Special feature:PC Gaming Versus Console Gaming

Gaming has been a hobby for many for the last two decades. However, the talk today is not about how much gaming has evolved for the past few years, but instead, on the great differences between PC gaming and Console gaming. Which one do you prefer? Powerplay grades them based on these aspects: Price, hardware, software, convenience and online play.

PRICE
Fancy buying a PC game or a console game of the same title? A PC game costs considerably less than a console game. Where will your money go to? PC game, if it is the price that you are looking out for. [ADVANTAGE:PC]

HARDWARE
The PC is currently more powerful than the current-generation consoles, but less powerful than the Xbox 360 and the other upcoming next-generation consoles. The PC hardware needs an update every 5 to 6 years in order to be able to play the latest games, but the consoles need it too -- in an indirect way because you are tempted to buy a new console every 5 to 6 years when the companies release them. However, upgarding the console hardware is cheaper. [ADVANATAGE:Console]

SOFTWARE
Can PC games or console games better? That is very hard to gauge, given that there are so many multi-platform games in the stores. But the PC has seen some fantastic exclusives like World of Warcraft and Auto Assault, and of course, the several RTS games. Consoles have their exclusives too. Think the game 'Black', a game released in March. It is only available for the Xbox and PS2. What about the Dead or Alive series or the Tekken series? I do not think that these games will ever make it to the PC. [ADVANTAGE:None;Draw]

CONVENIENCE
For the PC, you need to install the game first before playing it. The next time you play, you need to boot up your PC first. So troublesome! For the console, just pop the disc in and you are ready to go. No more lengthy installation processes! With portable consoles, you can bring your games anywhere -- so much better than dragging a heavy laptop. [ADVANTAGE:Console]

ONLINE PLAY
Free online play for all PC games, but free for the consoles? Yes, except for Xbox and Xbox 360, and oh, you cannot play with people from around the world with the PSP? Bad move, console makers. Cheers to the PC! [ADVANTAGE:PC]

** OVERALL WINNER: Oops, it is a tie! **
Okay, so each type of gaming has its advantages and disadvanatges. It is still a matter of your personal view on which is better. For me, I like console gaming better than PC gaming. What about you?