Which is more expensive – PC V Console gaming

The gaming wars are well and truly underway in 2020, with the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series X now mere weeks away. However, for as much as the console battle is set to define the closing months of 2020 – what’s to say you be using one at all? The advancement of technology now means that you can enjoy titles on a computer to the same extent - or perhaps even more so - than you previously did on a console. Gaming specialists, in both a laptop and desktop form factor, are only increasing in popularity: so, in world where you can game and work seamlessly on the same device, do you still need to get the best in class console? Here’s our definitive guide to help you figure it out.

Traditionally, it was all about consoles. Before World of Warcraft, Minecraft and Football Manager showed us a whole new way to play, the likes of Sega and Nintendo convinced gamers that they were the only gigs in town. For a time, the pendulum swung back in the opposite direction, with vast sandbox RPGs like World of Warcraft utilizing the capabilities of computers to an insane degree. But what about in 2020, a year in which the most anticipated piece of tech to be released isn’t a phone or a laptop – but is instead the PS5.

The power of PlayStation’s exciting new console promises an immersive experience, but coming in at over $500, the question has to asked whether gamers really need it in their life. For many, the answer is a resounding yes, as is evidenced by the success of tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee’s recent unboxing video of the console. In just two days, his video titled ‘PlayStation 5 Unboxing & Accessories’ garnered 9 million views – almost twice as many as his recent iPhone 12 review managed in the same time frame. So, the interest is still very much there for consoles, but could the price put some potential customers off?

Alternatives to both PC and console gaming can be discovered on Unibet

General Pricing

 

Put simply, a new PC with gaming performance comparable to that of a PS4 or Xbox one is going to cost you northwards of $400. Currently, you can get your hands on a new PS3 or Xbox One for as low as $300 – but the equation is complicated somewhat by the addition of newer models next month. The PS5 is expected to retail at $499 – much like the Xbox Series X.

With this in mind, there isn’t too much to separate them, but the key thing to consider is that a laptop is likely to provide much more than just gaming. A console is specially built for one thing only – gaming. Laptops meanwhile are very diverse machines, so if its value for money that you want, the later could be a safer bet.
Accessories such as monitors and controllers also have to be factored in when it comes to comparing the form factors – though the difference is this regard is often minimal.

Repairs

With a PC, you can essentially open up and upgrade your system without invalidating your warranty. By contrast, the main three console providers offer a 1-year warranty, but no more - meaning that repairs and upgrades are slightly harder to come by after a certain period of time. 

Backwards Compatibility

Without a doubt, the PC is king in this regard. While the likes of Xbox and PlayStation are doing a great deal to make older titles more widely available, overall, PC games seldom have such generational restrictions.

Summary

Although it seems like PC gaming is a slightly cheaper endeavour, it really just comes down to individual preferences. PC gaming offers more value for money, while consoles generally have a lower starting price for the basic models. For those who aren’t too fussed about upgrades and repairs, you really can’t go wrong with a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo console. However, if upgrades, adaptability and diverse usage is what you’re after, we’d strongly recommend that you give PC gaming a go. The possibilities are almost endless – for a price, mind.


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Last Updated: Nov 09, 2020

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