How the PC is making consoles look out of date

[TheCount]

No, even with those factored in, the average age is much higher. Lots of old farts playing PC games. I know this from personal experiance....

Haha, yeah the 65 year old grandfathers playing hours and hours of flight simulators really swing that needle.

 

[tupperware]

Nothing new to the discussion I see.

I want some examples of what the xbox 360 does that a PC can't or at the very least, does the same thing better.

I want multiple examples, because I can list off multiple examples of what PC gaming has that a console doesn't. I've mentioned a few already.

 

[Hoofbite]

So what you are saying is that it is in fact NOT the end of the discussion? :laugh2:

PC's are perfectly fine as far as their Gamer Friendliness. Consoles may simplify the process, but a scientific calculator can do math just like a simple one, perhaps even better if you need or want the extra functions.

Shut it.

 

[Hoofbite]

Nothing new to the discussion I see.

I want some examples of what the xbox 360 does that a PC can't or at the very least, does the same thing better.

It's not that the console does something that the PC can't. They can both play games. It's just the console experience is more enjoyable.

And I'm specifically talking about XBOX Live. I don't know because I haven't seen anything like it for PC, but is there a comparable service?

If the issue was as simple as which product has a greater versatility or more capabilities, consoles wouldn't exist. Hands down, PCs have more capabilities. There is no debate.

So what's the "X" factor that creates such a high demand for consoles?

I want multiple examples, because I can list off multiple examples of what PC gaming has that a console doesn't. I've mentioned a few already.

I'm curious as to what you're thinking.

 

[tupperware]

It's not that the console does something that the PC can't. They can both play games. It's just the console experience is more enjoyable.

And I'm specifically talking about XBOX Live. I don't know because I haven't seen anything like it for PC, but is there a comparable service?

If the issue was as simple as which product has a greater versatility or more capabilities, consoles wouldn't exist. Hands down, PCs have more capabilities. There is no debate.

So what's the "X" factor that creates such a high demand for consoles?


I'm curious as to what you're thinking.

The X factor is that it's cheaper than PC's and does enough of what your casual gamer wants to not warrant going out to purchase a PC.

Really this is all a pointless discussion. I wouldn't be able to justify all the benefits of PC gaming. If you're not a PC gamer it's because you're happy enough with your console or you don't bother to play on your PC (Maybe it's a very old PC, who knows)

Unless you've tried both extensively and are able to compare the differences you won't be able to see that one is superior.

 

[theogt]

The X factor is that it's cheaper than PC's and does enough of what your casual gamer wants to not warrant going out to purchase a PC.

You don't say? Some people might even claim that means a console has more "quality/value". At least, the people buying them would say that.

 

[tupperware]

You don't say? Some people might even claim that means a console has more "quality/value". At least, the people buying them would say that.

I don't always look at cheap as quality.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

Actual video gamers that care about playing a wide array of great games and not missing out on some of the best ones play on all platforms, PC, 360, PS3, and Wii. Period.

 

[tupperware]

Actual video gamers that care about playing a wide array of great games and not missing out on some of the best ones play on all platforms, PC, 360, PS3, and Wii. Period.

I agree. But we're comparing platforms not games

 

[theogt]

To the point about how handhelds aren't too far behind consoles and PCs in terms of graphics, check this out. It's the iPad 2 hooked up to a 50" TV via HDMI cable.

[youtube]LnNW2YFFqZw[/youtube]

If Apple decides to put in slightly beefier hardware in the Apple TV, you could have an all-in-one TV/internet/streaming movies/gaming/music powerhouse.

 

[TheCount]

To the point about how handhelds aren't too far behind consoles and PCs in terms of graphics, check this out. It's the iPad 2 hooked up to a 50" TV via HDMI cable.

[youtube]LnNW2YFFqZw[/youtube]

If Apple decides to put in slightly beefier hardware in the Apple TV, you could have an all-in-one TV/internet/streaming movies/gaming/music powerhouse.

I think gaming "Apps" are one thing, full fledged games are another thing entirely. Apple isn't even close to being able to compete on the big stage in terms of real games.

Also, all the OS games are touch based right now and that simply doesn't translate well to a TV.

 

[theogt]

I think gaming "Apps" are one thing, full fledged games are another thing entirely. Apple isn't even close to being able to compete on the big stage in terms of real games.

Also, all the OS games are touch based right now and that simply doesn't translate well to a TV.

The debate was whether the graphics could compare. Actual gameplay is the easy part in the sense that it only takes coding to fix. Theoretically you could use any type of controller with an Apple TV.

I have no idea if Apple wants to go down this route. But the conversation arose when Apple bought some gaming company and people laughed at the idea that Apple (and a product like the Apple TV) could compete. Not right this second, obviously, but we're just a hop and a skip away, I think -- if they so choose.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

I agree. But we're comparing platforms not games

I know, but these discussions always devolve into PC fanboys versus console fanboys, and I want to make sure there is at least one rational all around game fanboy represented. =P

 

[arglebargle]

The debate was whether the graphics could compare. Actual gameplay is the easy part in the sense that it only takes coding to fix. Theoretically you could use any type of controller with an Apple TV.
....

Sadly, the gameplay part should be true, but lots of times the actual port has precious little serious work put into it. The companies get chintzy, deliver a game that's clunky, and then complain about their sales.

But theoretically, you are correct there.

I go with PC gaming myself, because I am not a 'play on the sofa with buddies' gamer. The games I like are centered more on the PC than the console. I have a real comfy computer chair. And I kinda like fiddling around with the innards of the computer. But I'd be lieing if I didn't say I am hoping they bring out Red Dead Redemption for the PC sometime this year.

 

[TheCount]

The debate was whether the graphics could compare. Actual gameplay is the easy part in the sense that it only takes coding to fix. Theoretically you could use any type of controller with an Apple TV.

I have no idea if Apple wants to go down this route. But the conversation arose when Apple bought some gaming company and people laughed at the idea that Apple (and a product like the Apple TV) could compete. Not right this second, obviously, but we're just a hop and a skip away, I think -- if they so choose.

Ah, I missed the earlier part.

My thing though is that right now they can't use any type of controller at all, other than touch. The mechanics of all the current apps are touch based, which is very different even from mouse control.

Introducing another control scheme would require developers retooling their entire library, which they might be perfectly willing to do if Apple keeps making them rich, but it's still a lot of work and Apple won't be able to use those inflated App #'s they use(d) to advertise the iPad because it could use iPhone apps.

 

[Cowboysfan22]

There are so many more MLG gamers on pc. GO PC

 

[Cythim]

I hate buying new PC games. You can never put it in the drive and start playing. First you have to install the game and wait for it to update. Once it is updated you want to play but you have to figure out why it isn't working on your system. Maybe you need to update drivers or some other program the new game needs to use. Once you finally get the game started you have to fine tune the graphics and controls to suit your system and preferred style of play. And if you ever need to reinstall you better hope you can find that dang code on the box.

The return policy on PC games sucks compared to console and you can't rent PC games from Gamefly.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Sadly, the gameplay part should be true, but lots of times the actual port has precious little serious work put into it. The companies get chintzy, deliver a game that's clunky, and then complain about their sales.

But theoretically, you are correct there.

I go with PC gaming myself, because I am not a 'play on the sofa with buddies' gamer. The games I like are centered more on the PC than the console. I have a real comfy computer chair. And I kinda like fiddling around with the innards of the computer. But I'd be lieing if I didn't say I am hoping they bring out Red Dead Redemption for the PC sometime this year.

I have my console connected to one of my monitors instead of my tv.

 

[YosemiteSam]

The debate was whether the graphics could compare. Actual gameplay is the easy part in the sense that it only takes coding to fix.

This isn't true and there are hundreds of games that prove the "gameplay" isn't the easy part. You are speaking for things you do not know or understand, but we all know thats your expected behavior.

As for the A5 proc being faster than Tegra 2 as you noted in another thread (which I'm not that big a fan anyway) is only minimally true. It preforms better in the Linpack test which is a linear algebra test. (which is why 3D preforms better) On almost all other tests, it doesn't beat the Tegra 2 chip. (which as I said early, I'm not all that impressed with anyhow)

So, the iPad can spin the most polygons or maybe crank out more folding@home results, but that is where it stops.

I'm sure either of them are fine general use or the limited gameplay on these types of devices anyhow. I'm know 90% people I know who have them use them solely as a reader anyhow. (WSJ, NYT, web, email)

 

[tupperware]

I hate buying new PC games. You can never put it in the drive and start playing. First you have to install the game and wait for it to update. Once it is updated you want to play but you have to figure out why it isn't working on your system. Maybe you need to update drivers or some other program the new game needs to use. Once you finally get the game started you have to fine tune the graphics and controls to suit your system and preferred style of play. And if you ever need to reinstall you better hope you can find that dang code on the box.

The return policy on PC games sucks compared to console and you can't rent PC games from Gamefly.

Well you give a good breakdown of why console gaming is simpler and I'd have a hard time proving it wasn't.

But I think the advantages far outweigh the fact that you have to install and update your game. In fact, updates are what makes the games so good.