I used to be a PC-only gamer but the older I get the more I gravitate toward very ‘simple’ platforms.
Because my gaming time slots can be unpredictable and sometimes short I can’t take too much time setting things up.
I was surprised to find that I use the Nintendo Switch a lot because the games are on cartridges (usually few to no downloading needed) and I can continue playing the game when I am away from home. Really surprising, considering I bought it out of curiosity in 2017 and that it is in some ways underpowered compared to my other devices- I never had a Nintendo ‘home’ console before that.
I thought of adding the PS4 to this mention however recently I’ve been avoiding playing it due to the constant updates. The worst example was when my SO bought me Red Dead Redemption 2. I sat down, excited to play it, when suddenly it pormpted me to download a HUGE update . It really kind of ruined my first session.
What are your experiences and your preferred devices?
PC. Because:
- Better controller support—I’m not limited to what MS or Sony deem as “certified” or “authorized” hardware. Most of the really good hardware (VKB, Virpil, Arduino) will never be available for consoles and what little is available is bad at best.
- Best sims are PC only (DCS, Il-2, E:D, X series, Hunternet etc)
- Sims support 3rd party auxiliary software (TacView, EDDiscovery, OMH, EDMC etc) for better experience and that’s simply not going to be possible on consoles, ever.
- For other games, modding experience on PC is simply better. SKSE and ENB is what keeps Skyrim going and makes it still relevant 13 years later. Can’t have this kind of code injection and wrappers on consoles.
- If I ever get into retrogaming, emulation is the way, especially since actually acquiring retro console games in their original physical format is bound to become a very expensive collector’s hobby if you don’t have your own collection from childhood already or don’t have local second-hand options.
I’m not sure what your definition of “older” is, but I’m past my 20s so I probably qualify.
I really like my Steam Deck. I have a Switch as well, but I only use it for exclusives. The Deck is great because it lives next to my bed and I can easily pick it up and play pretty much anything on it.
I used to love my desktop PC, but I keep feeling like I should be productive instead of playing games when I’m on it, and it’s just not as comfy as laying in bed.
Then again, I’m a grumpy Linux user since 15-ish years, so using locked down consoles is offensive to me.
Console (xbox, ps, switch) because i got tired of buying a new gpu or whatever upgrade for pc every couple of months. Now i dont have to stress for updated drivers or if it crashes because windows wants something done at the most fucked up time. Just sit in my comfy chair turn it on and play. Dont have time for all the other bs.
Why so often? I just updated my almost 10 year old PC that had one gpu upgrade in its life, and was still happily playing the 10 year old games I wanted to play.
Then I got the new PC with decent specs and decided to push its limits with some Stardew Valley.
