Why PC Gaming Is Better Than Console Gaming
In response to an unfortunate misprint, author Mark Twain is said to have remarked, "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." The same could be said of rumors surrounding the death of PC gaming in recent years. Not only have computer games continued to live on over the past few decades, they've also boomed in interest — introducing the world to new and innovative concepts such as free-to-play, massively multiplayer online (MMO), social, and web-based offerings. With thousands upon thousands of titles now available to players — including many that take advantage of computers' often superior hardware, graphics, and technical/AV performance — now is the perfect time to celebrate the PC and to explore why it remains a premier gaming platform. More affordable, more flexible, and more powerful than your average console system, PCs (and computer gaming) still command a huge advantage over console counterparts.
PC games are more affordable
Any trip to a retail store or quick scan of online retailers will confirm the least-kept secret in the world of video games: PC games are often far more affordable than console alternatives. Look online, and you'll also find a far larger selection of titles priced under $20 — including more free-to-play options, or titles available for low monthly subscriptions. Compare PC to console versions of your favorite hits and you'll often find that the console versions can run $10 to $15 more for new releases. Likewise, you can also find tons of classic computer game releases for a fraction of the cost of first-run debuts as well. With PC games, you virtually always get more bang for the buck. Here are 15 of the best PC game download sites - including freebies!
Classic games are easier to play
The PC game library is, in a word, vast. There are some three decades' worth of classic and retro games to play, and many timeless hits can still be enjoyed thanks to online, streaming, and digital retailers. While console manufacturers have been working harder lately to supply access to back catalogues, the number of titles they're offering is still dwarfed by what the PC has to offer, as it puts countless classics just a click or two away. Free software emulators such as DOSBox open up even further possibilities, allowing you to access stacks and stacks of old games that may not even be sold at retail. Check out 10 of the best old-school hits.
Mods can be made for PC games
Let's say you've got a favorite game that you can't get enough of. “Mods" — modifications that users or professional designers can make that completely change the look, feel, and level design — are readily available that in many cases greatly extend the shelf life of these titles. For example, you can find mods that will take a treasured shooter or strategy game and make it feel like an almost entirely new experience, often times for free. Today, you'll find endless downloadable options that can extend the life of the hottest PC games. You might have already spent more time doing everything in Fallout 4 that doesn't involve playing the actual game.
PCs are more powerful
It's a fact: high-end gaming PCs can pack way more horsepower under the hood than their console counterparts, as evidenced by the many ROG models you'll find here on this site alone. Better still, unlike consoles, most desktop and laptop computers can easily be upgraded and modified to be personalized or made more powerful. Think of it like modifying a sports car — you can easily add enhancements, new hardware, or specialized kits that can completely change the aesthetic and technical performance of your system. And with an ever-growing range of new hardware enhancements arriving (again, see the latest and greatest from ROG), you'll never run short of options for customizing your rig. See some of the coolest rigs from COMPUTEX 2016.
PCs have better visual performance
Sure, the latest generation of consoles offers support for 1080p high-definition graphics, and the eventual promise of 4K Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) support. However, today's PCs already offer way-high resolution and high-definition graphics — and are already embracing the 4K visual revolution. If you're looking to crank visual performance to the max, pick up a high-end graphics card, a compatible game (e.g., Mortal Kombat X or The Witcher 3), and watch the sparks fly. Just be careful: as realistic as these characters seem, you'll likely catch yourself ducking for cover once they do.
PCs boast better mouse and keyboard support
Many gaming enthusiasts swear by joysticks and gamepads. And certainly, for certain types of games — sports or arcade outings, for example — these control methods make sense. But not only do PCs offer full support for these accessories (and countless gadgets such as joysticks, steering wheels, and even flight controllers that consoles often lack), but the PC also offers dedicated support for gaming mice and keyboards, which are specifically designed to enhanced player performance. Not only can they give you an edge up in shooters, MOBAs, RTS titles, and more, but today's gaming mice and keyboards also offer vastly more customization options and support for quick keys and macros. If you want total control, check out just a few of the ROG mice and keyboard options available to get a sense of what's available.
It's easier to communicate on PCs
Consoles may offer support for in-game chat and communications, but team Speak, Skype, and other online options for the PC allow for a far more intuitive range of options when enjoying multiplayer gaming, with private chat rooms, team channels, and other features available that make talking with friends and coordinating strategies so much simpler. Speaking of social experiences, computers also offer far greater connectivity to online forums, message boards, and other internet hubs, as well as a broader range of MMOs and titles for social networks. See the latest peripherals plus the upcoming ROG Centurion 7.1 headset here.
PCs have greater options for online and LAN connectivity
Console games can be played online, but usually you're tied to using single-subscription services offered by the hardware makers themselves. With PC games, not only do you enjoy multiple networking and service options, but you don't typically have to pay for the privilege — and you can often host your own finely customized games or choose from a broader range of play options as well. Similarly, if you have friends nearby, PCs can be more easily connected for some LAN gaming too. You can also play either your PlayStation 4 or XBOX One (soon) games on your PC in your room while your brother's hogging the big telly.
The list of exclusive and dedicated PC games is huge
Every platform has its exclusives, of course, but in recent years, it's the PC that's truly emerged as a powerhouse for dedicated gamers, thanks to epic titles you can find only on computers, titles such as World of Warcraft, Civilization V, DayZ, Total War, and Starcraft II. (And that's before you even count the massive array of indie, free-to-play, casual, social, MMO, and other options specifically designed for PC platforms.) You won't find these titles on consoles — and even if you did, they'd likely play better on computers anyway, thanks to enhanced controls and interfaces. It's no secret: as we've seen time and again over the past 30 years, there have been countless titles that serve as proof that the PC has been the best thing to happen to video games since quarters and thumbs were invented.
PCs don't need to be huge
When you're lacking space or if you're a minimalist, no one said you have to get a full tower desktop to enjoy PC gaming. There are plenty of compact PCs such as the ROG G31(right), customizable ones you build yourself or maybe (hopefully) soon the Avalon concept (left) or laptops (G701 - center) for portability - you can take a console with you but without a monitor the difficulty level is beyond nightmare.
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By Scott Steinberg
