PC vs Console vs Mobile Games: Pros and Cons

In recent years, gamers are benefiting from the various platforms available today to play. In the entertainment industry, the video game has the fastest-growing market. Video games currently generate 2x more revenue when compared to movies and music combined. Video games are segmented into three main categories; PC, Console, and Mobile.

These three platforms give gamers access to multiple libraries of games. That ranges from the most popular video games to the traditional game style. However, each platform has its pros and cons, and you can only find the best by comparing and differentiating their benefits.

This article focuses on the pros and cons of each platform. Therefore, it will help you compare and analyze which platform suits you best.

PC gaming

PC gaming has gained popularity because of its serious high-level customization. It can fit various needs and budgets. It is also upgradable; thus, you can easily keep up with the latest technology and build over time.

Many gamers will testify that using a PC is the only way to go. Its powerful graphic cards and high speed processors make for a very immersive and exciting experience.

In the early 2000s, there was an increase in personal computer distribution, which led to the rise of video games. Since then, PC games have increased, including esports, which was dominated traditionally by PC games like Dota, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike. Apart from that, PC can also work with other applications to complete different tasks and not just gaming.

Pros

The games are slightly cheaper.

Doesn’t need an additional development kit

The games are easy to develop.

Has all kind of genres

Has the highest available performance

Cons

Lack of quality control because of the highly saturated market

Of the three platforms, PC has the smallest growth rate though its market doesn’t show a decline.

PCs are costly to purchase

AAA titles dominate it

Console gaming

Consoles have become the newest center of home entertainment. Since the development of the first console, Magnavox Odyssey, in 1972, console gaming has increased in popularity, thus releasing thousands of games each year. One of its largest libraries, with over 3800 titles, belongs to the Sony PS2.

In the recent announcement of Playstation 5 and Xbox One X, gaming PCs and Consoles seem to be merging. Meaning, it seems console gaming will soon be powerful enough to take over.

Pros

It is now the fastest-growing market.

Easy to use with a user-friendly interface

Specifically designed for home gaming with modern consoles functioning as full entertainment systems.

It is cheaper to purchase compared to PCs.

Requires minimum technical know-how

Has very high promising quality control

Cons

Developers need access to the development kit, which also needs the developer’s approval of the respective console.

Advertising console games tend to be more difficult compared to the other platforms.

AAA titles dominate it

Due to its high-quality standard, fewer titles get released on a console if compared to other platforms.

Console game development is more expensive and needs a longer development time.

The console manufacturers secure multiple titles that will be available to play only on their console.

Mobile gaming

In 2007, an announcement was made by Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, that a revolution was happening that would change the world, including the gaming industry. He was right; mobile-phone game sectors now dominate the gaming industry. As of 2020, the number of smartphone users surpassed the 3.5 billion mark.

Thanks to the power and technology used in smartphones, mobile gaming has become more immersive and capable than before. Though most of its games are much less graphically intense and smaller than those of Consoles and PCs, it is still fun to play.

With increased access to the internet and global technology, the future of mobile gaming is bright.

Pros

A portable option compared to any other platform.

Games are cheaper and also easy to develop.

It is easy to advertise the games through digital channels.

Has the largest market share

Doesn’t need an additional development kit

Cons

It tends to lack quality control.

Not all genres fit mobile devices because of the small screen.

Obviously all three platforms have their merits and downsides. They all are a lot of fun. Happy gaming!