Vista - Why PC games ?

Hello, Everyone. I'm in uncharted water here --- pc & pc games. I'd like to know, and there Must be reason(s), why people are spending money to load up their computers in order to play games while there are PS3, XBOX 360,Wii etc offering almost unlimited # of video games. PC games are not cheap by any comparison, and loading up the computer must be more expensive than a $500 PS3 or XBOX 360. Will someone enlighten me ? I have a PS2 and it's becoming obsolete, if not already. I'm not sure which way to go -- video console or " hot rod " computer.

Well, if the budget can accommodate it, go for both. The PC would be good for games, but also for other purposes (depending on your nature and work/lifestyle) which can take advantage of the PC. There are some games that make it onto PC but on no other consoles, plus you get alot of good quality console games ported onto PC.

But, having a PC as a gaming platform is more expensive, compared to a console, at the end.

If you just wanna play games, and don't mind forfeiting games from PC, stick with a console.

If you want beefy games (i.e. size, graphics etc) go for either a PS3 or an XBOX360 (you'll need to research the games available on both) or go for a Wii.

r2rX

Hello r2rX. The only thing that stops me from getting a XBOX360 (that's what I would prefer) is my worry of the damn thing becoming obsolete like my PS2 which I spent a lot of money on accessories and a large library of games. I guess that's something I have no control of and be better off not thinking about it. Thank you.

tried playing consoles and hate the kiddy thumb controls, much prefer wasd and mouse look, some consoles do not have the games I like to play, eg EVE Online

pretty sure most consoles can't play films, music unless on a DVD or similiar. Last bought a PC about 3-4 years ago and can still use it for torrents and the like. consoles not come with dvd burners afaik ?

Consoles will never be as fast or as pretty as PC games are. They simply do not have the hard ware or processor speed of a good gaming computer system.

Hello, KingOfChaos,
The price to pay for a prettier and fast games would be about 3-4 times the price of a top of the line console. Hmm. I don't have the first hand experience, but I was told that even with a controller I still have to use the mouse/keyboard. Isn't that a lot of "work" to play a FAST pace game? Not sure I could keep up.

t-4-2 : Two simple answers. A: I'm old. I played computer games on "computers" like the TRS 80, Commodore 64, and so on. Old habits die hard i guess. Back then games were exciting not like these boring flight simulators and FPS games. We did something like, "you get to a door. Do you go Left or Right (push l or r), made our decision and waited 6 hours for it to be processed and the next exciting question to pop up.

B: My wife said there was no way on God's green earth I was getting a console if I wanted to live a life different than John Wayne Bobbit. Reason B was more compelling to me.

oh, and with a little practice, you can keep up.

Well, I always was and always will be in favour of gaming PC's over consoles. Why?
Just few points.
1. Computer is much more flexible
2. PC games have better multiplayer and much better graphics
3. It is easier to navigate using keyboard and mouse - especially in FPS games
4. Modern gaming PC have much, but I mean much more power than gaming consoles
5. There are very few games for consoles that haven't been released for PC's
6. Prices of PC components are falling through the floor, you can now buy a gaming grapgics card for £120-150.
7. PC is much more suitable for a media centre.
8. PC's look better

If you look at pc games you will find that there are more games for the pc then consoles. A game which came out a long time ago will work on a new pc (mayby).

If you want to play a game that is to high a spec you can buy a new gfx card or whatever to upgrade your pc. When playstation 3 games came out the only option of upgrading your playstation 2 would be to buy the whole ps3.

The computer can do alot more than a console, and you can get joypads and other gaming controls for it.

Gaming consoles are 'OK' - but like xMichael said, the use of a keyboard and mouse helps alot more with control, rather than using your thumb to navigate, its very jolting and uncompfortable. Stick with a PC, they run much faster and look alot better, With me, I get to play my games on computer, and tinker with all kinds of software, gaming consoles, you can play games or watch a movie. More things to do on a PC i think!