Every gamer must decide between a PC and a console. Message boards are ablaze with arguments about which is superior: which is cheaper, which has better graphics, or which offers the finest multiplayer competition? We will dissect every aspect of the PC vs. console gaming argument so you can make the best choice for yourself.

Enjoying the game is more important than whether you like to play on a PC or a console. When choosing your choice, you should take into account factors including your budget, technical proficiency, and available upgrades.

Overview of Console vs. PC Gaming Budget

Both console and PC players want the best value for their money, but each group has different ideas about what that means and how to quantify it. The only expenses for a console gamer are often the purchase of the console, additional controllers, games, and sometimes online multiplayer passes. Not all PC gamers have their own custom-built computer, but if you decide to construct your own, you have a lot of alternatives to select from.

It is impossible to determine whether PCs or consoles are more cost-effective due to the vast range of options and variations in perceived value. It is entirely up to the person. The amount of money you need to purchase the platform you desire depends on the degree of performance and customization you desire.

Technical Proficiency

In general, PC gamers require a higher level of technical proficiency than console gamers. Adding extra hardware to a console is one way to customize it, but it is not required. It is necessary for console gamers to be able to install their game's update or sequel. Even if they bought a pre-built gaming computer, PC gamers still require at least a basic level of technical expertise. Technical abilities include the ability to set up a computer and have a general understanding of how it works, not the ability to write HTML code. An advanced degree of ability is required for PC gamers who may also wish to install new drivers and upgrade hardware components.

Upgrades A modest level of technical expertise is required to add additional hardware to a console. The improvements can be far more comprehensive with a PC. Upgrades are possible for every piece of hardware as well as other aesthetically pleasing elements like the system's casing.

Customization

A crucial component of the gaming experience is customization, which enables users to adjust their configurations to suit their own tastes. While some customization is possible for both console and PC gamers, PC gaming usually provides a wider range of options. 

From choosing parts like GPUs, CPUs, and cooling systems to creating distinctive case designs, PC gamers have more customization possibilities. Regardless of their preference for flamboyant, ostentatious settings or elegant, minimalist designs, PC users may develop highly customized gaming rigs thanks to this freedom. For other PC customization ideas, see our post on PC white builds, which offers inventive approaches to creating a neat and fashionable gaming setup.

Crucial t500 with pink and purple lights on a table with a white PS5 controller

Benefits of playing video games on consoles

Compared to PCs, consoles are easier to use, do not need to be upgraded, allow for simple multiplayer with friends who own consoles, are often less expensive, and employ wireless controllers that let you play more actively.

1.) Consoles are inexpensive, straightforward, and easy to use.

Because consoles are made to be simple to set up and maintain, many gamers opt to play with them. Minutes after the device is taken out of the box, console gaming may begin. To begin having fun, no technical knowledge or build times are required. While there is some debate regarding the relative pricing of consoles and PCs, in general, consoles are less expensive than gaming PCs. Another benefit of owning a console is the ability to stream music, TV series, and movies on more recent models.

2.) Upgrading hardware is not necessary.

The ability to continue playing games on consoles without worrying about hardware obsolescence is another benefit. In contrast to playing on a PC, which may need to be upgraded as PC games get better, consoles are manufactured with the required system requirements. There is still a chance that new games will not work on older consoles, though, because console manufacturers will release new models in tandem with technological advancements. The manufacturer determines how long it takes between new console releases. Therefore, when the newest system is out, console gamers will need to decide whether or not to upgrade.

In order to play games on several systems, many console gamers will eventually amass a collection of consoles. Players are frequently compelled to upgrade due to the lack of backward compatibility, which allows games made for older consoles to be played on more recent models.

3.) Makes gaming more accessible to everyone, particularly enhancing multiplayer

The majority of your buddies also own console systems. Gathering others to play is simple, and consoles are configured for multiplayer games.

Due to its online multiplayer capabilities, PC gaming has long been regarded as the greatest. Since then, though, consoles have worked to keep up with advancements in online game sharing and in-game communication, which are fantastic for playing with pals. Few consoles and games enable cross-platform functionality, so if you are primarily interested in playing multiplayer games with pals, you will need to think about what system they use.

4.) Games that are only available on consoles

It is accurate to say that some games are console-only and not PC compatible. Because not all consoles have the same selection of games, think about which systems offer the games you enjoy before making a purchase.

5.) Controllers that are wireless

With wireless controllers, you can play more actively. There are games on several consoles that improve your skills and level of physical exercise.

6.) Improvements to Storage

Because some consoles make it more difficult to expand storage, it is crucial to look into the available possibilities when choosing which one to buy. Other consoles might have more limited upgrade options, but the Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally, for example, make it simple to upgrade with internal SSDs like the recently released Crucial P310 2230. 

The Crucial T500 is a great option for PlayStation users who want to increase their capacity. This SSD offers more storage and faster load times because it is made to specifically match the needs of the PlayStation. Your gaming experience can be greatly impacted by compatibility and upgrade simplicity, thus it is important to take these things into account when selecting a console.

External SSDs might offer a useful storage option in addition to internal SSDs. The Crucial X10 Pro and other external SSDs are ideal for moving and growing your collection of games. You may simply expand your storage capacity and have instant access to a greater selection of games without having to remove your old favorites by downloading games to an external SSD. Because of this versatility, players may have a smooth gaming experience and make the most of their storage capacity.

Purple-lit portable game console with p310 2230 on top

Benefits of playing video games on a PC

Among the many benefits of PCs are the following: more customization capabilities, the ability to make hotkeys, more realistic and sharp visuals, increased game modification capabilities, and superior peripheral accuracy.

1.) PC hardware can be customized

You may decide where, when, and how much you want to spend on your computer by constructing your own gaming PC. Some gamers love to run the newest games at the highest settings, thus they spend money on keeping a very high-end machine. Some decide to get a low-cost gaming PC and just upgrade when necessary.

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or graphics card, which converts data into signals that are relayed to the monitor, is one of the three parts that gamers most frequently upgrade and invest in. The images or video that you see on the screen are then produced using this data.

Memory (RAM): used to store game data for fast loading or retrieval. Here, players take into account the amount of RAM they may require, the speed (latency) of data transfer, and the frequency at which data can be exchanged. The minimum RAM requirements for modern games are often 4GB or 8GB; however, more recent games now require 16GB or 32GB, which helps guarantee the optimal gameplay experience. What do you need to know about your gaming PC's memory? For your gaming PC, find the best gaming memory.

Programs, data, gaming information, and other applications are permanently kept on the computer's hard drive, also known as the Solid State Drive (SSD), and may be accessed when needed. The majority of PC gamers use solid state drives because they are faster, more durable over time, and use less power than hard drives. 

2.) The images are superior.

Dominating the competition is one thing, but witnessing it in the most breathtaking resolution is quite another. You have control over how sharp the images are, whether you are using integrated graphics or a graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card. You can play games on many displays simultaneously on a PC.

3.) Manage your gameplay with gaming accessories

PC users have access to a large selection of controllers and mice, unlike consoles that may limit their gaming options. The independence of wireless controllers, joysticks, and even a steering wheel for racing games, like most consoles, is ideal for gamers who want to unwind. On the other hand, PC users might use a gaming mouse when accuracy is crucial. You may play first-person shooter games with unparalleled control and accuracy thanks to gaming mice's exceptional accuracy. Professional gamers who cannot afford to have anything other than flawless accuracy frequently prefer them.

4.) You have the option to rescript your game or rig.

You can alter the way your computer looks, and by altering the game itself, you can alter how various games play. To give your game additional personality, try hunting down opponents on a different map or changing up the character skins. Mods made by other players are frequently available for download, saving you the trouble. All of this is achievable if you become more involved with gaming and modding.

5.) PC games are less expensive

One of the less talked-about benefits of PC gaming is the price of PC games, even though many gamers consider the expense of creating a PC first. Since PC games are available on a wide variety of digital distribution platforms, players have the freedom to compare prices, and many discover that PC games are less expensive than their console-specific counterparts.

6.) PC-only games

While some games are still only available on consoles, some well-known games are also available only on PCs. Similar to a console, think about which systems have the games you enjoy playing before making a commitment.

Is a PC superior to a console, then?

It is crucial to think about your whole experience as well as your budget while weighing your options in the great console vs. PC debate. Is convenience your top priority as a gamer? or price? Online multiplayer gaming? Would you like to upgrade your own computer, or would you be interested in doing so? The answer is obvious at Crucial: PC gaming is supreme. Because of all the benefits that PC gaming provides, playing games on a PC is a better experience than playing on a console. Whatever you decide, playing and having fun are what count most.