In the gaming landscape of 2023, gamers are faced with a significant dilemma: should they opt for a gaming console or invest in a gaming PC? What is the best thing to buy in 2024? Let’s figure it out
In the past, things were quite different. Those of us who’ve been around for a while can recall a time when each gaming platform had its own exclusive library, and when games were ported between consoles and PCs, significant alterations were made to gameplay and visuals.
However, the situation has evolved considerably today. Many games are now available on multiple platforms, allowing gamers to choose the one that suits them best. So, the question arises: is it wiser to embrace the simplicity and user-friendliness of a gaming console, or should you be prepared to spend a substantial sum for the impressive graphics and extensive game library that a new gaming PC offers?
Table of Contents:
- Ease of Use
- Affordability
- Value
- Game Library
- Peripherals
- Performance and Visuals
- Verdict
Ease of Use
Let’s start with the most apparent aspect: gaming consoles are notably easier to use compared to gaming PCs.
While modern gaming consoles may require users to have some knowledge of concepts like HDR, resolution, and refresh rate for an optimal experience, the level of complexity pales in comparison to that of gaming PCs. PC gamers must grapple with a myriad of tasks, including dealing with drivers, BIOS updates, hardware compatibility, software conflicts, and Windows Updates, just to name a few.
Additionally, launching and playing a game on a console is a straightforward and swift process, typically taking mere seconds. Some consoles, like the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, even offer features such as “quick resume,” allowing players to seamlessly continue their gaming sessions without reloading the game, provided they haven’t switched to another game in the meantime.
In this regard, consoles emerge as the clear winners. They offer the quickest and simplest path to gaming enjoyment, although it’s worth noting that some handheld gaming PCs also provide a reasonable user experience.
Winner: Console
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, consoles take another decisive victory. While it is indeed possible to purchase a gaming PC at a price similar to that of an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, the PC in question would typically come equipped with an outdated graphics card that struggles to handle games designed for modern gaming consoles.
For gamers with budget constraints, the Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch offer viable alternatives to their pricier counterparts. Conversely, PCs available at prices comparable to entry-level consoles often lack a dedicated graphics card, making them ill-suited even for games that are several years old.
It’s worth noting that affordable PC gaming is feasible through options like handheld gaming PCs such as the Steam Deck and compact AMD Ryzen-based mini-PCs like the Beelink SER6 MAX. These devices, given their size and price, surprisingly deliver decent performance, especially in indie games with 2D graphics or cross-platform titles from the Xbox One/PlayStation 4 era or earlier. Nevertheless, they still fall short in comparison to the capabilities of an Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5.
Winner: Console
Overall Value
While game consoles are undeniably less expensive than gaming PCs, the comparison doesn’t necessarily imply that one offers better value than the other. Consoles are purpose-built for specific tasks, primarily gaming and media streaming. In contrast, a PC serves as both a tool and an entertainment device, capable of various functions ranging from web browsing to video editing and software development.
This distinction is particularly relevant because many console owners often require a separate computer for their computing needs. Therefore, it’s more reasonable to compare the additional cost incurred when choosing a gaming PC (instead of a more basic computer) against the price of the game console.
For PC gamers seeking a mid-range, off-the-shelf desktop or gaming laptop with performance similar to that of an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, the expenditure typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on whether they opt for a standard desktop from companies like Dell or HP or prefer a boutique brand like Origin PC or Digital Storm. DIY enthusiasts, on the other hand, can assemble a formidable gaming desktop with components such as an AMD Ryzen 5600X processor and Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics card for under $1,500.
While these amounts may still seem substantial, it’s important to note that if you require a robust PC for other demanding tasks, you would likely allocate around $1,000 for a computer. This narrows the price gap between a gaming PC and a console, making the difference less extreme.
Furthermore, many popular PC games are not resource-intensive and can run smoothly even on older hardware. Titles like Counter-Strike 2, DOTA 2, Team Fortress 2, Grand Theft Auto V, War Thunder, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege consistently top Steam’s charts, and they are playable on PCs equipped with aging graphics cards like the Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 570.
Winner: Tie
Game Library Differences
When it comes to the game library, modern game consoles undeniably offer a remarkable selection of titles. Many games are now cross-platform, resulting in shared titles across platforms like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Moreover, the backward compatibility of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S extends the available game library into the thousands.
However, when compared to the gaming PC, these numbers pale in comparison.
The game library accessible on a modern gaming PC is nothing short of vast and can be considered a mystery due to its sheer size. It’s safe to estimate that there are over 100,000 titles available, with more than 12,000 games released on Steam in 2022 alone. Additionally, a PC has the capability to emulate the game libraries of most older titles and, in some instances, even modern games. It’s important to note that ethical gaming practices require purchasing a legitimate copy of a game, as emulating a game without proper ownership constitutes piracy.
In this context, a gaming PC undoubtedly reigns supreme, offering access to the largest game library on the planet.
Winner: PC
Peripherals
In the realm of peripherals, PCs secure another notable victory. The range of peripheral options available for PCs is extensive, encompassing everything from keyboards to flight sticks, mice to VR headsets. These peripherals offer opportunities to enhance the gaming experience in ways that can be challenging or impossible to achieve with a console.
Simulation games serve as a prime example of this advantage. While the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 do offer access to some quality racing wheels like the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT and Logitech G923, PC gamers enjoy a broader array of choices. Fans of other genres, such as flight simulators, benefit from a multitude of flight sticks and yokes that may not be compatible with consoles.
Moreover, PCs shine when it comes to the realm of keyboards. Keyboard customization represents a distinct subculture among enthusiasts, with a dedicated following eager to delve into the nuances of mechanical key switches, key caps, and keyboard sizes. While modern games do support keyboard input to some extent, it is not always an option in most console games.
Crucially, the PC’s advantage extends to the console’s home turf: gamepads. Although a few console-exclusive gamepads do exist, most offer official compatibility with PC controllers. This includes the official Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 4/5 controllers, as well as the Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
Winner: PC
Performance and Visuals
In June of 2019, I found myself seated in Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, eagerly watching Microsoft’s Xbox press conference. It was an exciting time, with anticipation building for Sony and Microsoft’s upcoming next-gen consoles. Amidst this excitement, there was a now somewhat forgotten promise: 8K resolution at up to 120 frames per second.
In hindsight, it wasn’t entirely a false claim. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X do technically have the capability to output an 8K signal and achieve 120 frames per second. However, it could be described as marketing exaggeration. The most demanding games often struggle to upscale to 4K at a smooth 60 frames per second, with many titles offering a “graphics” or “visuals” mode locked at 30 FPS.
PC gaming paints a different picture. A framerate of 60 FPS is generally considered the bare minimum for an optimal gaming experience, and many players prefer a framerate of 120 FPS or higher. While true 8K gaming isn’t a widespread reality, higher resolutions beyond 4K are achievable on a PC. The Samsung Neo G9 57-inch super-ultrawide, supporting a native resolution of 7,680 x 2,160, is arguably one of the most extreme gaming displays available today, and gaming at its native resolution is exclusive to PC.
Additionally, console titles often utilize lower-quality settings compared to their PC counterparts. The specifics may vary from game to game, but in general, most games on the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S offer visuals akin to the “Medium” or “High” settings in the PC versions.
When it comes to ray tracing, PCs also hold an advantage. While the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S can handle ray tracing, the support for this feature in games is often underwhelming. Even some major “next-gen” exclusives may omit it, as seen with titles like Starfield. Cross-platform games that support ray tracing, such as Cyberpunk 2077, typically offer a level of quality a few notches below what’s possible on a high-end PC.
It’s worth noting that PC gaming isn’t without its challenges. Issues like limited video memory on some Nvidia cards (less than the 16GB supported by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) and optimization problems in certain PC ports can arise. Additionally, achieving the best possible PC gaming experience can be quite expensive.
Nevertheless, the undeniable fact remains: PC gaming surpasses console gaming in terms of both performance (as measured by framerate) and visual quality. This gap is likely to widen as the current console generation ages relative to the introduction of new PC graphics cards.
Winner: PC
Console vs. Gaming PC Verdict: PC Wins the Crown
Indeed, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer an enjoyable and visually stunning gaming experience at a relatively affordable price point of $500, free from some of the issues that PC gamers occasionally encounter. PC gamers often grapple with software bugs, poorly optimized ports, and driver problems that console gamers can largely ignore. The upfront cost of a gaming PC is undeniably higher, making consoles an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly gaming experience.
However, the PC makes a compelling comeback with its extensive game library, a vast selection of peripherals, superior visuals, and a higher performance potential. A well-equipped gaming PC can access hundreds of thousands of titles, many of which can effortlessly run at 4K resolution and a framerate of 60 FPS or even higher. PC gamers can also enjoy the flexibility of customizing their gaming experience with peripherals that often surpass the options available to console players.
In summary, while game consoles offer excellent value for the price, a gaming PC emerges as the preferred choice for those seeking the best gaming experience within the broadest range of games.

Join Pedro Souza on a journey through gaming’s vast realms at howtoplay.blog. A seasoned gamer and insightful author and redactor, Pedro crafts each post as an intimate odyssey into the game’s core, not just teaching how to play, but revealing the artistry and narratives that define our beloved games.