The PC is dead! Long live the console?

[Nuclear Krusader]

Do you guys think that consoles will dethrone the PC as a gaming system?

I feel shivers down mi spine at the thought of my trusty computer ending up in the trash can...

[Floppyman]

In my opinion no. I think the pc will remain as gaming system for years to come, just look at all the people that play games online (i.e. CS, Unreal). I think this is one place where the pc has a little edge over the console at the moment, but who knows, this may change in the future as well.

[SINND3R]

Games are better for consoles in my opinion. I hate consoles and do not use any after the Nintendo line went to all hell. PC is my system of choice, but in raw game sales, consoles destroy PC in the numbers. Sports games altogether are almost non-existant for the PC, as first-person shooters that can't play as well on consoles dominate the PC market as well as some roleplaying online games but could change as consoles further utilize online gaming.

Honestly, 3 years ago who would have imagined the release of a bestseller that was only playable online like Tribes or Everquest? The internet is the future of gaming and until consoles hit that point, they will never be considered what hardcore gamers play. The graphics are impressive on some, but maybe that's only compared to yoru current machine. The best computer on the market will blow away the Xbox or Gamecube any day. Unlike PCs, when you want better graphics in a console, you can't swap a vid card, you buy a new console which at the prices, is actually cheaper to buy a new console than a near-$400 vid card.

The debate is as futile as Intel vs. AMD; with both sides making good arguements. IMHO, consoles are the step below full blow gaming rigs and I'd never trade my computer system for 5 Xbox's. Probably the strongest thing in favor of the PC, is that anyone that uses a PC everyday for a variety of tasks, would most likely turn to the PC for gaming as well, unless you dont use PCs as much in which case you would probably lean toward buying a console for its price and its rather mobile possiblities like in cars on long road trips.

Consoles seem to be creeping closer and closer to PCs, and they can do so because they already have the legions of fans that they've built up over the past 20+ years. PC games didn't really take off until the early 90's. Once consoles get so comparable to PCs that the distinguishment is difficult, PCs will prevail for their multitude of abilities.

[Orcmonkey]

I just play both!

[Colonel Sanders]

I prefer PCs because they are more upgradable. In a few months GeForce 3 prices will drop a ways, and then you upgrade. A lot of games are probbably easier on a PC simply because of the number of keys you have(and mouse looking). There is also a much broader selection of games IMOHO. If you buy an X-Box but find out the game you really REALLY want is only avaliable on PS-2, you got a problem.

So IMOHO, long live the PC!

Logan

[SINND3R]

GeForce 3's are damn nice, but only a handful of games utilize what they are capable of. Hardware is far outrunning its software counterparts. I am just as happy on my old K6-2 550mhz w/ Voodoo 3. Dont believe all the hype, and really think about the logistics of buying all this hardware. If you can get the GeForce 3 for cheap, do it no doubt.

[whr2206]

hmm I play both.....I have a better experience with my ps2, and xbox though, b/c they dont cause me any problems...not that my computer causes me many, they are jsut alot more stable, and faster for me....

I jsut find much more titles I want on consoles, than on computer, I use computer for strategy, shooters, and real time games....my consoles for sports, arcade games, racing, rpgs, and action.....

[HAL9000]

I can't justify spending $600CDN for something like an Xbox. I can buy better computer toys for that kind of money.

[nksmfamjp]

I must say that I'm pretty well tied to my PC also, but the first guy who comes out with a console that has internet browsing, internet gaming, a word processor, some upgrade deal like windows update maybe and printer capability for free (internet contract or gaming contract for $35 a month for 3 years)wins! If you don't believe me, look at average PC's. They are loosing flexibility and expandibility to get to the $400. Consoles are going the other way and prices are rising to the $400 mark.

Sorry for the bad news!

[SINND3R]

So you're waiting for the console to become the PC for the same price?

Well, as they get closer to the PC, the prices will get closer too. What you described in your "dream console" is a PC right now.

[nksmfamjp]

Originally posted by SINND3R So you're waiting for the console to become the PC for the same price? Well, as they get closer to the PC, the prices will get closer too. What you described in your "dream console" is a PC right now.

Actually my dream console is the PC in my signature line!

[Lance1971]

Can you up grade a console? In 2 years every one will be running 5Ghz with Geforce 5 graphics to play the newest games. The old X box will look like a Nintedo 64 by then.

[whr2206]

well, i dont see how the pc matches up to consoles in some types of games.... The pc may be all in one machine, but console is for gaming, and I think its well worth the cash...There just werent enough games out for pc to keep me happy gt3, gta3, ncaa football games FINALLY and other great arcade games like project gotham doa3...you just cannot get on a pc... I know xbox uses a nvida card equivilant to a geforce 3, but i havent see any better textures or graphics come out of a pc yet.....

[whr2206]

also........

I dont think 300 bucks is bad considering what you get. Intel custom p3 733 mb..... 6 gb hd.... forgot memory 64 megs of something..... geforce 3 graphics, and that card alone costs 300 bucks!!! I think its a great deal for what you get and the games...

[Colonel Sanders]

I have found GeForce 3 cards for -$200, but still expensive. However, more impornant thatn software is the programing, as mentioned before, most PC games don't need a GeForce 3 for good reasons. Imagine realeasing a game that requires a GeForce 3 the day the GeForce 3 is released, you won't get very many buyers.

Logan

[whr2206]

well the games in my opinion are better, I havent found a racing games like gt3 sega gt 2002 or project gotham street racing on the pc.....and silent hill 2 devil may cry mgs2 squaresoft's ff series (some are out for computer i believe) and you dont have problems wiht crashing or freezing....or anything like htat. yes i know some of you really smart people can tweak your system to be almost flawless, but those consoles are pretty stable...

[troysvihl]

Consoles will always be one step behind computers, because by the time they hit the market, the console's hardware is yesterday's news.

And even if that weren't true, you have to remember that console's are presently stuck with the relatively crappy resolution of a TV, while computers get to use the superior performance of a CRT. (even a flat-panel will out-do a TV) The only way that consoles can overcome this limitation is if they used a computer monitor rather than a TV. But if they do this, then why bother with the concept of a dedicated game console? Just make it a computer. The XBox is close enough to a computer as it is.

[Colonel Sanders]

While, there is always HDTV if you really want to spend money. However I'm not sure if consoles currently support HD TV. Besides, the X-box is basically made form PC parts, Pentium 733(unknow class), GeForce 3, 8GB HDD, DVD-ROM, what is in an X-Box that makes it different from a PC? The OS which is said to use a modified Win2K kernel. Hmmm....... console ($$$) + HDTV($$$$), + stereo($$$$$) = REALLY expensive! Besides, memroy cards are a pain to use. Instead you could save your files fast an easily to your HDD, then if your freind wants a copy of it all you have to do is pull out a CD-RW and have the file ready in a few minutes, wiht up to 87.5 as much space!

Logan

[troysvihl]

Yeah, but even HDTV's don't match the capabilities of a CRT. And even if they did, once consoles eventually begin to support HDTV's, some other screen will have come out for the computer. So consoles will always be second fiddle in terms of capabilities.

[whr2206]

I dont want to be limited to a monitor..even a 24"..... I know they maybe sharper, but hdtv, good stereo....and a system I think would provide you with a much better experience...and you dont have to have cable internet to have fun with other people, and who cares that much about the hardware, damn the games are good!!! Its not all about the graphics....its the gameplay, shrek for instance, its got good graphics but is it fun?? no....I just think a console is more convenient for gaming, and it's FIT for games, not all other purposes...

[troysvihl]

well consoles definetly have some good games. Especially if you're into sports or racing games.

But if you don't like those, then there isn't that much out there really.

Certainly not the same selection that you get on computer. Take the PS1: Tons of sports games. It seemed like close to half the titles they released for that console were sports games. (how many damn football and baseball titles do you have to have BTW?)

And the N64? I bought one just for Mario Kart, Zelda, Bond, and Perfect Dark. That's four good games, for the entire N64 platform.

The only reason I'd buy a PS2 is if the PC-port of GTA3 doesn't play as well as the console version. (Hey, it happens. Remeber Final Fantasy VII? Great PS1 game, but when ported onto the PC it was one of the worst games ever)

Of course, this is all EXTREMELY subjective, so reasonable people can disagree.

[Colonel Sanders]

A console is simply over priced, and so the PC will always be ahead. Besides, you can hook your PC up to an HDTV with a TV-out card. You an even hook your PC to you home stereo, so if you want to spend the extra money, you can make them pretty close to equal.

Logan

[Nelreem]

http://www4.tomshardware.com/consume...204/index.html

this is a link comparing old consoles and pcs(or thats what the title said). what good timing

[guy74585]

I'm getting an lcd monitor that has s-video and all other inputs you need to stick a console in there. I just can't afford to get an expensive HD. And i can't afford the space a regular tv takes up for my college dorm. Because i want to play consoles and pc games.

[Reedimus]

I think we're going to have the PC and the Console both around for a long time. the great thing about the console is that you don't need to know much about anything to use it. insert game, press power, start playing.

[guy74585]

yes simplicity is great for so many users. But another pro about consoles is that they are gamming machines only and therefore game designers can utilize the full capability of the hardware, as for pc's the game disigners have to make the games so the people with the lower end pc's can play the games.

[mc2phat]

originally posted by troysvihl

And the N64? I bought one just for Mario Kart, Zelda, Bond, and Perfect Dark. That's four good games, for the entire N64 platform.

I bought it for Bond and Rogue Squadron; Perfect Dark and Pod Racer were bonuses that I discovered while perusing an 4-month-old N64 magazine at the doctor's waiting area. I still play all of them. Nothing else out there (for adults) that I've seen.

[guy74585]

That's the one thing that I think will be a step forward for nindendo. I think there will be more games for the older crowd. Eternal darkness and metroid prim are examples of this transformation. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these consoles.

[whr2206]

ok, first of all, someone asked how many sports games do I own?? For consoles 2 s, for pc 2. And about the hdtv, and tv out, of course you COULD do that with your pc, but why go to the trouble, when you can buy a console, hook it up, and play nice games fast and conveniently. Also, I try not to limit myself too much when it comes to games. I dont have much money and with this dam* computer building, I spend too much money on it than I should(joined the working class of people at worlds 2nd largest retailer, still cant get out of debt im 15, I owe my dad 2,700!). OK, I got a snes, n64, ps2, xbox, and ps I use fro gaming.....I have more pc games, than all of my consoles combined for the time being**** And I still enjoy all of my console......I dont see why people shoudl limit their gaming experience..if you like games....well right now in our age....is a great time to be a gamer, so why not buy a console, it may not be the giant you have in your pc case(i can imagine 2.0ghz o/c'ed to 2.3...geforce 3 blah blah blah)...but consoles make some pretty nice games for everyone....and about the game cube. Im suprised at the way its taking shape, and how it might be for teenagers and adults.....too many kiddy games for 64, although there are some good ones that are for teenagers..I still say consoles is something every gamer should have...I dont think people should limit themselves...

[pcoopers]

Personally, I spend all my time on the PC. I have a couple emulators, play old atari and nintendo games from time to time.

My 3 sons, 9 12 and 13, only seem to use their N64 when they can't get on one of the computers. I don't see much of their Gameboy, don't know what they did with it, maybe it's passe'.

I do notice the boxes are getting the ability to link, like a network. Possibly, the 2 platforms will eventually merge. I am basically against proprietary boxes, which dictate "You must play OUR games on OUR box!"

I do agree, for the most part, playability on a box is superior to the PC, but playing isn't all I do, and it's hard to justify spending the money for a new box.