It is these hicups that cause me to return to my console and will cause me to keep it for a while yet as I know when I stick a game in it will work (most of the time ).

So my question is, if you made the jump from console to PC did you keep your console? And if so why?

Captcha: Two cents worth, lol fitting.

 

[tippy2k2]

Yes I would and people who say you have to choose a side are very stupid individuals. There are advantages and disadvantages to both gaming devices and anyone who wants the most out of gaming would be a fool to just throw one or the other away just because it's not the system they have chosen in the PC v. Console war.

*Note: This does not mean you can't have preferences (personally, if it's multi-platform I get it for the 360) but to flat out refuse to play a game you think looks really good that's not on your system is silly.

EDIT clarification: The stupid people I was referring to people who say that they will not get "System X" no matter what ever comes out because it's not "System Y". They refuse to play on it, even if I were to say "Here friend, here is a free System X!".

 

[evilneko]

Way back when I still played games on both console and PC, it wasn't worth selling your console, since back then they were fuckin cheap. In fact, I still have them. They barely work (bad connections on one plus flaky controllers, something totally futzed up on the other). I just ended up never buying another console.

 

[an annoyed writer]

I have a gaming/video editing PC, an Xbox 360, and a PS3(and that's just my current-gen tech). I've been a hybrid for a while and it's great. I love the modding and higher-res graphics I have on my PC, but if I want plug and play I go with one of my consoles. I never got the whole Consoles vs. PC thing, though I still prefer my gamepad and use it whenever possible(it just comes natural for me). So yeah I keep my consoles, even though I use my PC for gaming. I also have a few games I enjoy on my phone, if that means anything.

 

[lRookiel]

If my PC has a problem (Not that it will), I can have my Xbox to fall back on :3

Plus.... I'm too lazy to sell it.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

I am a primarily pc gamer, but I recently got a PS3, because there are a few games that aren't available for PC, and playing games on a big TV is just plain awesome. I know I can hook my PC up to my TV, but that's super inconvenient for me, and using a console is just easier.

Also, splitscreen is great, and is the reason I don't regret having a Wii.

 

[AndrewF022]

Exclusives, Split-screen gaming, makeshift media center and Arcade games (many are console exclusive) are probably a good reason to hold onto it, at least for now.

Also, even though I am primarily a PC gamer, I still tend to buy all of the home consoles anyway (I own all three from this gen for example). Each one tends to have its positive aspects and exclusives that make them worthwhile once the price comes down a bit after launch.

 

[IllumInaTIma]

I've been PC gamer for as long as I remember, but I never had anything against consoles. But, I do own PSP and PS Vita.

 

[loc978]

Adults who were raised on the XBox make me feel old...

I started gaming on PC with a 386DX2 40, 4MB of RAM and a 100MB hard drive... and I was a console gamer first (Atari 2600, then NES, SNES, Genesis, and then my 386).

Also yes, I kept all of my old consoles. My 2600 still works. As for why... Missile Command!

 

[Jayben Tibbles]

I'll stay a console gamer (starting with a Sega and now PS3) for one simple reason: I cbf making a PC.
Yes, PC has advantages, but I know I can buy any PS3 game and have it work on my system, I don't need to check the specifications or scale down graphics, I get games created for the specific system I use. It's a matter of ease and simplicity.

 

[GTwander]

I started on consoles back in 85' with the original NES, and pretty much kept up with that particular arms race all the way until the Xbox 360. Started PC gaming around 97' or so, and once I figured out how to toy with ini. files it was pretty much my preferred method of gaming all together. Stuff like Daggerfall help cement that as well.

No longer own any consoles because the market moved away from exclusivity , meaning that now I have a choice between the same game on PC or console, for the most part (that, and because the Xbox red-ringed and I sold all the rest of my collection off). So the choice is 100% clear.

Consoles are good for multiplayer in front of a TV, but my circle of friends can't stand losing, so I much prefer online anonymity if I have to deal with a scathing loser.

 

[bfgmetalhead]

snip

I kept it because I'd get essentially no money for it or the games, it just wouldn't be worth it. Besides there are some good games on consoles.

NOW The real topic here is why did you buy a bulldozer CPU?

I don't really understand the diffrence between hardware yet so I did not know it was a crap processor, it's mostly ok though.

What are the main problem aside from the BIOS glitch?

 

[Reaper195]

PC gaming is great and all, but get rid of the console. No matter how powerful your computer can be, noting beats sitting down in a room with mates and playing some 3 on 1 CTF on Halo on a massive TV with alcohol.

 

[MammothBlade]

I play both PS3 and PC.

My PS3 is for JRPGs, exclusives, and newer games that won't run on my aging desktop. My PC is chiefly for Visual Novels, Emulation, Western RPGs and Strategy. I have DS and PSP too, purely for handheld RPGs.

PC vs. PS3, I play about 80:20.

 

[Radelaide]

I still play video games on my console and I play games on my PC. I don't see what the big deal is...

 

[nickpy]

snip

I kept it because I'd get essentially no money for it or the games, it just wouldn't be worth it. Besides there are some good games on consoles.

NOW The real topic here is why did you buy a bulldozer CPU?

I don't really understand the diffrence between hardware yet so I did not know it was a crap processor, it's mostly ok though.

What are the main problem aside from the BIOS glitch?

The price, performance, cooling and power consumption are bad compared to the current intel CPU line.

Indeed, it was a bit of a flop really compared to all the hype *thoroughly regrets having bought an AM3+ motherboard on the vain hope that Bulldozer would be good*. Ironically, the Phenom II that preceeded it blows even the top-end Bulldozer chip out of the water in most things (which is the processor I have).

As to PC vs. Console,
I've always done a some of both. I prefer PC gaming nowadays as I have a good rig I built myself capable of playing almost all games at top or near-top settings, and the difference and immersion between that and what a console calls "HD" is startling. I know graphics isn't everything, but when I have the choice, I'll take them any day. I also love modding and generally mucking around with the innards of things (custom camera angles in driving games, anyone?). I don't usually have any compatibility problems, and I can run almost all games including ancient ones in DOSbox. I also the same machine for my work - so it makes the transition from the two much quicker. Also, my convenient as the Television for the console would usually be occupied by others.
Now, My console.... I have a PS3, and a PS2 before that. I still have both. The PS3 is now plugged into my computer monitor as well (wrigged up some fancy wiring to get sound to work through my amplifier!), and the PS2 is on the TV downstairs. Truth is, I hardly use either. I used to use them much more extensively, before I had an all-singing-all-dancing computer, it just made sense, and the advantages of split-screen multiplayer when you have friends around cannot be denied, but PC gaming is *so much* better in my opinion, that every game I could, I traded in and bought the PC version instead. Nowadays I only keep the PS2 and PS3 for the games I cannot get on PC, for when I have friends around, and in the latter case because of it's secondary role as a bluray player. But neither see much use.
I also have a Vita, and had before that a PSP, a GBA and a GBC. All of these I love, and I have never been tempted with "mobile phone gaming" which is the worlds greatest falsehood.

---summary of extremely long post:---
Bulldozer: a real doozey
PC Gaming - My preference
Console - Has it's place
Mobile phones - Ha
Portable Consoles - Good fun

 

[2fish]

I kept my 360 for Ninja Gaiden Black, Perfect Dark, Deathrow, Stubbs the zombie, and Bayonetta. Otherwise I play on PC.

 

[devotedsniper]

I brought a cheap used xbox just to play forza and came back to find how much I couldn't do without gold, even FREE services like iplayer, demand 5, youtube, and 4OD all require gold membership.

Now i knew that it was rare for silver members to play online but all those free services which I can use on my pc with no hassle all require gold... I think I'll stick to my pc for online gaming and such.