| While some gamers prefer to use their PCs for | | | | including high-speed graphics processors and |
| their video games, others are die-hard console | | | | game-specific interface devices, console gamers |
| fans, so much that even selecting which console | | | | feel that the systems available for their console |
| has superiority to all others is seen as an even | | | | games are able to provide a greater gaming |
| bigger debate! | | | | pleasure over PC systems. Consoles typically |
| Why these differences of opinion? Several | | | | crash less frequently than computers, depending |
| reasons, including: | | | | on the system being used, and there's nothing |
| 1. Availability of games. Until recently, many | | | | more frustrating than being interrupted in the |
| games were available only on one platform or the | | | | middle of a dramatic situation! |
| other. This has changed a bit in recent years, | | | | 4. User Interfaces. PC gaming interfaces are |
| although there can still be minor differences in | | | | usually a mouse and keyboard combination, which |
| game play when looking at different versions of | | | | is ideal for first person shooters or strategy |
| the video game. | | | | games, this is where the PC excels. However, |
| 2. Cost of consoles. While computers can cost | | | | driving, fighting and sports games consoles are |
| upwards of thousands of dollars - especially for | | | | more suitable games for control pads, which are |
| specialised, high-end gaming systems - many | | | | far more comfortable and practical than using a |
| gamers who prefer their games on PC cite the | | | | keyboard and mouse. |
| ability to purchase one system which lasts a | | | | One way to tell if you might be better off with a |
| number of years as one reason they would | | | | computer or console is to read PC game reviews |
| rather play their video games on a computer. | | | | and console game reviews. You should also read |
| Additionally, computers have the ability to be | | | | both PC hardware and console reviews to see |
| backwards-compatible: there's no need to replace | | | | how other people rate the latest technology. |
| old games as your system grows more | | | | Similarities continue to grow between gaming on |
| sophisticated, whereas with consoles certain | | | | consoles and PCs. Most systems (as mentioned |
| games will only be available from certain brands. | | | | above) offer networking, both have game specific |
| Also the high cost of newer consoles, despite | | | | user interface devices that benefit different types |
| their many features, is another discouraging | | | | of games and computer hardware has grown |
| factor for some users. | | | | extremely sophisticated now boasting multi-core |
| 3. System optimisation. Even though there are | | | | processing power superior to consoles. Gamers |
| computers which are optimised for game play, | | | | – is it time to call off the war? |