The global gaming industry has evolved into a tech superpower, boasting a market value projected to surpass $282 billion by the end of 2024.
Whereas a couple of decades ago, the choice between playing games on a PC or console was very clear, today, the lines between these platforms have become increasingly blurred. Except for some platform-specific games, most of the released titles can be played across PC, console, and mobile, making the choice between them almost overwhelming.
If you’re stuck in the gaming platform quagmire and looking for guidance, this article will be right up your street. Read on to learn more about PCs, game consoles, and smartphones.
The Best Gaming Platform
First up, it’s important to state that there’s no definitive answer to the best gaming platform. Each has unique advantages, meaning the best choice for you as a player will vary depending on what you value most — performance, convenience or portability, etc.
For the most part, gamers are loyal and will stick to their platform of choice for most of their gameplay. Also, there’s the fact that some gaming experiences are better suited to one platform than others. Today’s gaming industry is so diverse that players can access everything from massively multiplayer online role-playing games like World Of Warcraft to digital, real-money casino games. Top-ranking slots games like the globally-popular title Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, for example, are best enjoyed on the PC platform. However, for lightweight, hypercasual games that you can “pick up and put down” instantly, nothing can top the versatility and portability of a smartphone.
PC Gaming
PC gaming is synonymous with high performance and versatility. Much more than just a standard personal computer, gaming PCs can be customized to meet specific requirements, from budget builds to high-end machines that can run the latest AAA titles at premium settings. Plus, the ability to upgrade components means that a well-maintained PC can stay relevant for years.
PCs are also currently leading in terms of game variety and accessibility. The browser-based gaming segment is best experienced on a desktop machine, while indie developers often release their games on the platform first due to the lower barriers to entry. Laptop gamers have their pick of the top titles on marketplaces like Steam, while even the likes of Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus are compatible. They support a wide range of peripherals, from VR headsets to racing wheels, and provide access to mods, extending the life and enjoyment of many games.
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Console Gaming
Home consoles, like the current-gen all-stars PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, are specifically designed for gaming and offer a user-friendly plug-and-play experience. Focusing on delivering a cohesive experience and making gaming accessible for all, consoles require none of the tinkering or upgrades that a PC might over their lifespan.
Exclusive titles are also a significant draw for consoles. Current games like Forza Horizon 5 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are only accessible on the platform, with a rollout to the PC due in the coming months. Of course, what hits the console first does eventually come to the desktop device, but this waiting time can be a crucial decision factor.
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One of the most significant drawbacks of consoles is that they can become obsolete, rendering older models less relevant. Despite this, consoles remain a popular choice for those seeking a straightforward, immersive gaming experience.
Smartphone Gaming
Smartphones have become a significant segment of the gaming market, thanks to their ubiquitous nature and the fact that they’ve been instrumental in democratizing gaming, making it accessible to virtually anyone with a mobile device. Smartphones are highly convenient, portable and feature significantly lower costs (including data connections) than their console and desktop counterparts. Moreover, the choice of gaming apps available cater to both casual and hardcore gamers, with genres spanning puzzles, strategy, RPGs, and more.
One major advantage of mobile games above other types is that, more often than not, they’re significantly cheaper. Most apps, such as Genshin Impact, are either free to play or follow the freemium model, relying on microtransactions to play past a certain level or removing in-app advertising. Although this monetization strategy can detract from the gaming experience during long-haul sessions, most mobile gamers tend not to play for multiple hours straight.
