Gaming Consoles vs PCs: The Hassle is Real
A PC Gamer's Perspective on Modern Consoles
Having dedicated over ten years to PC gaming, I recently acquired both a PlayStation 4 and a Nintendo Wii U, driven by a desire to experience the latest console generation.
My previous console experience was largely limited to the Nintendo 64, and the evolution since then has been substantial.
The "Plug and Play" Myth
A common point of contention in the PC versus console debate centers around the perceived simplicity of consoles. Console enthusiasts often highlight the "plug and play" experience, suggesting minimal setup and configuration are required.
However, this assertion doesn't entirely hold true in the current landscape.
Contemporary consoles frequently exhibit a level of complexity comparable to PCs, and in certain aspects, they can even surpass them.
The idea that you simply insert a disc and begin playing is increasingly inaccurate.
Console Complexity Today
Modern consoles require regular system software updates, account management, and often, substantial digital downloads.
Furthermore, optimizing console settings for the best visual and performance experience can involve navigating intricate menus and understanding various technical parameters.
These processes demand a significant time investment, mirroring the configuration often associated with PC gaming.
In some instances, troubleshooting issues on consoles can even prove more challenging than on PCs, due to limited diagnostic tools and customization options.
Therefore, the claim of a fundamentally simpler experience is becoming less valid as consoles evolve.
The Modern Console Gaming Experience: A Detailed Look
Related: Important Notice: Update Game Consoles Prior to Gifting
The simplicity of past gaming setups – simply connecting a console, inserting a cartridge, and beginning gameplay – is now a distant memory. Regardless of whether you acquire a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Wii U, the initial experience is remarkably consistent. We strongly advise pre-configuring a console as a gift due to the processes involved.
Upon initial startup, the console will not be immediately functional. A preliminary setup is required, encompassing Wi-Fi network connection via controller input of your password, and the creation of an account for either PlayStation Network, Nintendo Network ID, or Xbox Live.
Subsequently, the console will initiate a system software update download and installation. The duration of this process is contingent upon your internet connection speed. Skipping this step is often impossible, as certain games, particularly those intended for online play, may necessitate the latest system software version.
With the setup complete, inserting the game disc initiates another process. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, the game must be installed onto the console’s internal hard drive. This mirrors the installation process required for PC games. (The Nintendo Wii U is an exception, bypassing this requirement.)
Following installation, a game update download and installation will commence. These updates can be substantial in size, often several gigabytes. Frequently, games are released in an incomplete state, necessitating these updates to address bugs and ensure proper functionality. Even newly released titles often include “day one” updates.
You are now almost ready to begin playing! However, new game purchases often include "bonus content" not present on the disc itself. To access this content, locate the code included within the game box. On a PS4, navigate to the PlayStation Network store, select "Redeem a Code," and input the code using the controller. The downloadable content will then install, adding to the overall setup time. This process discourages the resale of used games.
Finally, you should be prepared to play! Launching the game and starting gameplay is now possible. If you intend to engage in multiplayer gaming, be aware that online multiplayer on both Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Xbox One requires a paid subscription, costing approximately $50 to $60 annually. PC multiplayer generally does not require such a subscription, and any fees are paid directly to the game developer, not platform holders like Microsoft or Valve. Fortunately, Nintendo currently offers free online multiplayer on its consoles – for the time being.
The Expanding Cost of Gaming: Beyond the Console Itself
Significant preparation is often needed to acquire all the necessary hardware before you can even begin gaming. It’s no longer a given that a console will include everything required for immediate use.
Upon the release of the New Nintendo 3DS, I discovered it didn’t ship with a charging adapter. Therefore, prior research and a separate purchase were essential, or gameplay would be limited to the initial battery life. Furthermore, the 3DS utilizes a non-standard charging port.
A similar situation arose with the Nintendo Wii U. Having never previously owned a Wii, I lacked any compatible legacy hardware. The Wii U package included a Gamepad, and I also acquired two Wii U Pro controllers. This seemed sufficient for two-player gaming, but it wasn’t.
Certain games demanded the use of a Wiimote, necessitating an additional purchase of one or two. Moreover, some titles required the Nunchuck attachment for the Wiimote, adding further expense. These accessories were, of course, sold separately.
This contrasts sharply with my childhood experience, where two Super Nintendo controllers were all that was needed for cooperative play. Now, my collection includes ten distinct hardware components: a Gamepad, two Wii U Pro controllers, two WiiMote Pluses, and two Nunchucks. This doesn’t even account for the GameCube adapter and two GameCube controllers I also own.
All of this is simply to guarantee two players can enjoy any game I choose on the Wii U. Fortunately, the wireless sensor bar for the Wiimote and the Gamepad’s charging dock are included with the console itself.
While the Wii U’s diverse control schemes contribute to this complexity, the issue isn’t isolated. Even connecting standard headphones to an Xbox One often requires a specific Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter, available for separate purchase. A PC, in contrast, typically allows for direct plug-and-play functionality.
(However, newer Xbox One controllers do feature a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, simplifying this process.)
Console Storage: Management or the Need for an Upgrade
Related: Optimizing PlayStation 4 or Xbox One Performance with an SSD.
Modern gaming consoles are no longer isolated systems. Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One utilize traditional mechanical hard drives for storage. Expanding storage capacity necessitates an upgrade to a larger drive.
However, a PlayStation 4 storage upgrade involves a more complex process. This includes purchasing a new drive, physically disassembling the console, replacing the existing hard drive, and subsequently reinstalling the PlayStation 4 operating system – mirroring a PC hard drive upgrade.
Unlike PCs, the initial hard drive size of a PlayStation 4 is not customizable at the time of purchase.
Xbox One and Wii U consoles offer a simpler solution. An external drive can be connected via USB, but this still requires a separate purchase and configuration to designate storage locations for games and other content.
This process isn't truly "plug and play," and closely resembles the game storage management options available in platforms like Steam on a PC.
Historically, consoles provided a simpler alternative to PC gaming. PC gaming once demanded familiarity with DOS and meticulous configuration of settings like SoundBlaster compatibility.
As PC gaming has become more user-friendly, consoles have, conversely, grown in complexity. The expectation of a streamlined and uncomplicated gaming experience is no longer consistently met by modern consoles.
While consoles retain certain advantages, their simplicity is no longer a defining characteristic – a notion we should cease to perpetuate when comparing them to PCs.