Question: PC vs. Console Gaming

Hey guys & gals!

I'm rather new to this sub-reddit and gaming in general. I've always loved playing videogames, but I've been rather limited in my childhood because of my parents. (They wouldn't let me get a console and would restrict my computer time for the longest because they were worried I wouldn't put my studies first and get no sleep............... They were right, tbh lol)

I just bought an Xbox One S, and despite many people saying PS4 is the better system, I personally enjoy it a lot. Regardless, my question is: What's the pros and cons of both a Gaming PC and consoles (Xbox or PlayStation, either one)? I might want to get into live streaming, if anyone dabbles in that here; Is it better to live stream from a PC, because I noticed quite a few streamers seem to use PC's? Or are there successful streamers from a console?

I know this is kind of a broad question. Sorry if it's poorly written, I gotta get some sleep haha But, I had this burning question. Any sort of answers would be appreciated! Thanks!

[unimsw]

If I were interested in streaming, I’d go PC. There are some great streamers on console. Costs a lot more than your Xbox S though. PCs are usually higher powered, better graphics, more customization for hardware, mods, etc. I have a new Xbox Series X and it is a beast. I prefer it to PC, but to each their own. Also had several playstations over the years. If you are going console, take a look at the exclusives and decide which you want more.
Und is the expert on such matters and likely leans PC.

[mattbbpl]

I'm agnostic, and participate in both markets. I prefer PC for single player games if possible, and consoles for multiplayer games (specifically local multiplayer), but I'm not really married to either combination either.

PC for single player gives you more flexibility and a larger library for legacy applications. Those benefits also come with more issues that need to be worked through.

And that's why I prefer console for multiplayer. I'm patient enough to work through those issues alone, but when something goes belly up during a multiplayer session it's a larger inconvenience.

If you're going to consider streaming, I'd go PC for that use case.

Edit: On the PC side, the new Steam Deck looks tempting, although the devil will be in the details.

[Taram]

I'm not, and never have been, a fan of consoles. We have an XBOX OneX that nobody uses and my kid bought himself a PS4 that... he never uses.... They're just giant dust collectors. My kids and I all prefer PC gaming. Now... if they have friends over and want to play together the XBox or PS will get used for multiplayer on screen stuff but that's about it.

[und2006]

Pretty sure I banned OP because this is an obvious bot post.

But since you bumped a two year old thread... I have a PC, PS5, and Switch. The Switch gets very limited usage, I almost entirely take it on work trips, which is like once a month. PS5 gets use because there are exclusives there I enjoy (Horizon, God of War, Last of Us) that I can't play on PC. Microsoft has hard committed to putting their stuff on PC, so I have no reason to own an Xbox.

[Taram]

Pretty sure I banned OP because this is an obvious bot post.

But since you bumped a two year old thread... I have a PC, PS5, and Switch. The Switch gets very limited usage, I almost entirely take it on work trips, which is like once a month. PS5 gets use because there are exclusives there I enjoy (Horizon, God of War, Last of Us) that I can't play on PC. Microsoft has hard committed to putting their stuff on PC, so I have no reason to own an Xbox.

Yeah I didn't notice how old it was when I replied LOL
As for console exclusives I hate them with a passion. It's a lame practice that only hurts the entire gaming market.

[und2006]

Pretty sure I banned OP because this is an obvious bot post.

But since you bumped a two year old thread... I have a PC, PS5, and Switch. The Switch gets very limited usage, I almost entirely take it on work trips, which is like once a month. PS5 gets use because there are exclusives there I enjoy (Horizon, God of War, Last of Us) that I can't play on PC. Microsoft has hard committed to putting their stuff on PC, so I have no reason to own an Xbox.

Yeah I didn't notice how old it was when I replied LOL
As for console exclusives I hate them with a passion. It's a lame practice that only hurts the entire gaming market.

I agree, that doesn't mean I don't want to play God of War.

[Taram]

Pretty sure I banned OP because this is an obvious bot post.

But since you bumped a two year old thread... I have a PC, PS5, and Switch. The Switch gets very limited usage, I almost entirely take it on work trips, which is like once a month. PS5 gets use because there are exclusives there I enjoy (Horizon, God of War, Last of Us) that I can't play on PC. Microsoft has hard committed to putting their stuff on PC, so I have no reason to own an Xbox.

Yeah I didn't notice how old it was when I replied LOL
As for console exclusives I hate them with a passion. It's a lame practice that only hurts the entire gaming market.

I agree, that doesn't mean I don't want to play God of War.

I'm playing God of War on PC and later this month will play Last of Us on PC.

They can 'exclusive release' them all they want but all of them eventually come to PC. If they want my money they'll make it on PC

[und2006]

Yes, but you're playing the God of War from 2019.

And the Last of Us from 2013.

[Taram]

Yes, but you're playing the God of War from 2019.

And the Last of Us from 2013.

I'm fine with that. Still great games. I've never been in a rush to play games when they first come out. Most of them don't live up to the hype anyway. Other than a few franchises I'm avid about I typically wait to get games til they're under $25 unless I've seen it myself to see if I'll like it.