Why buy consoles?

[Susurrus]

Genuine question, not an elitist rant.

I've never owned a console. When I was small, my parents weren't interested in shelling out for one. Now that I'm no longer relying on them for financing, I still don't have one. Instead, I have a computer.

Now, in a bizarre twist, my computer was free (thank you bit-tech.net and your awesome competitions). But I bought one a few years before for £1000. This older computer still runs most new games, though for some of the top of the range games, it's a bit ropey.

Fine. With a few upgrades, it could almost certainly run most things. It's only broken down once in its history (and Dell were lovely and came out AND replaced a dead motherboard for free), although it's now gone through 2 gfx cards.

Almost every big-budget game is on PC as well as other platforms (even if we have to wait for GTA etc.), and where available, is almost always cheaper. In addition, if I don't upgrade my computer, it still has a hefty back-catalogue, and it still does other things.

Now, older consoles were cheap(er), but with the PS3 last gen initially coming in at £500.. well, that seems steep. There are relatively regular new generations of consoles, and with limited exceptions, the back catalogue is usually lost. So, that's a lot of money to pay one generation's worth of games.

So my question is, why? Why buy a console, when you can have a PC, and play most of the titles? Is it for console-exclusive titles? Is it because of the gadgets, like the wiimote? Do you prefer controllers? The more social nature of the gaming?

Further, if you have a choice of buying a game (take DA 2 for an example), why ever would you choose to buy it on console, where it will be more expensive?

 

[pulse2]

There are good reasons for that:

1. First of all its easier not having to think about the requirements, I don't want to have to keep checking my specs to see if my rig can handle 'teh powerz'! And then you have the likes of Crysis popping out and making my rig cry. Yeah, the sequel may have suffered from severe graphics satuaration to work on the PS3 and 360, but its more accessible and you'll find more people playing online than the PC verison.

2. Controllers, while you may be able to play with controllers on the PC versions, the console versions just feel more natural, vibration, keyed in controls so you rarely have to change or tweek anything.

3. I'd rather use my PC space for more relevant things to be frank, gaming takes up too much ram and too much harddrive space and the constant need to upgrade or get more space to play sims 3 3/9 gbs, Crysis another 3/9 gb and god knows what else, just becomes tedious. My systems play games, my PC is used for everything else.

4. Network, playing multiplayer is fun on the PSN and XBL, maybe not in the same league as some PC games, but nevertheless, fun regardless.

5. PC games are moving over to PS3 and 360, some exclusivly and others multiplat, no matter how you look at it, other than graphics, there isn't really a compelling reason to pick PC gaming over console gaming, not to mention the console exclusive games as well.

6. Games may be cheaper on the PC, but that's easier to handle than spending on a decent gaming rig to play less games. I personally only buy AAA games and specific ones I'd like, so the costs aren't that much, and even still, many of the games I want and buy are often exclusive to that console, so whether they are more expensive makes little or no difference as they can't be obtained anywhere else cheaper.


Conclusion, PC gaming is awesome, and if you can't find a good reason to own a console, stick with the PC for mod options, cheaper pricing and easier controls in certain games. But if you prefer to use your PC for graphics, music, movies, programming, writing etc and more serious things and care about harddrive space and all those other nitty gritty things, a console just makes life easier.

 

[Smithburg]

Well for me its just not viable to always use a computer, while console games generally are ten dollars more expensive you can sell them back (often for around 20-30 dollars) which; to me at least, actually makes them cheaper in the long run. Also consoles have limitations yes, but that means that the games for it will always work for it, rather then trying to make sure a game will actually run on my computer. To me computers generally have the same life cycle as a console, Ill usually have a console for 4-5 years, and it will be about the same for a PC. but the PC is about twice the cost. For instance I got my PS3 for 300, and it plays ps1 and ps2 games as well so i can get the entire sony collection of games and play them on a system that is about 1/3 of the cost to a computer. One thing Ive noticed people forget a lot is though, is that when consoles are new they are generally better then the current PCs out. Yes they get overcome eventually but the happens for everything. Also the online component is just easier. On pc you have to pick a lobby wait in it and it can take forever, whereas generally i can just hop on xbox and be in a game in a few seconds.

But thats pretty much why I would pick consoles, I have a great PC but it just tends to work better for consoles for me.

 

[fenrizz]

A few good reasons:

* It's cheaper and will usually last longer.
* You get to play in your sofa on a big TV.
* No need to worry about system requirements.

 

[Sanglyon]

I'm mainly a PC user (1 gaming pc, 1 htpc, 1 netbook), but I also own a lot of consoles: DS, PSP, PS2, PS3, WII, and also Dreamcast and SNES somewhere...

here's why I have them:
DS: I bought it while doing an internship in England, where I couldn't bring my computer and wanted something to play. I use it for Phoenix Whright, Prof. Layton, puzzle games.
PSP: it was a present from the company's boss when I finished my internship (yes, great guy).
I play JRPG like Disgaea, ZHP or P3P on it in my bed.
WII: I wanted somthing that I could play with my friends when they visit, Boomblox mainly. I got Wii Fit, but only used it for one week.
PS2: I bought it 2 years ago after reading reviews on Persona 3 and 4, so I could play those games.
PS3: To be able to play Persona 5 when it will come out. Also because reading bluray on a pc was a pain at the time, it might be easier now. I mainly play Bayonetta on it. Oh, and it was on a -30% sale.

on the PC, I play L4D2, SupCom, Warhammer 40K,... or indies.

I'll spare you the SNES and Dreamcast.

So, for me, it's:
- on the pc: games that benefit from the controls (FPS, RTS), games that exists on all platforms, games that I wouldn't enjoy more on my 42" tv than on my 24" monitor (like a racing game).
- wii for party games
- ps3, ps2 for the exclusives, JRPGs and beat-em all.
- DS and PSP to play anywhere and exclusives.

 

[twistedmic]

There are good reasons for that:



2. Controllers, while you may be able to play with controllers on the PC versions, the console versions just feel more natural, vibration, keyed in controls so you rarely have to change or tweek anything.

That's one of the main reasons why I don't use a PC for gaming, the other one being I don't own my own computer.
With a console I don't have to look down at the controller every once and a while to find the button/key that I need to push. And in the heat of battle, I'm far less likely to hit the 'switch weapon' key when I meant to hit the 'reload' key, or to hit the 'throw grenade' button when I meant to hit the 'take cover' or 'run like *****' button.

 

[ryai458]

Because they are so much easier to use than PCs and they are cheaper.

 

[Exius Xavarus]

Because most people find consoles to be cheaper overall. People can spend $300 on a PS3 or whatever it is on an Xbox and jump right into games like Crysis. ANd you never ever have to upgrade a console. But for you to get a PC like that, you either have to make your own for like, $700-1300(depending on component and where you obtain them) and continually spend more money to upgrade your pc. People buy consoles out of convenience, simply because they're easier to work with, and easier on your wallet.

 

[ThisIsSnake]

1. Console controllers are perfect for platformers, action/adventures, any game where movement is important.
2. Console Exclusives like Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Ratchet and Clank, Jak and Daxter etc.
3. Cheaper, though won't last as long or be as powerful as a PC
4. Living Room multiplayer is always a laugh.
5. Not so much now but consoles used to be great for single player (there are still some good ones).
6. I have never encountered a hacker playing online on a PS3.

 

[Catchy Slogan]

1. I know fuck-all about computers other than the basics.
2. I can't be arsed.
3. I don't have the money to buy a new pc, especially since I started out with a console.
4. DRM.
5. As many other people have mentioned, I don't have to worry about system requirements.

 

[Admiral Stukov]

I see no reason to use a console at all. Never had one never will.
I'm a tech guy, I like tinkering with stuff. And I like modding.

The PC has superior graphics, cheaper games, modding capability, I don't have to replace the whole thing as it age, etc...

 

[pulse2]

There are good reasons for that:



2. Controllers, while you may be able to play with controllers on the PC versions, the console versions just feel more natural, vibration, keyed in controls so you rarely have to change or tweek anything.

That's one of the main reasons why I don't use a PC for gaming, the other one being I don't own my own computer.
With a console I don't have to look down at the controller every once and a while to find the button/key that I need to push. And in the heat of battle, I'm far less likely to hit the 'switch weapon' key when I meant to hit the 'reload' key, or to hit the 'throw grenade' button when I meant to hit the 'take cover' or 'run like *****' button.

You can use a PS3, Wii or 360 controller on PC if you know how to install them, then set each keyboard key to the controller buttons before playing a game using different softwares available on the net, but it still lacks vibration and you still have to key in all those details. My brother did this to play Fifa 11 on his PC. Considering he bought his rig to play games on, he hasn't done much of that recently because even with his monster of a PC, he finds that he would rather use the capacity to make music, animations and use adobe photoshop to do graphics. Games just consume that space.

Unless you buy your PC with the specific purpose of playing games, there is less logic in not getting a console to take on the gaming chore instead of your PC.

 

[Hawgh]

Exclusives, pretty much. I bought my 360 solely due to mass effect and GTA being announced as such. And don't I feel stupid now. The only console games that I don't regret buying are Brütal Legend and Limbo.

I don't find consoles particularly appealing.

 

[blind_dead_mcjones]

largely because they're cheaper, more user friendly than a computer with usually less waiting time, because i wanted to buy one, and because there are the titles of games i like (armored core, killzone, syphon filter) that are exclusive to consoles

and also, the last and most important point, because i don't belive in 'putting all my eggs in one basket' so to speak, by sticking purely to pc or consoles. relying purely on one form of playing video games is just needlessly handicapping oneself for no real reason

 

[Shycte]

I don't have to replace the whole thing as it age, etc...

Wat. Yes you do?

 

[pulse2]

Genuine question, not an elitist rant.

I've never owned a console. When I was small, my parents weren't interested in shelling out for one. Now that I'm no longer relying on them for financing, I still don't have one. Instead, I have a computer.

Now, in a bizarre twist, my computer was free (thank you bit-tech.net and your awesome competitions). But I bought one a few years before for £1000. This older computer still runs most new games, though for some of the top of the range games, it's a bit ropey.

Fine. With a few upgrades, it could almost certainly run most things. It's only broken down once in its history (and Dell were lovely and came out AND replaced a dead motherboard for free), although it's now gone through 2 gfx cards.

Almost every big-budget game is on PC as well as other platforms (even if we have to wait for GTA etc.), and where available, is almost always cheaper. In addition, if I don't upgrade my computer, it still has a hefty back-catalogue, and it still does other things.

Now, older consoles were cheap(er), but with the PS3 last gen initially coming in at £500.. well, that seems steep. There are relatively regular new generations of consoles, and with limited exceptions, the back catalogue is usually lost. So, that's a lot of money to pay one generation's worth of games.

So my question is, why? Why buy a console, when you can have a PC, and play most of the titles? Is it for console-exclusive titles? Is it because of the gadgets, like the wiimote? Do you prefer controllers? The more social nature of the gaming?

Further, if you have a choice of buying a game (take DA 2 for an example), why ever would you choose to buy it on console, where it will be more expensive?

There's a good reason I found Crysis in store a week after it released for dirt cheap, it required ridiculous specs that very few PCs at the time could handle. In fact, PC sellers started using it as a selling tool to sell new expensive gaming rigs, so you found that people were going out and investing in a £1000 rig just to play Crysis, a visually stunning mediocre game overall. Why play crysis when you could play Halo, Killzone or CoD: Black Ops? With rumours of Timeplitters 4 releasing, I'm even less tempted to spend that kind of money on a new rig.

 

[JabberwockyAi]

I play games on both, and really there are advantages/disadvantages to each. Personally I find the games I have for the PC tend to look better but are more likely to cause me problems if my specs are only just up to snuff. I find playing games on consoles and handhelds feels a little more natural. If I have the choice, I'll usually grab a game for the console over the PC. My dad, however, is a PC gamer to the core.

 

[EcHoFiiVe]

I have never really used my computer for serious gaming. I just recently got an iMac, which I use for video editing and design. I have Portal on it and some other small games like Minecraft and Machinarium, but I don't use it for intensive gaming. I use my PS3 for all my gaming desires. I have always used a controller to game with, and more specifically the static PS3 controller, so the feel of that has been engraved in my head as just a sort of constant when I game. To most PC gamers all of the PC specs are really simple and they feel like it would take an idiot not to understand them, but I have never even remotely delved into that so I don't understand it at all. My point here being, consoles are simpler to manage as far as graphics requirements go. All you have to do with a console is check and see if the game box has either Playstation 3, or Xbox 360 written on the top of it. With a PC game like Crysis, you have to say "Oh, can my PC handle this. No? Oh well I guess it's my loss then."

 

[Admiral Stukov]

I don't have to replace the whole thing as it age, etc...

Wat. Yes you do?

Only if you don't know anything about computers. It's childsplay to just replace the parts needing replacement.