The world of gaming is evolving almost every year. New consoles have recently come out, and new games are being released every month. But despite these new changes, there is still a question waiting to be answered: which is better in gaming, consoles, or PCs?

This question has been around for quite some time now. Although we can't have a definitive answer because it depends mainly on people's lifestyle, budget, and general preference, we can still have a look into the difference between gaming consoles and PCs. Hopefully, this will help you choose which you should invest in.

Budget and Cost
First, let's look into one of the most important things that gamers consider when it comes to gaming. Many people think gaming PCs are the most expensive option when it comes to such a hobby.

PC
The average cost of a gaming PC is $800, but some can go above $1,200. That's a lot of money for just a hobby. However, many people tend to forget that you can build a gaming PC for as low as $500.

Entry-level PCs can't play your favorite games in the highest settings possible, but they can still play them. Additionally, they can play modern games as well, albeit at low graphics. You can always choose to upgrade in the future, but technically speaking, you can purchase an entry-level PC at around the $300 to $500 mark.

Consoles
Consoles have a more definite price. The set of next-generation consoles, the PS5, and the Xbox Series X, is $500, but their digital versions cost $400, saving you $100. They are certainly cheaper than high-end gaming PCs but about the same price as entry-level PCs. But there are some things that people tend to forget when discussing console prices.

Consoles require other accessories to function at an optimal level. Some of these consoles might require SSDs to store games and extra controllers to play with your friends. Moreover, consoles also need subscription fees for you to play online. By the end of the day, you might be spending the same amount as you would on a gaming PC.

Performance
Now, let's talk about performance. For PC gamers, performance can widely vary because this depends entirely on their setup. However, it's safe to say that high-end PCs that cost well over $3,000 can play any video game at 4K resolution and above 60 FPS. Next-gen consoles can only dream of reaching that kind of performance.

At best, consoles can play video games at 1440p and around 30-60 FPS. This is because the parts that run a gaming console isn't as high-end. But entry-level PCs can be on par when it comes to performance and at almost the same price.

Versatility
Consoles have access to all sorts of apps nowadays, such as Spotify and Netflix. However, you still can't use a gaming console for work. On the other hand, PCs can be used for all sorts of things aside from gaming. For example, it can be used for employment, school, and personal projects.

Furthermore, you can quickly sell your PC in the market, making an excellent way to gain a bit more cash if you no longer need it.

Advantages of PC
There are many advantages to having a PC. It performs better, especially if you have a high-end rig. It can do other functions aside from gaming as well. You can use it for work and even online school. It might be more expensive than a console, but remember that you're purchasing it for other functions as well.

Moreover, a PC can also be a good investment. If you want to sell your computer, there's a good chance someone is willing to buy it. So if you want a better rig, sell your old one.

Advantages of Console
The only advantage we can think of for consoles is that it's much cheaper than a PC, but that's about it. Building a PC can be a challenging task, but some people enjoy doing it. Furthermore, It can't perform better than a PC and does not have the versatility for other apps.

To summarize, PC gamers enjoy better performance and versatility than console gamers, but for a bit more money. So if these reasons seem appealing to you, then consider setting up your gaming computer. You have two options to do this. Either visit your local computer store or build one through PC building websites.

However, if you don't want to go through the laborious task of building one or paying at a much higher cost, consider purchasing a console instead. Consoles are also becoming more accessible nowadays, making them easier to buy.

Meta title: What's the Best Way to Play Games, PC or Console?
meta desc: PCs have been around longer than gaming consoles. But which is better when it comes to cost, performance, and versatility. Learn more about both devices here.