I went the other way, IMO cheaper than a good gaming computer.... picked up a new xbox x console for the big screen.... it allows me to play the blueray/dvds too.

good gaming computer...min $1000, xbox x about $500

 

good gaming computer...min $1000

I think it's more like $1000 minimum just for the video card. And plan to shell out for a new card every couple years, if not a whole new computer too. Of course that's just my opinion based on if I'm going PC gaming, then I'm doing it for the greatest graphics over console. Keeping up on high end graphics needs regular hardware updates.

I used to PC game and still miss the graphics. But I like my couch and big TV now for my casual gaming needs.

 

No contest for me. Play a game on your couch displayed on a big HD TV with an amazing ergonomic controller, or stare at a little screen and click a mouse.

Yes you can trick out your PC for gaming, but for the $$ it makes no sense to me. I'm a pretty low level gamer though, like the lowest level.

Get the laptop and stick w/ the console. Happy wife happy life.

 

You know you can use all manner of controllers on PC as well. Add in a nice curved monitor or multiple displays and it's gonna blow away a flat screen and a couch.

 

Although I have put a good bit of time into 3 games on Switch (Mario Kart online, and both Zeldas), most of my gaming is done on GameCube, GBA, and SNES. Sometimes I'll commit to a game on 3DS. Occasionally I fire up the N64 or the Saturn.

I believe strongly that Nintendo makes (even now) the best. But this was especially true in the past. Best games, best hardware. I'm not really interested in FPS as a genre.

So I guess my recommendation is, go retro.

 

If you already have an xbox series x, seems like you should just add the gaming pc. BTW, you can get a very nice gaming laptop for what you’d pay for gaming desktop if you wanted to go that route. I have both (Xbox and pc), and use both, as well as a PS5.

I actually play way more PC games on my Steam Deck than my desk top. Just easier to pick it up and start playing. Granted, can’t play every PC game on it…but there are many, many AAA titles that you can, not to mention multiple hundreds of independent titles that are quite engaging. Been dying my way through Dark Souls Remastered on my Steam Deck lately 😂.

 

A new gaming rig will be very expensive. A new PC in order to compete with anyone if you are doing any multiplayer games and actually want to win will mean at the minimum a new graphics card every year. Those can run 700 bucks or more every other year we'll say. And if you are unlucky and your mother board won't support the new architecture of the gpu that is another rebuild. So on average in order to have the biggest bestest fastest count on 5k in five years.

Or you can compete on the same hardware for a new console every generation. Or about 600 minus games and subscriptions every five years. So that kinda boils down to one question.

How much time do you have and how much money do you make versus how much do you want to spend in time and money?

The next generation of consoles should be out in about three years or so if the latest information is correct. Those next generation consoles will be every bit as good as the vast majority of the best gaming rigs for about four years. Then the cycle starts over. Bonus is consoles are actually made to run the games that are released.

 

A new gaming rig will be very expensive. A new PC in order to compete with anyone if you are doing any multiplayer games and actually want to win will mean at the minimum a new graphics card every year. Those can run 700 bucks or more every other year we'll say. And if you are unlucky and your mother board won't support the new architecture of the gpu that is another rebuild. So on average in order to have the biggest bestest fastest count on 5k in five years.

Or you can compete on the same hardware for a new console every generation. Or about 600 minus games and subscriptions every five years. So that kinda boils down to one question.

How much time do you have and how much money do you make versus how much do you want to spend in time and money?

The next generation of consoles should be out in about three years or so if the latest information is correct. Those next generation consoles will be every bit as good as the vast majority of the best gaming rigs for about four years. Then the cycle starts over. Bonus is consoles are actually made to run the games that are released.

On the contrary, games are made to run on the consoles. They’re typically optimized for it. The ps5 pro (half gen) is rumored to be out during the holiday season. Xbox may release one more console before giving up entirely to focus on cloud gaming and bridging the gap of PC and console. They’ve had there a$$ handed to them by Sony in console sales for too long.

 

I've been playing flight sims and a few other games on PCs since the early 80s. Played on Apple computers too. Since I mostly wanted to play flight sims and not simple fantasy or maze games, I was never tempted by consoles.

My son got me a x-box (?) controller for my PC, and I hated it. For DCS, MSFS, Elite Dangerous, X4, and other similar titles I prefer playing on a HOTAS.

 

Currently running a 5900x/3090/32GB RAM/32" 1440p monitor system. Also have an XBOX Series S in my living room. I play shooters with an XBOX Elite Controller.

I run Fortnite on both. I do go back and forth but mostly play on my PC. Every other game I play is on my PC. Age of Empires, Sim City 3000, FTL, Fall Guys, MS Flight Sim and a few others that I start and never finish.

I would ask yourself will the games you play lend themselves to PC. For example I load into Fortnite itself much quicker than my friend on PS5. I can crank my settings up and see very high detail at 60 FPS or turn them down and run 120-240 FPS. Right now I have my Series S running at 120 FPS and my PC running at 120 FPS. The PC kills it in visual quality.

Another advantage I have with PC is I have more settings I can play with. The biggest one is turning off shadows, which cannot be turned off on XBOX. Enemy hiding in the shadow on XBOX, cant see them. On PC, there is no shadow so I see them just fine. I am sure there are more settings in Fortnite that lend a hand to PC players at the expense of console players. I am sure there are other games which may have similar situations where settings favor PC.

-------------------------------------------------------------

As for people talking about games running on PC vs Console. I have not had any major issue with either. I had issue with AMD GPU drivers, once I switched to NVidia that problem went away.

Also the library of games on PC is huge compared to Console. I can play a game from the 70s up to any current release.

I can also emulate a lot of Console systems if those games aren't natively on PC.

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What I would do if I was you is set up your desk area. Even if you stay with Console and get a laptop your wife will appreciate having an area to use the laptop. Then I would buy a nice monitor. Decide what size you would play on if you have a gaming PC and buy that monitor. 27" and up.

Set everything up and then move your XBOX over and play on the PC monitor for a few weeks. If you like the feel of playing at a desk versus the couch then I would move forward and start looking for a PC or components to build the PC you want.

If you choose to stay with the XBOX and playing on the couch then you can return the monitor if you want or plug the laptop into it and a wireless keyboard and mouse so your wife can use it when at home and disconnect when wanting to be mobile.

Personally I find I play more competitively at my desk than I do on my couch. I think it's mental that I've tricked myself into being more aggressive at the desk.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dell recently had a 13700/4090/16GB RAM XPC PC for $2000. Yes, the system is slightly lopsided towards the GPU and lacking elsewhere. But that is just to show you that you can get a prebuilt PC with quality components for about the price of the video card itself.

The price is now $2500 4090 system

They also have a similar system with a 4060Ti for $1100 4060Ti system

Not perfectly balanced system but a decent value in both systems. Especially if the 4090 comes back down to $2000.

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No you don't need a $1,000 video card to be competitive. My gaming buddy was playing with a $400 3060Ti and wiping lobbies with ease. Basically that $1100 Dell system above but a generation older.

My 3090 will be relevant in mainstream gaming for a few more years. Right now my once top tier card is about the same as a mid tier current gen card. In the next generation it'll play like a lower end card, which is still a playable card. The following generation will show my card's age and it'll play like some budget cards.

The best example is the 1080Ti. A card from 2017 that still beats NVidia's 4060 That is 7+ years of playability and relevance.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Gaming Laptop vs PC.

First, laptops are much more susceptible to breaking. Whether it be from dropping, spill, crushing, it will experience a much tougher life than a PC under your desk.

Second, if something breaks on your laptop you could be out of luck fixing it cost effectively.

Third, upgrade path. You cannot upgrade core components the same as a PC (yes, storage and sometimes RAM are upgradeable.) My system has evolved over time. Which if you plan ahead when building a system you can have a less expensive upgrade path. I am still using my case that is over 10 years old. I am still using my motherboard from 2017. I am on my 3rd CPU upgrade and 4th video card upgrade. (I was mining Ethereum in 2020/2021 and had a lot of different cards to play with.)


Good luck deciding.

 

Currently running a 5900x/3090/32GB RAM/32" 1440p monitor system. Also have an XBOX Series S in my living room. I play shooters with an XBOX Elite Controller.

I run Fortnite on both. I do go back and forth but mostly play on my PC. Every other game I play is on my PC. Age of Empires, Sim City 3000, FTL, Fall Guys, MS Flight Sim and a few others that I start and never finish.

I would ask yourself will the games you play lend themselves to PC. For example I load into Fortnite itself much quicker than my friend on PS5. I can crank my settings up and see very high detail at 60 FPS or turn them down and run 120-240 FPS. Right now I have my Series S running at 120 FPS and my PC running at 120 FPS. The PC kills it in visual quality.

Another advantage I have with PC is I have more settings I can play with. The biggest one is turning off shadows, which cannot be turned off on XBOX. Enemy hiding in the shadow on XBOX, cant see them. On PC, there is no shadow so I see them just fine. I am sure there are more settings in Fortnite that lend a hand to PC players at the expense of console players. I am sure there are other games which may have similar situations where settings favor PC.

-------------------------------------------------------------

As for people talking about games running on PC vs Console. I have not had any major issue with either. I had issue with AMD GPU drivers, once I switched to NVidia that problem went away.

Also the library of games on PC is huge compared to Console. I can play a game from the 70s up to any current release.

I can also emulate a lot of Console systems if those games aren't natively on PC.

-------------------------------------------------------------

What I would do if I was you is set up your desk area. Even if you stay with Console and get a laptop your wife will appreciate having an area to use the laptop. Then I would buy a nice monitor. Decide what size you would play on if you have a gaming PC and buy that monitor. 27" and up.

Set everything up and then move your XBOX over and play on the PC monitor for a few weeks. If you like the feel of playing at a desk versus the couch then I would move forward and start looking for a PC or components to build the PC you want.

If you choose to stay with the XBOX and playing on the couch then you can return the monitor if you want or plug the laptop into it and a wireless keyboard and mouse so your wife can use it when at home and disconnect when wanting to be mobile.

Personally I find I play more competitively at my desk than I do on my couch. I think it's mental that I've tricked myself into being more aggressive at the desk.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dell recently had a 13700/4090/16GB RAM XPC PC for $2000. Yes, the system is slightly lopsided towards the GPU and lacking elsewhere. But that is just to show you that you can get a prebuilt PC with quality components for about the price of the video card itself.

The price is now $2500 4090 system

They also have a similar system with a 4060Ti for $1100 4060Ti system

Not perfectly balanced system but a decent value in both systems. Especially if the 4090 comes back down to $2000.

-------------------------------------------------------------

No you don't need a $1,000 video card to be competitive. My gaming buddy was playing with a $400 3060Ti and wiping lobbies with ease. Basically that $1100 Dell system above but a generation older.

My 3090 will be relevant in mainstream gaming for a few more years. Right now my once top tier card is about the same as a mid tier current gen card. In the next generation it'll play like a lower end card, which is still a playable card. The following generation will show my card's age and it'll play like some budget cards.

The best example is the 1080Ti. A card from 2017 that still beats NVidia's 4060 That is 7+ years of playability and relevance.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Gaming Laptop vs PC.

First, laptops are much more susceptible to breaking. Whether it be from dropping, spill, crushing, it will experience a much tougher life than a PC under your desk.

Second, if something breaks on your laptop you could be out of luck fixing it cost effectively.

Third, upgrade path. You cannot upgrade core components the same as a PC (yes, storage and sometimes RAM are upgradeable.) My system has evolved over time. Which if you plan ahead when building a system you can have a less expensive upgrade path. I am still using my case that is over 10 years old. I am still using my motherboard from 2017. I am on my 3rd CPU upgrade and 4th video card upgrade. (I was mining Ethereum in 2020/2021 and had a lot of different cards to play with.)


Good luck deciding.

I think what has me interested the most in PC is the options. You can play how you want whether that be low quality high fps, high quality and potentially decent fps (depending on gpu power), controller, keyboard and mouse etc. I do enjoy just being able to sit in the couch and just press the power button on the controller and pretty much be on the main screen of a game. I would have my pc, if I had one, in the office room we have. I know it could be kept in the living room and attached to the TV but I don’t want it to be. Also, the PC is new, which makes it compelling. It’s something I don’t have and it opens a door to new challenges for me with keyboard and mouse and such. Curious, why do you play shooters with a controller? It would seem keyboard and mouse would be better for that and one of the reasons I’m considering PC. Just seems more natural and quick

 

I've been building my own desktops over the last 15 + years. All have cost me roughly 45% less than comparable complete systems and nowadays the components are basically plug and play. My (budget) gamer PC cost me roughly $700 four years ago but graphics cards have jumped in price in some instances literally doubling or tripling that price.
My budget gamer plays even the most graphics intensive games out there running an AMD Ryzen 7 2700 8 core CPU on an ASUS Prime X470-Pro Mobo and a (refurbished) Radeon RX570 graphics card. Plus 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM memory. It's connected to a refurbished ASUS 27" monitor I bought (roughly half price) a couple of years ago.
I prefer desk tops, yeah I'm old school.

 

I work in tech. I don't want to deal with high maintenance tech at home.

Switched from PC to Xbox years ago and won't look back. I turn it on and it works every time.
No fidgeting with drivers, or thinking about minimum requirements, or compatibility issues. It's out of sight in my entertainment cabinet like it doesn't even exist until I want it.

 

This. Of course I haven’t played a computer game since 2005 or so, but consoles were always just simple. Plug it into the tv, but the game you want and it runs. PC’s maybe you have the right equipment to run the game properly, maybe you don’t. Maybe it loads properly, maybe not. A Super Nintendo cartridge works on the Super Nintendo, no questions asked. The biggest issue you may have is does my tv need component cables, or the old RF converter.

 

My video gaming peaked with this...

 

My first console game as a kid.

 

All you gotta do is lurk reddit and see that people have WAY more issues getting stuff to work on PCs than on consoles.

 

I used to only play shooters with a keyboard and mouse. I was an average player.

I met my wife (moved in with her 19 years ago) who actually enjoyed watching me play video games. Rare I know. I would play while she read or did some craft. So, we picked up a PS2, then an XBox and then a Wii. The PC got backburnered and I only used it for PC only games when she wasn't around. So, I became accustomed to controller. I am also an average (maybe slightly above average controller player) so I stick with it rather try to become proficient with keyboard and mouse again.

If you have the funds then pick up or build a PC. Don't worry about naysayers. I rarely have issues on current games.

 

Lets put it this way..ive been gamins since PONG came out... PONG, Atari, Commodore 64 and at that point I switched to PC gaming around 1990.. there was a void in there in my military time I didnt own anything.. other guys had the early consoles like original Play Stations and stuff so i have VERY limited time on those... but I had enough time on them to realize I REALLY REALLY hated console controllers and games that made you more or less memorize certain combinations to do moves (mortal combat as i recall) thats when I give up on those and dove full in on Computer gaming as my sole gaming mode.. Ive never owned a console system outside Atari and Commodore 64(some consider that PC some a console..either way went straight from Commodore 64 to owning a PC never had a console since...im in my mid 50's now dont think I will ever have one again.

So 100% PC gaming no console since ATARI

 

I was a console gamer growing up. I have very fond memories of playing Grand Theft Auto 5, Assassins Creed 4, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on the Xbox 360 with my high school friends. Went I left for college, I built a gaming PC. I budgeted for $1200, ended up costing $1600. It was a fun experience and I loved PC gaming then. But you all know how it goes, time changes, people grow older, interests change. I don't game as much I use to. I went a few years not gaming much at all.

I did get back into a few years ago. By then the self-built PC was gone. I didn't want to build another, preferring portability, so I bought an ASUS M16 (nice!) gaming laptop. It plays everything I want and has been all-around a great gaming laptop. I don't gave as much as I did a few years ago, but this laptop can still put in the work whenever the urge comes again.

If I was deciding now: I would go with a Valve Steam Deck - a portable gaming table thing, similar to the Nintendo Switch but better in every way. It'll play all the games I'm interested in nowadays. Could even watch videos and whatnot on it. It's basically a handheld gaming PC. I think that's the direction gaming with go - back to high-powered handhelds.

I'll always prefer PC to console because all my games never expire with a new edition of consoles - no need for backwards compatibility, or to worry about console exclusivity, etc. Also, I can buy games on the cheap on PC, and most of time, they're open for modding. I can also play legacy games - one of my favorites is Silent Hunter 4: Wolves of the Pacific. I owe that game for my interests in WWII naval history, and for my hatred of the Mark 14 Torpedo.

Still, I can appreciate the simplicity of consoles - I hated messing around with the computer trying to get games to work. That was especially true when I was using Linux for operating systems - god, what a headache!!!

 

PS/Xbox will work better.

 

Why?

 

I prefer the console. It's more comfortable, and I don't have to think about whether the game will work on my pc or not. They all work well on consoles.

 

I am a grown-ass man with a fully functioning set of testicles. I do not "game". I am not a gamer. Low T types can do what they want but I personally think it is off-putting that grown men want to play pretend. YMMV

 

For some of us, it brings back good memories. My Super Nintendo lived at my grandparents house, so for me it takes me back to a time when they were both still alive. My grandpa would watch me play Mario and say “that’s one jumping fool”.

 

And then some go out and knock their balls around on a course....
I find playing a game on the console relaxing now and then....

 

........ first off. what is your gaming style?... I pondered the same question and came up with the best solution for me....I have no style .I play war games , racing games and Zelda... so i have a mid grade gaming computer , and Nintendo switch , ps5 and Xbox-x .... no regerts. cheaper than a gaming computer and monitor. I can use the 85" tv to play and a comfy couch.

 

I've been a PC player forever.

Many people are talking about "constant" "upgrading". Huh? Buy a decent gaming PC, you will be set for at least 5 years if not longer. I've "built" a couple, but my last one was a pre-built gaming PC from Newegg that was on sale for a great price that is still going strong over 5 years later. When you go to buy a PC, find out what the latest games need for a graphics card and get one more powerful. You should be set for years.

I've never been able to figure out the console controllers. I guess a combination of poor finger dexterity and just not playing them for hours on end to get used to them.

The amount of games available for PC is amazing these days. I have a Steam account and EA account along with a few others. Both have an amazing amount of free or under $10 games. Top of the line games are certainly available. If you only go with one online gaming account, go with Steam.

PC gaming was / is great for massive multi-player online games. Play Battlefield games with 64 or more players. World of Tanks and War Thunder are great multi-player games, and they are free. My understanding is that Xbox and PS do big online games now (I guess for awhile now) so that is no longer only available to PC players. Some games allow for mixing of console gamers and PC gamers in one game, I don't think I've done that. Biggest issue is using a mouse... much more accurate than a console controller, with players being of roughly equal ability. Some games have settings with "auto aim" for console controllers. Lots of arguments about the pros and cons.

And, of course, your PC is great for non-gaming stuff, like reading GlockTalk. Or work (which I use mine for). May as well get one strong enough for gaming!

My son has always been a big PC gamer. He turned that into a career in computer networking. He is doing very well.

I meet up with a bunch of PC gamers I've met through online gaming every year for a long weekend of gaming, bbq, yard games, camping, etc. The players are from all types of backgrounds - computer geeks, construction company owners, insurance salesman, truckers from Canada, water quality specialist from Las Vegas, etc.

Instead of spending hours yelling at my TV watching professional sports, I spend hours playing games and meeting up with people from all over.

Whatever floats your boat!

 

I'd never go back to a console, but a high end gaming pc is expensive. My current system used for iRacing, was nearly 4K, half that cost was videocard(GeForce RTX4090). But I built this PC for racing in VR, VR is demanding on both CPU and Videocard. On the plus side, there isnt a simulator my pc won't run. And I have a ball racin...

 

 

I switched from console to PC a few years ago, and the customization options are fantastic. Plus, you can use the PC for work and gaming. Consoles are easy and cozy, but if you crave performance and versatility, a gaming PC is the way to go! Now I can enjoy gaming on PlayHop on my computer.

 

I switched from console to PC a few years ago, and the customization options are fantastic. Plus, you can use the PC for work and gaming. Consoles are easy and cozy, but if you crave performance and versatility, a gaming PC is the way to go!

It can also get expensive, always something new to buy, like these

 

I never got into racing games, but pretty much everyone I know who does those just dives right in with the addiction to them. Multiple screens, fancy foot and steering controls, racing seats...

I should try out one of those tricked out racing simulations. Or, maybe it is better if I don't.... lol!

 

double

 

Here's a Daytona Road I ran not long ago, I think I held 2nd. Fun stuff when you find a group of guys that can drive.

Daytona Road - YouTube