<p>redski59,</p>
<p>PC at any one time may only have a portion of the games that consoles do, but at least with PC you can play ANY generation of games without having to change platforms. </p>
<p>True backwards compatibility = PC</p>
<p>That said, computer gaming costs a fortune if you want to do it on the bleeding edge.</p>
<p>True budget gaming = console.</p>
<p>I'll always have way more PC games than I will ever have console games. Besides, the best games on PC usually are grandly better than console games. Control is just easier and scaling is nice. Being able to see the change that is made when you upgrade your system is nice.</p>
<p>There is one other issue with PC gaming that nobody has touched on yet, and that is stability. Almost every PC gamer uses Windows. We all know that Windows has a ton of issues. Not only is it unstable (especially compared to Unix, Linux, and Mac OS X), but it also needs a ton of drivers.</p>
<p>With a console there aren't any hardware issues. You don't have to worry about having the latest video card, the latest software patch, or a huge hard drive. The only modification I can think of for a console is the N64 memory expansion pack, and that came with the first game that utilized it (Donkey Kong 64). There may be PS2 and XBox upgrades out there, but I'm not familiar with those systems. (As far as I'm concerned, a PS/2 is an IBM computer...old-timers probably thought that's what the PlayStation 2 was when the term was first used)</p>
<p>Some games, though, are better on a computer. The Sims is one that comes to mind.</p>
<p>The other reason why some are so adamant about consoles is because we use Macs. Aside from The Sims, I don't have any recent games for the Mac. My favorite game for the Mac, Shufflepuck Cafe, was made in 1988 and doesn't even run on the newest system.</p>
<p>Backwards compatibility is best on computers, especially with emulators and the ability to still run DOS via XP (though Mac OS 9 will probably be extinct next year). However, the ultimate in backwards compatibility will be a console--the Nintendo Revolution. While I don't have all the details on it, it looks as if you can download games as old as 1984-1985 onto it (the ones intended for the NES). I also saw a two-part controller in Time that is designed for this system.</p>
<p>(NES compatibility will be a blessing--I have an NES, but it can be a pain sometimes because the cartridges constantly need blown out to work...people who have ever used an NES that loads from the front can relate to this. Sometimes it takes me three minutes to get the game on the screen.)</p>
<p>Why bother with the Nintendo Revolution when you can emulate? :-/?</p>
<p>Don't forget that as consoles pass 4 years they can start randomly freezing up, stop working, or a multitude of other problems. I do own a ps2 and got it when it first came out. Nowadays, it is a little tough to get stuff to run on it continually. My PC on the other hand is going on 5 years and still running great.</p>
<p>Emulation is great too :)</p>
<p>Vinin,</p>
<p>After five years, how much of your computer is original?</p>
<p>still the same one</p>
<p>So how are you gaming with a GeForce 2/ATi first gen Radeon?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Don't forget that as consoles pass 4 years they can start randomly freezing up, stop working, or a multitude of other problems. I do own a ps2 and got it when it first came out. Nowadays, it is a little tough to get stuff to run on it continually.
[/quote]
The bolded parts explain everything we need to know there. Early PS2s are some of the most notoriously unreliable consoles ever to roll off a production line. I work in a video game store, we have far more faulty PS2s than any other console.</p>
<p>On the other hand... I have 15 years worth of Nintendo consoles and handhelds at home and the biggest problem I've ever had is having to replace batteries in NES and SNES carts, and a broken N64 controller.</p>
<p>I never said I was gaming particularily hard, mostly emulations and stuff. All good though cuz I saved up to get a new computer.</p>
<p>
[quote]
There is one other issue with PC gaming that nobody has touched on yet, and that is stability. Almost every PC gamer uses Windows. We all know that Windows has a ton of issues. Not only is it unstable (especially compared to Unix, Linux, and Mac OS X), but it also needs a ton of drivers.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is really only a problem for those who don't work with computers. If you are afraid of drivers then you are the type of person who NEEDS a console. If you want the graphics, versatility, and overall performance of a PC then that is the price you pay. Besides drivers are not hard to install and something tells me you are someone who would probabily buy a prebuilt pretested PC anyway.</p>
<p>Having enough room in the dorm is not usually an issue so forget about that.</p>
<p>I personally prefer laptops. But hey that's my biased answer since I have one. ;)</p>
<p>I also have a PS2 though but I mainly use it to play DVD's that I rent at the video store every weekend. Here and there I play some games that I borrow from friends or games that friends bring over. I try not to play games as much these days since it can really mess up your grades if you get too addicted. I used to be very addicted and can still easily get way into something. So I'm careful not to indulge too much. So up to you really.</p>
<p>Wow, it's been awhile since I was last here. Ok ok, so maybe PCs are just as good as consoles. Personally, I don't like having to upgrade my PC every year to support newer games, etc. I prefer buying a new console every 3-4 years instead. But that's my personal thought.</p>
<p>redski59,</p>
<p>PCs are great if you always have to be on the bleeding edge. If not, consoles kick ass.</p>
<p>dude as long as u have ur pc ur chill. console is great and stuff, but it's easier to steal and ur skool may not allow it. pc is where its at, dude. why waste money on a console (i admit theyre great too though) when a pc does it all. but if its allowed and uve got lots of $, whatevr. this chick just prefers her pc.</p>
<p>Computer FPS > Console FPS</p>
<p>xbox 360 > dsmo</p>
<p>Consoles are much better than PC for gaming.</p>
<p>I used to be a hardcore PC Gamer in high school. My consoles would collect dust. But now after one semester, I'm bringing a console back with me next semester. Consoles have a social aspect that works well in dorm rooms. PC Games tend to be more individual games, even when playing online.</p>
<p>PC over console over gaming laptop if you are alone</p>
<p>consoles, obviously, let you play with your friends (in the same room, not over the internet or LAN)</p>