From Consoles to PCs: The Best Online Gaming Hardware of 2024
We all saw this blog coming.
Maybe you belong to the PC Master Race (PCMR) or perhaps you believe in the superiority of consoles. We are not here to influence your personal opinion. We are here to showcase the best online gaming platforms of 2024 for both consoles and PCs. We hope to keep this piece neutral. In that spirit, PCMR has a subreddit with 12 million members and the author of this article is one of them.
For both consoles and PCs, product sales are a dominant revenue stream.
In 2022, revenue from consoles was reported to be $43.3 billion and is projected to increase to $56.4 billion by the year 2028. The PlayStation 5 has sold 2.68 million units year-to-date as of February 2024, compared to 0.8 million units for the Xbox Series XS, and 1.77 million units of the Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft's gaming revenues surpassed those of Windows in 2024 (courtesy of Activision Blizzard), reaching $62 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q2. Moreover, the global game console market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.6% in 2024.
In the case of gaming PCs, $9 billion was generated in gross full game revenue on Steam with 580 million game copies sold and approximately 14,000 new games released.
This positive growth in the gaming market comes with the surge of usage in game streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, although the former is generally considered to be the best streaming platform for gaming.
Among these abstract numbers, there is a diverse range of products available that serve as the best video game console or pc gaming platform for someone, depending on their needs and preferences. Let’s take a look.
Consoles and PCs! The Best Gaming Platforms of 2024
Taking a look at the popular gaming platforms, we find the following consoles and gaming PCs in the mix and here’s why (This list is in no particular order). The pros and cons for both gaming systems are also presented :
I. Consoles
1. PlayStation 5:
● Powerful hardware; stunning 4K graphics.
● SSD for lightning-fast loading.
● Innovative haptic feedback with the DualSense controller.
● Currently the only console with a VR headset.
People are also eagerly anticipating the PS5 Pro, rumored to be released in the latter half of 2024.
2. Xbox Series X:
● High frame rates, quick resume for multiple games.
● Extensive backward compatibility.
● Vast gaming library through Game Pass subscription.
● As it is backed by the Microsoft ecosystem, you can easily work on it (e.g. make a presentation).
3. Nintendo Switch:
● Versatility to play on the go or on TV.
● Unique Joy-Con controllers.
● Wide variety of exclusive games for all ages.
4. Nintendo Switch OLED:
● Vibrant 7-inch OLED screen for rich colors.
● Enhanced audio for immersive gaming experiences.
● Dock with a wired LAN port, improving online play.
5. Steam Deck OLED:
● Portable PC gaming with high-quality OLED display.
● Custom APU designed for gaming on the go.
● Vast Steam library and compatibility with PC software.
6. Asus ROG Ally:
● Powerful handheld gaming device with Windows flexibility.
● High-end gaming with dedicated graphics and expansive storage options.
Pros of Consoles:
- Plug-and-play setup makes them more accessible.
- Generally cheaper than high-end gaming PCs.
- Developers can optimize games for consistent performance.
- Console makers offer exclusive titles, providing unique gaming experiences.
- Support for multiplayer gaming without extra hardware.
Cons of Consoles:
- Fixed hardware configurations can become outdated.
- Lack of options for hardware and software modifications.
- Additional cost for accessing online features, e.g. through subscriptions.
- Lack of flexibility as they are primarily designed for gaming and multimedia entertainment.
- Limited control over software updates and services.
- Lag behind high-end PCs in graphical fidelity and performance.
II. Gaming PCs
1. Corsair One Pro i200:
● Compact, stylish design with superior cooling.
● Powerful Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU for demanding tasks.
● Aimed at creatives and gamers, offering workstation-level performance.
2. Maingear MG1:
● Customizable gaming PC designed for both enthusiasts and professionals.
● Offers a wide range of the latest AMD and Intel CPUs and NVIDIA GPUs.
● Prioritizes cooling and quiet operation in a sleek, minimalist chassis.
3. Alienware Aurora R16:
● Cutting-edge technology with the latest Intel and AMD processors.
● Advanced cooling and engineering for peak performance without thermal throttling.
● Iconic design with customizable AlienFX RGB lighting, supports tool-less upgrades.
4. Dell XPS 8960:
● Elegant and compact tower design.
● Equipped with the latest Intel processors.
● Versatile performance for both creative professionals and gamers.
5. iBuyPower Y60 (2022):
● Distinctive panoramic tempered glass panel.
● Customizable RGB lighting and high-end component support.
● Designed for both aesthetics and performance in gaming.
6. HP Victus 15L:
● Budget-friendly without sacrificing performance.
● Sleek design with customizable RGB lighting.
● Solid gaming performance and easy upgrades.
7. Acer Predator Orion 7000 (2023):
● Striking design with transparent side panel and RGB lighting.
● Latest Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs.
● Advanced cooling system for sustained performance.
8. Origin Chronos V3:
● Ultra-compact size perfect for desktop or living room.
● Customizable with the latest CPUs and GPUs.
● High-performance gaming in a small footprint, with liquid cooling options.
Pros of Gaming PCs:
● High-end hardware offers superior graphical fidelity and performance.
● Customizable hardware and software to suit individual preferences.
● Components can be easily upgraded to keep up with technological advancements.
● PCs can be used for gaming, work, multimedia production, and more.
● Extensive modding community allows for additional content and customization.
● Better support and performance for virtual reality gaming.
Cons of Gaming PCs:
● High initial investment for top-of-the-line hardware.
● Setup and maintenance may require technical knowledge.
● Software and hardware compatibility can be a concern.
● Wide range of hardware configurations can lead to optimization challenges for developers.
● Bulkier and less portable compared to consoles.
There can be personal ambitions attached with gaming setups. Building your own PC is quite an amazing journey if you have the resources. Terry Crews, former football star and now actor, won the heart of the gaming community when he built a PC with his son. Henry Cavill, aka Superman, is also an avid gamer and even built his own gaming rig.
Consoles and PCs? The Battle Rages On
This section presents a table with a concise evaluation of how PCs and consoles fare against certain critical metrics.
| Aspect | Console Gaming | PC Gaming |
| Customization | Limited customization; peripheral-focused. | Customizable for upgrades. |
| Graphics & Performance | Graphics/performance behind high-end PCs. | High-end hardware boosts graphics and performance. |
| Versatility | Primarily for gaming; less versatile. | Useful beyond gaming. |
| Backward Compatibility | Limited backward compatibility. | Backward compatible. |
| Mods & Community Content | Limited mods/user content support. | Supports mods and user content. |
| Cost | Cheaper upfront; online costs. | High initial investment. |
| Complexity | User-friendly; minimal setup. | Complex, needs know-how for fixes. |
| Hardware Maintenance | Minimal maintenance; plug and play. | Needs regular maintenance and updates. |
| System Requirements | Games optimized for console hardware. | Demanding games need powerful hardware. |
| Exclusive Titles | Console-exclusive titles. | Vast game library, including exclusives. |
| Local Multiplayer | Excels in local multiplayer; includes split-screen/co-op. | Local multiplayer is less common. |
Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Picking Sides: A 2024 Analysis
Whether you prefer consoles or PCs or love them both equally, they both deliver advantages and experiences unique to them.
Consoles boast simplicity, affordability, and exclusive titles, fostering a more accessible gaming environment for casual players. PCs provide unparalleled customization, graphics fidelity, and versatility, catering to hardcore gamers and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate gaming experience. But that’s an oversimplification of a fierce debate.
In the end, it is a matter of personal tastes and budgets. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
The Future: Gaming trends indicate growth in virtual reality gaming which also includes web3 gaming and a recent surge in creating the best metaverse games. The game development studio EDIIIE is a leader in mobile game development, RPGs, and much more.
