Author: Jessica Kosinski

November 19, 2008

The Console Versus PC Gaming Battle

In the world of gaming, some of us like to think that PC gamers rule the roost. Others, however, are die hard console gamers. Some walk the line and play both. So, o they have the staying power? Is one type destined to become obsolete?

First of all, in the world of console gaming, there are three main categories, these days, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or Wii gamers. Granted, some play two types and some play all three. Personally, I am a Nintendo fiend, though.

In some ways, that competition actually works in the console gamers’ favor. Since there are three main console games, there are three very distinctive console game sets to choose from. Yet, those sets are ever changing.

For example, I loved Banjo Kazooie and Banjo Tooie on N64. Imagine my dismay when I discovered that the latest Banjo game is only out on Xbox 360! Suddenly, they aren’t Nintendo specific games anymore! So, now, if I want to play my favorite games, I have to buy a 360. Theoretically, once I do that, I will see other 360 games that I like and buy those. I’m probably not alone. That trend will probably cause a lot of you gamers out there to buy more than one system and, as a result, games for more than one system.

So, any old school console gamers are probably going to stay console gamers and, by default, their kids will probably be console gamers, since the games will be in the house. I don’t see console games ever dying. So, are computer games destined to go by the wayside, instead?

Well, I think not, just for sheer convenience. Most of us use our computers on a daily basis. If we have breaks from work or just happen to be online chatting with friends, why not play a game, especially a multiplayer online game? In fact, more and more MMORPG’s are popping up. World of Warcraft, Warhammer and the like are in no danger of dying off.

Aside from that sort of convenience, there’s also the space convenience. If you play computer games, you don’t have to contend with console game systems, lots of game controllers and accessories and tons of game discs and cases everywhere. A lot of computer games don’t even require a disc to run.

Then there’s convenience point three. If you’re already at your computer playing a game you have the world at your fingertips, as far as finding game information goes. You can easily look up game cheats, game walkthroughs, game trailers and more. Of course, if you are playing a console game, you can take time out and go over to your computer and look up the cheat codes, but it takes more time.

Ultimately, there are no winners or losers in the battle between console and PC. I am looking forward to Diablo III coming out for PC, personally, but I’m also looking forward to the day that I can replace the Wii that my ex boyfriend kept, too! There’s no reason we should choose one over the other. All games are a blast!