Playing games on a computer, a desktop or a laptop can be fun and exciting. There are quite a few advantages of using a gaming PC rather than a gaming console. However, just like anything else, it also comes with some significant downsides.
So, before you invest in a gaming PC, it is recommended that you know both the pros and cons and then make an informed decision.
In This Article
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A much wider and cheaper option of gaming PCs are available out there in the market that support much more games than a gaming console.
- A gaming PC is easily upgradable and customizable according to the need of the users or the game allowing them to play the games of their choice.
- With fewer restrictions due to the additional power of the specs of the gaming PCs, there will be no significant compatibility issue while playing any older version of a particular game on a gaming PC.
- With the high performing specs of the gaming PCs, users can not only play games on it but can also put the system to other computing tasks as well.
- A gaming PC will offer a smaller screen than a TV and will also need much more care and maintenance than a gaming console to keep it high-performing and free from viruses.
The 20 Pros & Cons of Using Gaming PC
The Pros:
1. Varies Options
A large variety of computers are available out there to play games both in the form of a desktop and a laptop which gives you a much wider and varied array of options to choose from than gaming consoles.
2. The Cost Factor
Apparently, the gaming PCs may seem to be costlier than the consoles but with the large variety these can be quite a cheaper option as compared to the consoles. Of course, you can spend more on upgrades.
3. Compatibility
The gaming PCs offer you greater retro compatibility because you can play games of your choice on them, even if it is an older version of any particular game. In comparison, you cannot play a PS2 game on a PS4 device.
4. Upgradability
As said earlier, you can choose to upgrade your gaming PC as and when you want or feel necessary choosing the parts at your discretion.
5. Variety of Games
You can play a wider variety of games on a PC than a gaming device provided the system supports the gaming requirements. All you have to do is download it from a game store.
6. Fewer Restrictions
You can play cheaper games and even the whole genre of strategy games, FP2 games, and even multiplayer Triple A games at no cost on a gaming PC much unlike the gaming consoles.
7. Possibilities
On a gaming PC you can play a game using the mouse and the keyboard which will make navigating in the game much easier and it will be a lot quicker to take the shots.
You can even attach a controller if you like and feel more convenient that way. And, depending on the hardware, you can even overclock to have a better gaming experience.
8. Use
The gaming PC is not meant for playing games only much unlike a gaming console. You can do your day-to-day computing tasks on it as well along with some other tasks depending on the hardware type, which is usually quite high performing.
9. Power
Gaming PCs with their specs are much more powerful than the gaming consoles, which is why they can support playing even 4K games that require higher refresh rates.
10. Customization
You can customize a gaming PC according to your liking and the requirements of a particular game. These systems offer and support a more agile gaming setup much unlike a gaming console.
11. Longevity
This is not in terms of the lifespan of the computer but in the fact that gaming PCs will stay for generations while gaming consoles may come and go when the generations change.
12. Performance
The graphics and gaming performance of a gaming PC is much better and higher than a gaming console, though both are designed to play games on them.
It is all due to the high-performing components and specs in these systems than a gaming console. The graphics performance and speed both will be higher in comparison to gaming consoles.
The Cons:
13. Learning Curve
With gaming PCs there is usually a higher learning curve as compared to a gaming console. You will first need to know how exactly to use it while playing a game.
14. Need for Care
You will need to take care and maintain your computer well so that it performs at a high and at the desired level always.
Keeping it clean, using proper drivers and updating them from time to time, using a proper cooling system and others, all will take time and some considerable amount of effort from your end.
15. Screen Size
The size of the screen of a gaming PC, no matter how large it is, is never bigger than your TV screen. This means that you may get a clearer image on a PC but never a bigger one.
16. Convenience Factor
You cannot use a gaming PC on the sofa while playing games, especially if it is a desktop computer. Even a laptop would take some space and is best used in a dedicated place.
17. Vulnerabilities
Apart from slowing down and other issues related to overheating, a PC is always vulnerable to virus and malware attacks, especially if you want to play online games solo or in a group. So if you are not careful you risk your system to hacks.
18. Portability
The desktop variants of gaming PCs are not portable with the mouse keyboard and other necessary accessories taken into account. And, even the high-end gaming laptops are quite heavier than a gaming console.
19. Occupied Place
Being bulker and bigger in size than a gaming console, a gaming PC will consume a lot of space after you set it up along with all other necessary peripherals and additional accessories.
20. Heat and Noise
Considering the gaming laptop computers that are stylish and portable, there is a higher possibility of issues due to overheating of the innards if used for a long time.
Also, the system may emit some noise which may cause some discomfort and distraction while playing a game. The touchpad is also not suitable for gaming and the battery will drain pretty fast.
Conclusion
As you can see from this article, using gaming PCs allows the players to enjoy beautiful graphics, and the game just as the developers conceived and intended but there are some downsides that should also be taken care of.
If done, a gaming PC will give you a much higher gaming pleasure and experience than a console.