If You Care so Much About Graphics, Why Do You Buy Consoles?

Honest question...

If graphics are as important to you all as you make it seem on these forums (every topic is a graphics debate), why not just buy a PC? If you want to hook it up to your TV, lay on your couch and use a controller, you can do that.

If it is because of the exclusives, that's great, but then it's not the graphics that are driving your decision, so why are you making such a point of it?

They are definitely more expensive up front, but I can't imagine that you can't make the cost up with cheaper games and free online.

I'm not here bashing consoles. I'll be buying a Wii U simply to get Mario / Zelda / SSB. I have a 3DS for Mario / Zelda / Pokemon. I have a 360 for Halo. But if I actually care about graphics, I hop on my PC...

It ain't because of the graphics.

STFU and stop generalizing jerk.. I would prefer everything was on PC but it's not. And many games get garbage tier ports on PC (Dark Souls). You wanna play all the best games you gotta get consoles as well as a PC. And for those games that don't go to PC, the graphics still matter

If you don't care about better hardware, why do you upgrade? After all, PS2 has thousands of games you likely haven't played.

You mean you don't care about graphics and resolutions?

I do care about better hardware, and I do upgrade. So not sure what you mean by this.

I can appreciate a good looking game, but it's not the most important thing for me.

You've got your priorities backwards, babe. Graphics and resolutions are the most important things.

I think my point is that all gamers care about power to a large degree. Whether that bridges the gap to building a gaming PC remains to be seen. It's a different animal and requires a lot of knowledge (picking out the right platform and upgrades, for instance).

As a PC gamer, I thoroughly enjoy the process of building a machine and upgrading it. It's part of the fun of it all. However, most people are content with something that has a power plug and an HDMI cable and "just works." Console gaming and PC gaming are, essentially, two very different scenes in that respect.

My point is, why is the debate on this forum Xbox vs. PS and the main determination is graphics. If that is case, why isn't the debate Xbox vs. PS vs. PC. Why do people not consider buying a PC if graphics are so important?

Again, if graphics aren't important to you and gameplay / exclusives are, then it is completely understandable. It is just a bit ridiculous that people care so much about graphics but don't go buy a PC

If you aren't a hermit, console graphics can still be impressive. Perspective.

I like consoles better, just a better experience to me.

That being said, I do game on PC, but my rig can't even compete with my PS3.. And I'm not bothering with upgrading.

Because with consoles I only have to think about the game I'll buy next and not about if my drivers are up to date, at what setting will I be able to run the game, bad controller compatibility... And not to mention that all my fav franchises are console exclusive and them couch.

But now this is a question for you, why console gamers can't talk about graphics anyway? Why can't we complain about a game like DR3 dropping frames to 10? Why can't we talk about the fact that the PS4's cheaper but more powerful? PC has the HW but COD Ghosts still runs like shit. Graphics are more than just HW specification and that has been shown time and time again by the Naughty Gods.

Consoles > PC always and forever.

because it costs significantly more

I prefer to play on PC, but not because of the graphics since I can't max out every game but because of the experience I get on my PC.

If the Xbox One had these amazing games compared to the PS4, I'm sure plenty of people would go with that instead. The experience is a plus, and Xbox delivers when it comes to experience, at least it was last gen.

Now it's a new gen and Sony has made big changes in online experience and their console.

Because consoles are about decent graphics at a moderate price

PC gaming hardware is expensive as fvck and I hate when some people try to downplay it

Excellent points. I suppose consoles are like the iProducts. They are easy and just work. PC is more advanced / customizable / and scary. And once you have eliminated the option of a PC, then I suppose graphics could be a large factor. For people like us (PC gamers), it is much less important.

These are legit points. I totally agree that games like Ghosts run like crap on the PC. And because some of the biggest games (Ghosts) which people buy game machines specifically to play aren't great on PC, then it removes that as an option. And then the graphics capabilities of those gaming machines that remain become important...

I shall adjust accordingly.

Yes but still go and play old games.

nope

Again, a good point. PC's are definitely more expensive up front, which I could see as dissuading people.

Graphics are pretty objective compared to arguing gameplay or whether you like a game or not. Stuff like framerate and resolution isn't exactly subjective, so that's what the argument is usually about. Hard facts.

People don't bring up the PC's graphics, because they know it's more capable of putting out games that look better. Conveniently blocking that platform out.

And yeah, if you want to best possible graphical experience, get a PC.

yes ;)

Wonder Woman ponders.

" if you love PC gaming so much why do you beg for console game ports?"

I see Wonder Woman likes to generalize. Though I'd like to see a few console games on PC, there are many more PC exclusives I'd hate to miss out on (all RTS's / MOBA's for starters).

Also, DC Comics may not appreciate you putting words into their Intellectual Property's mouth...

This is so true, my friend recently asked me to put together a budget build for him and I havent really kept up with PC prices but considering all the threads about building a PC 2x as powerful as the PS4 for $500, i thought it was gonna be no problem.

Not remotely true, ended up costing about $640 to get a comparable build that i felt could keep pace with the PS4 for years to come and had decent upgradability. And there were still some real low endparts i wouldnt feel comfortable tossing in one of my builds.

Agreed. It doesn't have to be the BEST in order to impress. That's why some like the X1 and WiiU

Well the X1 is performing just fine in the console space,

The Wii U can produce the highest fidelity graphics currently available to console players.. until Friday.

I don't have $20,000 for a PC.

Because having slightly better graphics isnt worth all the problems that they come with.

No it isn't. lol!! If that was the case most of our games would be like Myst and Gone Home. Gameplay & fun has always been >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Graphics and resolution. Always.

There ya go.

Can you have "fun' at 10FPS on Dead Rising 3? LOL.

Somewhat valid point, but for someone that games alot the cost of online fees could very well be offset by their electric bill given how energy efficient this next gen is compared to your average gaming desktop. As a cranky old man, i probably pay more attention to my electric bill than most though. For all i know i might even be saving money since i routinely buy xbox live cards heavily discounted.

But as a general rule of thumb people tend to be alot more price sensitive to upfront costs. Im actually quite surprised neither company used a subscription model similar to cell phones this gen.

Yes.

I do not know how to build a PC that would be dedicated toward playing video games. I do not have money to purchase the parts or the knowledge required to make it. I do not have the money or the knowledge in order to purchase an already made PC, dedicated toward video games; I like Alienware for cosmetic reasons, but I heard they are pretty bad. I am simply out of luck and will always feel like PC video gaming is taunting me, as I cannot even play the most basic video games for PC, that are available for free to play. When it comes to the PC and video games, I just see it as an automatic non-option. My only option has ever been consoles or handhelds, PC video gaming is just an automatic "no" for me. I wanted to be able to play The Sims 3, but I cannot because I do not even know how to install a graphic card, despite their being videos and guides I do not understand, that show you how.

Well then...there's your' problem! You are handicapped!

I just bought a gaming PC but still feel that drivers and compatibility, along the price of upgrades is a serious drawback.

Consoles are plug and play for 5+ years, not trying to decipher problems and bemoan the fact that your $ 400 card can't play battlefield at maximum settings anymore.

I have a gaming PC when I want to push GFX. With consoles I buy them for exclusives first and foremost.

I just play whatever is enjoyable.

except they're not really plug and play these days

I, for one, don't which is why I'm able to enjoy 3DS and Wii U games without having to compare them to PS3 or PC games I play. Having nice graphics in a game is good and all but it's really not the biggest aspect for me. But hey, if everyone is happy in the Graphics Battle Arena then by all means have your fun. I'll just be playing games I find fun whether they look "next gen" or not :P

It's about getting the most for your dollar. Graphics aren't everything, but when the cheaper system CAN result in better or the same graphics, this has to be a factor at some level in determining which console to buy for the many that can only afford 1 system.

Last time I checked PS3 had a lot more best graphics awards at gamespot.

Cry moar hermits

@seabiscuit8686: For my multiplatform titles I want the best graphics I can get on a console. I like the console experience, and it want to play the best looking console version. Still gotta get them all for their exclusives.

Nothing is ever so black and white. Games and graphics are synonymous. Pretty much like narration and camerawork in a movie. A movie cannot just have good narrative while the cinematography sucks. And even then, assuming you are more into the visuals and sound than anything else, it doesn't mean you need an 80" TV with a $10,000 sound system to enjoy it. People buy consoles to play games, while at the same time prefer them to look as good as possible. It's just as simple as that.

I care about graphics and own one. Also expecting new consoles to deliver visually in the first ~2 years. If that console can't even do that...

I think the big thing is that the PS4's launch lineup looks rather pitiful, so really the graphics are the only thing PS4 can tout over the other two consoles at this point, and seeing that cows dominate system wars, it's no surprise that basically every thread about next gen is about graphics.

Hopefully after the system's launch we'll get a thread about the gameplay of Knack, and Killzone rather than the graphics.

I used to think graphics were really important to be immersed in a game but recently I have played Thief 1 for the first time ever and the atmosphere and sound make that game phenomenal. I haven't even used any graphics mods for it and I run it in 1280x1024 and it still blew me away.