Desktops have continuously evolved and adapted to technological advancements and consumer demands, especially in gaming. Compared to the early days when desktops were significantly behind and more expensive compared to their console counterparts (with relatively fewer games selection to boot), PC gaming is in a good place. However, there has been a rising sentiment suggesting that PC gaming has become excessively expensive compared to console gaming. Is this true or is this simply a misguided notion?
Central to this debate is a post by u/shadowblaze25mc on Reddit, titled “Is PC gaming becoming unaffordable relative to console for those on a budget?”
Central to this debate is the price of hardware. Certainly, the cost of top-tier PC components, such as Nvidia’s GPUs, has escalated. A decade ago, the flagship GPUs were priced at around $500; today, that figure hovers around $1,200. But, by focusing on these high-end components, we narrow the lens through which we view the entire ecosystem.
While the belief that desktops are now pricier than consoles isn’t baseless, it certainly needs more context. For example, building a PC targeting 1440p (and even 4K) and comparing it to the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5 gives consoles a noticeable edge. Often retailing for $499 (and sometimes even less when they go on sale), consoles are the more cost-effective choice. At least, at first glance. Keep in mind that this comparison doesn’t account for the multifunctionality of PCs. A well-constructed PC serves a multitude of purposes beyond gaming, offering a vast range of capabilities that consoles simply cannot match.
The advancements made in upscaling tools such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) have made higher resolutions achievable with less sophisticated hardware. Additionally, the reliance on CPUs for gaming performance has reduced by a mile. This means gamers today can enjoy superior performance at 1440p resolutions, sometimes even venturing into 4K territory, with a $1,000 setup. A decade ago, for the same price, desktop gamers were confined to 1080p resolutions. Therefore, while the price tags may appear larger, the value delivered in terms of gameplay experience has significantly amplified.
It’s also imperative to understand the economics of console pricing. Companies like Sony and Microsoft often sell their consoles at a loss, recovering profits through game sales, peripherals, and their digital storefronts. It’s a strategic ploy to expand their user base and maximize long-term profits through ecosystem engagement. In contrast, gaming desktops don’t operate on such loss-leader models. Furthermore, the price dynamics of GPUs have shifted from the early 2000s, but mostly for the better. Even in today’s market, a mid-range GPU like the RX 7600, priced at $270 (and can be had for lower), offers performance on par with the current generation consoles.
Another undeniable advantage of PC gaming is the cost of games. The PC ecosystem is flush with frequent sales such as those on Steam, free game offers from platforms like Epic Games, and extensive discounts through Humble Bundle. Add to this the Xbox Game Pass for PC, and the landscape of game affordability takes a favorable tilt towards PCs. Over the long run, with these savings, the total expenditure of a PC gamer could very well be on par, if not less than, a dedicated console gamer.
Ultimately, the choice between PC and console gaming is nuanced, influenced by individual preferences and priorities. While PCs might command a higher upfront investment, their versatility, upgradeability, and the broader spectrum of games available offer unmatched value. Additionally, the frequent sales and discounts significantly mitigate the lifetime costs. Therefore, to pigeonhole PC gaming as prohibitively expensive is an oversimplification.
Speaking of console gaming, the PlayStation 5 is getting a slightly slimmed down look in November. The PS5 Slim will replace incumbent models. Unfortunately, the slightly expanded storage is drawing flack as the only notable upgrade while Sony saw the console as an opportunity to upsell a vertical stand. It’s unclear if Sony’s official reveal will force Microsoft to speed up the timeline of its incoming Xbox Series S/X upgrades.
