Why You Should Switch from Console to PC

At Archon, we have the classic console vs PC debate on nearly a daily basis. While there are some pros to console gaming, our customers who have made the switch seem to never go back! Let's explore why, but first let's start with the pros to console gaming.

Pros to console gaming:

1. It's plug and play. Less setup.
2. Original games only available on console.
3. Lower initial cost.
4. Couch gaming with multiplayer games.
   

While these four points have truths to them, let's debunk some of these!

First, is the set up. It is is true for the most part that a console is easier to setup. However, you still need a Microsoft/PlayStation account to play and you will need to connect to the internet. The exact same Microsoft account will be used for a gaming PC. These PCs are pretty much ready to plug and play as well and it is very comparable if you can sacrifice the desk space. Archon PCs even come with Wi-Fi if you prefer to use that to save some hassle.

While there is less setup, there is more than zero amount of setup to hook up a console from scratch. Not to mention, with Archon's help, setting up a PC is easier than ever! Archon takes care of the heavy lifting, especially with the PC bundle packages. Your steps for setting up your gaming PC involve not much more than simply plugging everything in and signing into a Microsoft account and connecting to the internet.

Second, original games used to be  a huge factor for console gamers, but those days are mostly in the past. After the release of Halo on the PC, and even Helldivers II, this is not the case anymore. Nearly every major game will not only also be on PC, but it will be cross-play compatible. I would make an exception for Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for Nintendo original games, there is no substitute. This is also the case for multiplayer couch games. Nintendo is the strongest advocate for this type of gameplay. If you are a fan of these, I would recommend the Nintendo Switch, however that would likely be in addition to getting a gaming PC or a console. A Nintendo Switch is unlikely to solve many of your gaming needs and is likely not best used as a person's primary gaming machine for an avid gamer. This is especially true for online play. The fact is, that with Epic, Steam, and other platforms, gaming on a PC gives you the most original options by far. The console industry knows this and is frequently releasing their games through Steam as well because they are afraid of missing a large chuck of their revenue if they stay exclusive.  

Third, the lower initial cost. It is true that an Xbox can be more affordable, but this may not even be the case for a PS5 anymore. If you get a discless Xbox Series S, that is the cheapest gaming you can get at the moment. I recommend that if you are on a tight budget. However, if you want to put some time, thought, and money into your permanent gaming set-up, it is likely worth it. For most gamers, their gaming space is their comfort zone. It is a place, they may use every single day, even if its just for 30 minutes a day. Although some days it can be 8 hours. It can be a safe place to unwind, chat with friends and escape reality. 

Archon has several used PCs available at Nexus that range in the $600 - $800 range. This is not much more than a PS5. When you actually calculate the difference in quality vs the difference in price for a gaming PC vs a PS5, it is staggering how poor of a deal purchasing a PS5 actually starts to look. A PS5 essentially is the equivalent to a very poor gaming computer. The price of a gaming PC has dropped significantly in the last couple of years. You no longer need to spend $2,000 to have a gaming setup. The equivalent of a PS5 may be all you need to get started.

Overall, sticking to console may be worth it to some, but if a little more effort can be put in, a gaming PC can be a significant increase in your quality of gaming without much additional price. If you let Archon bundle and recommend you how to get started, you can optimize the experience. After all, Archon's specialty is affordable and efficient esports quality PCs and gear and it has been proving it for years at esports centers like Nexus.

Now here is why you NEED a gaming PC:

1. Better Performance & Graphics.
   Gaming PCs offer frame rates usually at 120 FPS and Archon only sells monitors with over 144 Hz, which is a minimum requirement for esports. You can get 4K resolutions and you can always tweak your graphic settings for a smoother and more visually stunning experience. Majority of consoles are capping out at 60 FPS no matter how excellent your monitor may be.
   
   
2. Upgradability & Customization
   Unlike consoles, you can upgrade individual components (GPU, CPU, RAM) instead of buying a new system. Customization options allow you to tailor your PC to your needs, whether it’s RGB lighting, multiple monitors, and more. This allows you to start small and upgrade as you go and avoid a large upfront cost.
   
   
3. Larger Game Library
   You gain access to tons of PC-exclusive games that would otherwise not be accessible. PC platforms like Steam are a game changer as mentioned above! You have options to download 1,000s more games, many of them absolutely free. Additionally, you gain the ability to play older games thanks to emulators.
   
   
4. You can still play with controller
   Controllers work excellent with a PC. You connect them with a USB-C wire or Bluetooth. An added bonus that you can switch between PS5, Xbox, or even other controllers! You can get a PC controller for $15 or less depending on the quality. However if you are going to use a controller, I'd recommend a higher quality one that is name branded from the Xbox/Sony itself or a brand like Scuff Gaming.
   
   Many games play better on a controller, such as Rocket League. The standard for Rocket League pros is to use the setup of an esports ready PC with a controller plugged into it. Games require controller use for PC nowadays. It is seamless to use as well, you do not need to turn on any settings. The game detects your controller and allows you to switch back and forth between mouse and keyboard and controller without any hassle.
   
   
5. Access to streaming, editing, music & more
   Even though you may not use it on your console, PC offers a much more vast pool of options to learn more. If you ever decide to learn how to stream, you will always have that option to indulge. While consoles have ported over streaming variants, they are not as robust as PC options. The point is not to limit yourself. What you want right now, may not be what you want in the future. The option to learn to edit video or music if you are ever interested is a great alternative to have in your back pocket. This concept goes far beyond streaming and editing. Having your own dedicated PC gives you the freedom to learn and explore all kinds of avenues.
   
   
6. Free online experience
   You do not have to pay for PlayStation Plus or Xbox live. When you factor the monthly payments after a full year, it makes buying a gaming PC look much more financially viable. 
   
   
7. More control
   Consoles are always running out of memory. You get better control of storage on your computer. PC storage is generally much larger as well. Additionally, there are so many cool accessories for a gaming PC! The options with a PC are limitless.
   
   You also gain the potential to experiment with mods for games. These can get crazy, see for yourself:
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Better aim
   Statistically speaking, playing a FPS (first person shooter) game with mouse and keyboard gives you a higher accuracy than controller. Controller tries to counter this by adding "aim-assist." Some games have better aim-assist than others, but overall the argument is heavily in the mouse and keyboard players favor. It may take a moment to learn how to make the switch, but if you plan on gaming long term, it is likely worth it. Players get used to the switch faster than they think and it becomes second nature without even looking at the keyboard.
   
   
9. You can play any Xbox game
   The biggest income Microsoft's Xbox has right now is their Game Pass/Xbox Live options because they bring monthly subscriptions in. They like to move over to this model instead of having people purchase games now because of freemium models like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals have shaken the market. Xbox Game Pass is now available on PC as well, and you can literally use the Xbox app on your PC and use your PC just as you would an Xbox. Additionally, even PlayStation exclusives like Helldivers II have been available on Steam. A gaming PC is simply a console with more options.
   
   
10.  Comfort & privacy
    At the end of the day, there is nothing better than setting up your comfort zone. Plopping down at your desk with your gaming PC and gaming chair. You even may have a specific mouse and keyboard you like or customized. Then finally, you can put on your headset on and just block out the world.
    
    The freedom to add a second monitor, open up YouTube and get lost in it. Starting notepads or spreadsheets on the fly if you feel like getting some work done. You even gain better control over apps like Discord and become so much faster at tasks that took so long, like typing a simple password. PC gaming is the ultimate comfort for a gamers life!
    
    

It's easier and cheaper than ever to get started! Message us at Archon for a free consultation. In the future, it will only continue to get cheaper and cheaper to build your own PC or get a pre-built esports ready PC. So, you might as well take the leap!

- Zach Krizan