Console Vs. PC GamingThere is one topic that always seems to divide gamers: PC vs. console. People on either side vehemently and even viciously defend and justify their position. While many feel neutral toward the issue, the fact is that playing video games on a PC and on a console are two entirely different experiences, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.Startup CostAssuming that a consumer starts with no previous equipment, getting a console is clearly the less expensive choice when starting out. Buying a high-end PC for competitive gaming can range well in excess of several thousand dollars, while gaming consoles such as the XBox 360 only require an initial investment of about $300 to $400 as of early 2011. Upgrading a standard home PC to gaming specifications can also be relatively expensive, depending on the parts required.
Maintenance CostsPC tends to be considered the superior choice in matters of system upkeep. When a part in your computer is damaged, you can purchase and install a replacement within the same day. However, gaming consoles rarely have replacement parts available to the public, and opening the casing for maintenance voids any warranty still existing. The console can be sent for repairs, but this can take weeks and cost a considerable amount of money. Worse yet, if the console can't be fixed, you may have to replace it entirely.
Quality and UpgradesA gaming console comes with preset hardware, designed to accomplish the console's needs. A high-end gaming PC can outpace a gaming console in terms of graphic quality, lag-reduction and smooth animation. Additionally, while many modern gaming consoles feature updates and downloadable content for their games, the hardware remains the same. Only when a major redesign is made can an upgrade be purchased, and even then, it means buying the upgraded console, not an upgraded part. With a PC, you can make hardware upgrades frequently.
ConvenienceSetting up a gaming PC requires you to not only hook up the computer's components, but also ensure that your system meets a game's minimum requirements. Competitive gaming often also requires better than the minimum. This may require you to replace several parts before you can play. In contrast, the simple plug-in-and-play setup of the gaming console is relatively hassle-free and requires only a few minutes of setup to begin play.
Game Sharing and Used GamesIf you want to lend your friend a console game, you can with almost no hassle. PC games, however, require a single-use license code to run, and so can't be shared. This also limits the ability to sell or buy used games, as the licensing codes can't be replaced or reset for resale. Console games can run on any console because they don't have a license code. This means you can loan them out, buy used copies or sell them.
ControlsThe controls for a console system are limited to whatever hardware is designed for use with the console but are easy to learn across a wide spectrum of games. PC games allow players to tailor their use to any number of control systems, not just the mouse and keyboard. Depending on the game type, a keyboard may be preferable to a controller. Ultimately, the issue of controls is more about personal preference and the type of game being played.
CustomizationConsole games are very rigid in comparison to PC games due to their reliance on presets. All coding is already written into the game, and there is no way to edit the code. Also, while console controls may be editable depending on the game, many use presets that can be confining. With PC games, many developers offer tools to edit the game for your own purposes. These modifications can range from simply changing a character's appearance to creating an new area to explore. Also, the function of every key on the keyboard, or any other control scheme, can be tailored to fit the individual player.
Fair Competitive PlayFor competitive gamers, the issue of fairness can be serious. All console players are on relatively even ground, depending on their skill level and the strength of their Internet connection. PC gamers are at the mercy of their systems and the systems of their opponents. A superior computer can give a significant advantage to a PC gamer, making competitive PC gaming less evenly matched than console gaming.
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