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Why buy a console?

13K views 296 replies 121 participants last post by  alancsalt  
#1 ·
I've never understood why people buy a console instead of building a cheap-medium htpc, with slightly better than average specs, and just run oc games at console graphix, only reason for console i could see would be for the more full servers, as you can use any controller on pc + custom controllers
 
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#2 ·
Because not everyone can afford to piss out 600+$ for a computer that'll need constant upgrading. People have been playing games on the xbox and ps3 since 2006/7. If you had a pc @ that time it wouldn't be able to run new games like the consoles do. Mostly due to optimization. Long story short a console is good for low budget people who want to have a future proof (till next console) source of gaming.
 
#3 ·
1. There are some games you can get on a console that you can't get on a PC.
2. You can use 1 sign in for every single game so there is no hassle making new accounts all the time.
3. On Xbox you can have gamerscore, and I love to whore the crap out of that.
4. Some people prefer the controller over keyboard and mouse. (Yes you can use the controller on some PC games, but it can be a pain to get it working sometimes)
 
#4 ·
Ease of use mainly.

The general populous just want something they can plug into the TV, pop a game in and play. Not everyone has the knowledge or confidence to build their own rig.
 
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#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by rotwfighter View Post

Because not everyone can afford to piss out 600+$ for a computer that'll need constant upgrading. People have been playing games on the xbox and ps3 since 2006/7. If you had a pc @ that time it wouldn't be able to run new games like the consoles do. Mostly due to optimization. Long story short a console is good for low budget people who want to have a future proof (till next console) source of gaming.
this +not everyone is a computer nerd/knows that you can use controlers on the computer

Not to mention the fact that you dont have to worry about software maintanace out of the box.

price is the biggest example of "why" however.
I personaly agree that a midrange computer is better, there are tones of reasons why someone would choose a console *shrug*
 
#6 ·
I do agree that it is out of convenience. A lot of my friends and co-workers stick to consoles because they can easily just turn it on and off and does not require any maintenance or technical knowledge.

With a computer you get to do a lot more, but you also have to update drivers, programs, the OS, and you can't just put your rig in a backpack and play it on any TV (old and new). There's also the issue of troubleshooting issues that come time to time and the almighty virus/malware battle people face.

It just seems strange that console users will easily dish out $60 per game and the money spent on the games could easily catch up to a decent rig, but gaming or high-end computers aren't for everyone.
 
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#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by DracoManX69 View Post

I've never understood why people buy a console instead of building a cheap-medium htpc, with slightly better than average specs, and just run oc games at console graphix, only reason for console i could see would be for the more full servers, as you can use any controller on pc + custom controllers
Last time I checked, PC can't play PS3 and Xbox 360 exclusive games.
 
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#9 ·
Maybe people were like me and though, why buy a 1000+ gaming pc which everywhere on the internet scared me from it(before i did it) I bought Xbox because in 2008 i didn't even no you could play good games on PC. Plus all of my friends had one!
 
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#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by rotwfighter View Post

Because not everyone can afford to piss out 600+$ for a computer that'll need constant upgrading. People have been playing games on the xbox and ps3 since 2006/7. If you had a pc @ that time it wouldn't be able to run new games like the consoles do. Mostly due to optimization. Long story short a console is good for low budget people who want to have a future proof (till next console) source of gaming.
This is a common misconception. I know plenty of people who run oldish hardware from pre 07 that has been slightly updated with minimal cost. In the long run PC vs console cost is not necessarily very different. The reason consoles are so popular is the lower initial cost and the misconception that PC's are super complex and hard to use. The thing that bothers me most is how most people do have computers but still don't realize that thous computer could also be used for gaming.

To put is shortly consoles are for lazy people who don't want to know better.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bit_reaper View Post

This is a common misconception. I know plenty of people who run oldish hardware from pre 07 that has been slightly updated with minimal cost. In the long run PC vs console cost is not necessarily very different. The reason consoles are so popular is the lower initial cost and the misconception that PC's are super complex and hard to use. The thing that bothers me most is how most people do have computers but still don't realize that thous computer could also be used for gaming.
To put is shortly consoles are for lazy people who don't want to know better.
Welcome to the first world.

To OP : It's all about marketing. When you keep hearing on the TV and from your relatives that they are having so much fun playing halo 9001 on their xbox, you will end up believing them.

I mean, I could ask you the same thing about restaurants: why are people going to eat at mcdonalds when it's so much cheaper and more enjoyable too cook something up and eat it?
 
#16 ·
Loads of rubbish about laziness appearing in this thread. I play games on my PC and on my Xbox. I have friends that play Xbox so its nice to go and play on there with them.

Also... try playing Gears of War 3 or Halo: Reach on your PC.
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Callumpy View Post

Loads of rubbish about laziness appearing in this thread. I play games on my PC and on my Xbox. I have friends that play Xbox so its nice to go and play on there with them.
Also... try playing Gears of War 3 on your PC.
That's marketing in it's best form. You are only using a console because corporations wants you to. It's just way more profitable for them since they are selling the hardware, the ability to play online and they get a share on every games.

As a bonus you can't really pirate their games without voiding your warranty.
 
#21 ·
"Consoles are for lazy people"

Could some of you just take a moment to think that through. Here at Overclock.net we have a passion for computing. 99% of the world couldn't care less how a computer worked. They want to start it up, get some work done or enjoy a game and that's it.

I'm not a car fan so i take my car to a mechanic when it breaks down. It's not because i'm lazy it's purely because i don't want to lean how to fix my car. I have talent in other places and that's the way it is. Just like people hire an accountant to do their taxes and so on.

That sort of mentality assumes that all humans strive to understand and learn everything, it's just not possible.
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackbrennan2008 View Post

"Consoles are for lazy people"
Could some of you just take a moment to think that through. Here at Overclock.net we have a passion for computing. 99% of the world couldn't care less how a computer worked. They want to start it up, get some work done/enjoy a game and that's it.
And, the awesome part is that there are a bunch of corporate out there that are willing to do all the work for you and charge a premium. It's not about lazyness, it's just that some people are more willing than others to let the corporates walk over them (apple, anyone?).

As another poster said, i'm quite sure that at least a good proportion of console gamers have at least a semi-decent computer that could run their games.

EDIT : I can understand that console are about ease of use, but isnt that just a more polite way to say lazyness?
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by splinterize View Post

And, the awesome part is that there are a bunch of corporate out there that are willing to do all the work for you and charge a premium. It's not about lazyness, it's just that some people are more willing than others to let the corporates walk over them (apple, anyone?).
As another poster said, i'm quite sure that at least a good proportion of console gamers have at least a semi-decent computer that could run their games.
Everything on the planet is made by a "Corporations". You could apply your way of thinking to everything from consoles to transport to the brand of food you buy.

It's irrelevant.

With that being said why does building your own PC put you out of the corporations dirty little hands? It doesn't, you run Windows because your games are not available on Linux or other homebrew operating systems.

A PC is a collection of products, a console is a single product. All of which are made by corporations. All of which serve a purpose and if one serves your purpose better than the other one then that's where you money should go. It's that simple.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackbrennan2008 View Post

"Consoles are for lazy people"
Could some of you just take a moment to think that through. Here at Overclock.net we have a passion for computing. 99% of the world couldn't care less how a computer worked. They want to start it up, get some work done or enjoy a game and that's it.
I'm not a car fan so i take my car to a mechanic when it breaks down. It's not because i'm lazy it's purely because i don't want to lean how to fix my car. I have talent in other places and that's the way it is. Just like people hire an accountant to do their taxes and so on.
That sort of mentality assumes that all humans strive to understand and learn everything, it's just not possible.
Mechanics and computers are a little different. Computers don't require any special tools or items like cars do to fix. Tools and special computers to attatch to your ECU in your car will cost you 10 000+. Even many backyard mechanics cannot afford certain equipment in which they would recommend you have to take it to a dealership/mechanic.

Also building/servicing a computer is as easy as a google search/youtube search. Cars maybe so but the tools/workspace is a major issue. I do see what you are saying though. Like I said. Simply put console is easier. Plug it in, pop the disk and GO!
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackbrennan2008 View Post

Everything on the planet is made by a "Corporations". You could apply your way of thinking to everything from consoles to transport to the brand of food you buy.
It's irrelevant.
With that being said why does building your own PC put you out of the corporations dirty little hands? It doesn't, you run Windows because your games are not available on Linux or other homebrew operating systems.
A PC is a collection of products, a console is a single product. All of which are made by corporations. All of which serve a purpose and if one serves your purpose better than the other one then that's where you money should go. It's that simple.
Good point!

Basically, I think that by using your a single machine for all your digital related task (productivity, entertainment, etc) allow you to buy less products, thus allow you to consume less, than, let's say, using a TV, a tablet, a cellphone, one or two consoles and a laptop.

Basically what i'm trying to say is that there is no real way for us, consumer, to stop supporting the corporation. What we can do is support them a little bit less than the average.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by NewHighScore View Post

Mechanics and computers are a little different. Computers don't require any special tools or items like cars do to fix. Tools and special computers to attatch to your ECU in your car will cost you 10 000+. Even many backyard mechanics cannot afford certain equipment in which they would recommend you have to take it to a dealership/mechanic.
Also building/servicing a computer is as easy as a google search/youtube search. Cars maybe so but the tools/workspace is a major issue. I do see what you are saying though. Like I said. Simply put console is easier. Plug it in, pop the disk and GO!
I know, but your also taking the standpoint of someone who enjoys it. If you enjoyed repairing cars you would invest some money into some equipment so you could take care of it at home.

A good example is accounting. It doesn't require any tools and simple accounting is something everyone should learn, but they don't (Even though it's important and extremely useful). They don't need to. It's the same with computing. Why learn something if you don't need or want too?

I suppose it could be said that accounting is "Boring", but i'm 100% certain that installing drivers, maintaining and looking after a PC is like accounting to 99% of the people i know and love.
 
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