OPINION: Consoles vs PC
 

My friend recently brought to my attention the a few differences between console games and PC games. We got into a nice discussion about the differences in order to determine which is better, or just which is more convenient.

CONSOLE:
Portable?
All in one, ready-to-go
Multiplayer always okay
You can always take it with you
You get what you got

PC/All Computers:
Desktop or Laptop?
Pure control over look and feel
elaborate and in-depth control with keyboards and mice
You can buy more to make it better
When you have internet, multiplayer is always on

So what do you think is better, PC or Consoles?

Well, it depends on what I am playing.

If its a RTS or a FPS then PC, but I prefer RPGs on the console, cause I play them for long stretches at a time and my comp chair hurts my booty.

Computers are "ready-to-go" too, since you can rook them up to a TV and use it as a monitor, it works nice for games, not so much for everything else... Consoles are pretty big now (with everything you need) chances are that if you can carry one, you would probably be able to carry a Pc tower too.

Also PC's are more expensive, since they arent "just for games" and "Just for games" Pc are more expensive than what they are actually worth

Computer costs way more, but you get a lot too. The graphics are better, there are mods and patches, if you don't like the keyboard you can hook up a videogame controller in the USB, you can use the TV as a monitor, multiplayer and all other non-gaming things(music, movies, chats, NPF etc). But as I said, at a great cost.

You Just described a PS3

my personal opinion? i prefer PCs. consoles are very limited by how much you can squeeze into a disk, and patching/adding new content is still considered to be a big deal for them.

Which do I like more? Like what EVILNess said, it depends on what kind of game I'm playing.

If I'm playing a strategy game, (turn based or real time.) I would prefer a PC. If I'm playing an action game that requires a lot of precise targeting, (Example: first person shooters.) I would prefer a PC. However, fighting games, 3D platformers, and driving games, for me anyways, are always better on a game console. Some genres work well on both platforms. I can enjoy RPGs and 2D platformers equally on both consoles and PC.

In the long run, though, I would prefer a PC. You get customization, patches, modding, better online gaming support, yeah. Granted, I got started gaming on the old NES, a console, but today, I would say, computers for the win.

In all seriousness, it does depend on the type of game; generally, FP-anything games work better on the computer, due to the mouse-type interface. Racing, if you don't have a wheel, does better with an analogue input. RPGs, well, it depends on the person; I get annoyed by the lack of mouse functionality, plus I get massively distracted by my multitasking.

And, as the red mage stated, mods. Mods are love, and totally absent on the ROM-based console games.

I can't run torrents/h.264 on the PS3. Therefore, PS3 as comp replacement = massive fail.

Editus: This statement initially lead my post, but I have an issue with it, given more consideration.

The "PS3 as PC" argument is flawed, imprecise, and just wrong in so many ways. With it's native OS, the PS3 just can't do so many things that people may want it to do. It can't run my Java IDE, Orbiter, my friend's homebrew, my emulators, games that may be re-released (Myst and Riven spring to mind, personally). It can't run Trillian, can't use Skype, can't run the cracked games my friends and I play together; my music isn't all available (I have a fair bit of FLAC stuff) and I can't try to tweak the settings at all. Oh, and no console access either. This list is built almost entirely of stuff related to games, keeping in mind that the PS3, despite it's aspirations, is a gaming machine. Don't get me started on general multimedia or utility stuff.

I will always prefer consoles to PCs. I do like a lot of PC games, but they generally don't catch my attention as well as games on the consoles (plus I like to sit on the floor when I'm gaming). Also, when I'm on my computer, I am compelled to multitask, distracting me from the game.

And I think the biggest thing for me is playing with other people. As far as multiplayer goes, I enjoy playing multiplayer games with my friends right next to me, and that doesn't happen as well on the computer.

I don't know, just, for me, Console is the way to go. (plus, I personally think it's easier to carry a console around (at least the gamecube and the PS2 (I haven't tried to carry the new generation games around), so it's always ready to go for when you go to parties and want to play some good multiplayer.

Consoles are pick-up and go.

PC are "If you know what you're doing you can do what the console is doing, but it'll cost you a little more yet net you more variety and uses external to what the console can do".

In the long run consoles are normally cheaper and require minimal intellect to use, but can do less. We won't include the PS3 in this.