How big is the difference in visuals/performance between PC and PS4/Xbox really?

People keep bringing up console exclusives, but don't realize that when comparing numbers, multi platform games massively outnumber console exclusives. It's really up to you. Do you want console exclusives and multiplats at the fixed performance/quality that's given to you or do you want to play multiplats at whatever settings you like?
 
The VR stuff on PC looks phenomenal, and you need good IQ (and a high end rig) to support it. Otherwise, mid range rigs can run everything the consoles can, and usually at higher framerates. The i3 / 750 ti combo is oddly effective.
 
MSI said:
I'm due for a new gaming PC but I feel like I should wait a little while for 4k gaming, DDR4, windows 10 and DX12 to be more prevalent.

I'm also debating if I should do a gaming laptop with a graphics extender thing, so I can take it to my tv and play pc games easily. (A desktop would not be close to my tv)

I've also never used a pc for gaming on a tv, not sure how well it works with a PS4 or XB1 controller wirelessly.
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DDR4 is not that important for gaming, 4K is already here for folks with higher end graphics cards(you could try it with older games if your card is not that powerful).

If you don't really need the mobility, stick to desktop PC. I'm speaking from experience, the lack of ability to upgrade really hurts, besides, laptop don't really perform that well with games, and are less cost efficient.

If you have streaming needs, consider building a HTPC, or check out Steam Link.
 
johnnydrama said:
People keep bringing up console exclusives, but don't realize that when comparing numbers, multi platform games massively outnumber console exclusives. It's really up to you. Do you want console exclusives and multiplats at the fixed performance/quality that's given to you or do you want to play multiplats at whatever settings you like?
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PC exclusives already outnumber both PS4+ONE exclusives.
 
viHuGi said:
snip
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I have don't preference towards PC or Console gaming anyways, but if you are going to play favorites towards a specific platform. It would be PRUDENT to not come across as a platform warrior, and post blatantly false and outright misleading information.

This is coming from someone who has a Disgaea avatar which is a console exclusive series.

You probably saw Kinthalis' reply to your post. Ignoring or not acknowledging doesn't mean it doesn't exist and point it's trying to make.
 
viHuGi said:
Please have some games to show, that comment doesn't do anything to this topic.

Ps4 - Uc4, Horizon, Persona V, Yakuza, GR2, Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank, Quantic Dream new game, Uncharted Collection.

Xbox One - Gears of War 4, Scalebound, Quantum Break, Recore, Inside, Forza 6, Halo 5 and Tomb Raider.

Just facts, Consoles line up is outstanding.
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I don't think you tried to research PC gaming properly, AAA is not what makes the best of it's exclusives, but even so, you still have a few coming from Blizzard and the Total wars that could fit the description.

I playvon consoles primarily and I love the idea of the line-up you're showing, but saying PC cannot compete in terms of exclusives is a bit of a blind statement.
 
The difference in the last couple years of last gen was massive due to the consoles being out so long. The difference early in this generation is definitely more pronounced than early last gen, some games console versions are on settings that you are lower than low on PC so you can't even select them. And of course there is framerate that has totally ruined playability in some games' console versions like The Evil Within and been much better on PC.
 
viHuGi said:
Please have some games to show, that comment doesn't do anything to this topic.

Ps4 - Uc4, Horizon, Persona V, Yakuza, GR2, Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank, Quantic Dream new game, Uncharted Collection.

Xbox One - Gears of War 4, Scalebound, Quantum Break, Recore, Inside, Forza 6, Halo 5 and Tomb Raider.

Just facts, Consoles line up is outstanding.

My opinion is that Console is way better and too bad some people can't handle that and get mad.

You have to respect people opinions like I respect pc gamers although I would never game on pc apart from CS and that's it.
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You cannot say "You have to respect people opinions" after you say "Well I'm right so that's it", dude.
 
viHuGi said:
Please have some games to show, that comment doesn't do anything to this topic.

Ps4 - Uc4, Horizon, Persona V, Yakuza, GR2, Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank, Quantic Dream new game, Uncharted Collection.

Xbox One - Gears of War 4, Scalebound, Quantum Break, Recore, Inside, Forza 6, Halo 5 and Tomb Raider.

Just facts, Consoles line up is outstanding.
Click to expand...

Fallout 4, Battlefront, Black Ops 3, No Man's Sky, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Assasin's Creed Syndicate, R6 Siege, Mirror's Edge, NFS, Deus Ex, Dark Souls 3, Doshonored 2, Doom, Mass Effect Andromeda, Hitman, Just Cause 3, XCOM 2, Star Citizen, Overwatch, Lawbreakers, Street Fighter V... and countless other AAAs and indies.

It's not like PC has no AAA games coming out this year and next. It just doesn't have many AAA system exclusives made by a platform holder because PC is an open platform that's not owned by anyone. Please stop trying to make it seem like there's nothing to play and enjoy on PC.

Just facts. PC lineup is outstanding.
 
HooYaH said:
Or wait till next year and get the NX to replace the WiiU. NX has to be better than PS4/Xbone right guys? Right?!?
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Even in the 0.0001% chance NX is a console equipped with 5 GTX Titans, I bet the games on it will still be straight ports of XBO/PS4 versions.
 
809985.jpg
 
jmga said:
PC exclusives already outnumber both PS4+ONE exclusives.
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I think that's not what OP was asking. I mean even a mid-level laptop is more than enough to play most PC exclusives. You don't need a gaming PC for those games, because they're not that graphic heavy (Dota, Civilization, Pillars of Eternity, Counter-Strike, Football Manager, LoL, etc).
 
viHuGi said:
Please have some games to show, that comment doesn't do anything to this topic.

Ps4 - Uc4, Horizon, Persona V, Yakuza, GR2, Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank, Quantic Dream new game, Uncharted Collection.

Xbox One - Gears of War 4, Scalebound, Quantum Break, Recore, Inside, Forza 6, Halo 5 and Tomb Raider.

Just facts, Consoles line up is outstanding.

My opinion is that Console is way better and too bad some people can't handle that and get mad.

You have to respect people opinions like I respect pc gamers although I would never game on pc apart from CS and that's it.
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Bro word of advice, you can't treat this forum like a gamespot/ign system war forum, you will get banned.

And you having your preference of exclusives is totally fine, however, I would put down good money that you have not looked at every exclusive that the PC has to offer and are only going by what you hear.
 
I guess it's impossible to have a PC and Console related thread without it devolving into this sort of mess. It's unfortunate really.

I digress whenever there is a topic that compares PC with Consoles this seems to always end up happening.

Still the benefit of owning both a PC and Console means you don't ever miss out on the software you want to enjoy. That's what matters most right? Being able to enjoy any game you want to play.
 
MRORANGE said:
On my phone but just wait till I get back home so I can post my thoughts on why PC game graphics suck.
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Yeah. Too many polygons and post-processing. I don't want my processing done after the fact. I want it done now.
OmegaDL50 said:
I guess it's impossible to have a PC and Console related thread without it devolving into this sort of mess. It's unfortunate really.

I digress whenever there is a topic that compares PC with Consoles this seems to always end up happening.

Still the benefit of owning both a PC and Console means you don't ever miss out on the software you want to enjoy. That's what matters most right? Being able to enjoy any game you want to play.
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Console wars always come into play when someone is upset that a competition can do things better. People gotta justify their purchases I guess. I bought both consoles knowing full and well that I'd be using them for nothing more than exclusive games and to watch Netflix/Amazon. With a capable PC, there is no other reason to buy a multiplat on a console other than wanting to boost your gamerscore/trophies(which I guess some care about) or to play a game with friends. Other than those two reasons, a multiplatform game is better on PC 9/10.


On OP's question. The difference is as big as you want it to be. For the last few years for me it was always 1080p/60fps across pretty much every game. Now it's 1440p/144fps(when a game supports it) for me as the difference. Mods are a good reason, but you have to kinda hope that the games you play have a community that wants to mod it which can suck if a game doesn't have that type of community.

For me it's hard to go back to 30fps + sub 1080p games on the PS4/X1. I'll play through an Uncharted game at 30fps, but I'd enjoy it more if had a higher frame rate.
 
Atraveller said:
Please don't do list war guys, he's already derailing the thread, let's not do it further.
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OmegaDL50 said:
I guess it's impossible to have a PC and Console related thread without it devolving into this sort of mess. It's unfortunate really.

I digress whenever there is a topic that compares PC with Consoles this seems to always end up happening.

Still the benefit of owning both a PC and Console means you don't ever miss out on the software you want to enjoy. That's what matters most right? Being able to enjoy any game you want to play.
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Ok guys, i deleted it. :[
 
PC has great games coming didn't say that, most multis come on pc so it has a huge line up I just said exclusive wise I prefer Console output.

But some people might not like those games I said and I'm fine with that.

Now if OP prefers pc I'm OK with that but he asked something and in my opinion he should buy a ps4 or Xbox one, if he really loves Nintendo wait for NX.

I buy most consoles and play most games I prefer ps4 right now but that doesn't mean I don't like Xbox or will like NX, will play all.

Edit: Also I'm not on any forum either than this One, I'm not that youtube guy anyway and many people use this avatar, means nothing.

I'm not here for war I gave my opinion I didn't want to hurt anyone and I'm sorry if people felt disrespected about my comments, not my intention to trash talk anyone, maybe I was a little crazy with my words.

Again, nothing against pc gamers guy, heck we are all gamers we should support each others.

Peace.
 
Almost 4 pages of how much better pc is regarding multiplatform titles or exclusives, but no mentioning of the horrendous Batman arkham knight launch, MK X, PES 2016 or Denuvo DRM infested titles like dragon age and more. These are incidents, right?

(no they are not, not to mention nvidia/amd need to issue (beta) drivers for about every time a game that gets released on pc)

And no, console games just have had just as horrible launches on certain games, im fully aware of that. But these rose tinted glass some of the posters here are wearing, man ;)

I also fully understand a 1000$ pc performs (or well, should perform) way better than a 399 ps4 , but its not worth my money to invest in that. and thats a personal choice.

Besides i work in IT and spend 5 days a week 8-9 hours a day behind pc's, and dont want to be bothered with them when im at home and relax.

my monster pc gets used for some mame emulation and pixeling , i dont care for the latest moba or strategy games. again, all personal.

besides some better graphics, the games are the same, gameplay wise , and im a gameplay man. i know 240p games in 50hrz that are better than some nowadays 4k 120fps quadruple titan powered games.

the moral of this story? game on whatever u prefer, and dont worry so much about graphics.
 
I like many on here have all the platforms and like the prices of pc games,but what with crappy ports and the fact that ideally a desk is needed consoles are good enough to game on.
The average Joe would not notice any difference between formats.

I notice graphics are better when set to max on pc but that's what you should expect from a decent pc.
 
alienator said:
Almost 4 pages of how much better pc is regarding multiplatform titles or exclusives, but no mentioning of the horrendous Batman arkham knight launch, MK X, PES 2016 or Denuvo DRM infested titles like dragon age and more. These are incidents, right?

(no they are not, not to mention nvidia/amd need to issue (beta) drivers for about every time a game that gets released on pc)

And no, console games just have had just as horrible launches on certain games, im fully aware of that. But these rose tinted glass some of the posters here are wearing, man ;)

I also fully understand a 1000$ pc performs (or well, should perform) way better than a 399 ps4 , but its not worth my money to invest in that. and thats a personal choice.

Besides i work in IT and spend 5 days a week 8-9 hours a day behind pc's, and dont want to be bothered with them when im at home and relax.

my monster pc gets used for some mame emulation and pixeling , i dont care for the latest moba or strategy games. again, all personal.

besides some better graphics, the games are the same, gameplay wise , and im a gameplay man. i know 240p games in 50hrz that are better than some nowadays 4k 120fps quadruple titan powered games.

the moral of this story? game on whatever u prefer, and dont worry so much about graphics.
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I don't think it's a matter or rose tinted glasses. It's more of the fact that especially lately, it's increasingly rare and PC gamers have more room to flex their muscle than they have before with Steam offering refunds. I mean, we've seen more examples of worse performing remasters on PS4/Xbone than we have bad ports on PC in the past year.

If you're an IT you should know how easy it is to play on PC. It's not hard to Start steam, pick a game and play. Or am I misunderstanding something? Just because you can tinker away on a game with custom configs, it doesn't mean you have to.
 
Also, if you decide to upgrade your entire system, when "next-gen" happens (ie ps5, xb1.2) you probably get away with just a GPU upgrade. As the consoles, to cut costs, have a "watered down" CPU.

This happened to me this "gen", my 5 year old PC got a 980Ti and 4xPerformance (++) over the current consoles.
 
alienator said:
Almost 4 pages of how much better pc is regarding multiplatform titles or exclusives, but no mentioning of the horrendous Batman arkham knight launch, MK X, PES 2016 or Denuvo DRM infested titles like dragon age and more. These are incidents, right?
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Please tell me more about how evil Denuvo is, saying "it is DRM" isn't valid (because pretty much every steam game has some kind of DRM and every console game too).
 
AlterOdin said:
Also, if you decide to upgrade your entire system, when "next-gen" happens (ie ps5, xb1.2) you probably get away with just a GPU upgrade. As the consoles, to cut costs, have a "watered down" CPU.

This happened to me this "gen", my 5 year old PC got a 980Ti and 4xPerformance (++) over the current consoles.
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Unless you're me and game with an FX6300, but at the moment it's doing much better than the consoles already and I haven't even OC'd it yet.

Mohasus said:
Please tell me more about how evil Denuvo is, saying "it is DRM" isn't valid (because pretty much every steam game has some kind of DRM and every console game too).
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It's made by the same people behind SecuROM, it's evil by association
 
I've had zero problems with Denuvo games so far, I'm unconvinced it's an actual problem outside of people upset that the cracks take a week longer to come out.
 
I understand this isn't a direct answer to the question put forth, but for me as an old guy gamer who's been around a while (I was 8 when akalabeth came out :O) it wasn't until a few years ago that I stopped caring about the delta in pure visual fidelity and basically decided my sole decision for whether I wanted to play something on the console or pc was based on comfort and screen size- couch or PC chair, 27" or 55"

For the record I have a gtx980 based PC, X1 and a PS4. The days of me looking at shadow renders of red dead redemption have passed. Just be comfortable ;)

Seriously though, I find the deltas to be harder to distinguish in real-time, easier to distinguish in static screen-shot viewing, and lost when enjoying the fracas, but with age generally comes mellowness.
 
I have what is now an upper middle class setup at the moment(i7 3770k, 780ti), and it's the rare game that doesn't let me run at full settings(very much above console) at 60+fps at 1080p. Hell, I can run some recent titles (like Mad Max, Thief, etc.) downsampled as well. Don't forget the ever undying backwards compatibility that allows me to run older games (that might have struggled at the time...) full settings at 4k and maybe above(!), and the games to come that I can brute force the same way in the future.
 
Question posed by OP:

"How big is the difference in visuals/performance between PC and PS4/Xbox"

Answers posited by some of GAF:

"MUH COMFY COUCH"

"MUH LIST WARZ"

"MUH PREFERENCE"

Ahhh, never change.
 
viHuGi said:
Please have some games to show, that comment doesn't do anything to this topic.

Ps4 - Uc4, Horizon, Persona V, Yakuza, GR2, Last Guardian, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet and Clank, Quantic Dream new game, Uncharted Collection.

Xbox One - Gears of War 4, Scalebound, Quantum Break, Recore, Inside, Forza 6, Halo 5 and Tomb Raider.

Just facts, Consoles line up is outstanding.

My opinion is that Console is way better and too bad some people can't handle that and get mad.

You have to respect people opinions like I respect pc gamers although I would never game on pc apart from CS and that's it.
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You can have opinions, but they get annoying when they either based on ignorance or when you choose just to conveniently ignore one of the biggest if not the biggest collection of games in story

No one in their right mind would argue the PC library is lacking. Sure is missing some first party tittles, but mheee
 
Kinthalis said:
"MUH COMFY COUCH"
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I've never understood that one. I've had my PC hooked up to a TV for almost 8 years now. With an xbox controller, the physical experience is no different between PC and console. When I need a mouse, the wireless trackball works great from the couch.
 
Etnos said:
You can have opinions, but they get annoying when they either based on ignorance or when you choose just to conveniently ignore one of the biggest if not the biggest collection of games in story

No one in their right mind would argue the PC library is lacking. Sure is missing some first party tittles, but mheee
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Sure mate, see my last post and I'm sorry for something else =)

Much peace.
 
It's as big as you want it to be. Besides, why limit the comparison to "current gen" devices? Imagine all the "last gen" games you can play on your backwards compatible PC. The games that you can't max on your current hardware will be there after the next upgrade. And the next. And the next. Part of the beauty of PC gaming is going back to older games and making it your own "remaster".

Mivey said:
Since the PS4 is a super-charged PC already and devs can code to the metal, which gives you like three times the performance from identical hardware for free, you should really be asking, how much worse games look on PC.
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Hah, never gets old! :)

viHuGi said:
You have to respect people opinions like I respect pc gamers
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Seems fair.

viHuGi said:
Well I'm right so that's it.
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Oh.

Besides, the thread is about performance and not games.
 
It was the witcher 3s performance on ps4 that was breaking point for me.

I just couldn't be bothered with 30fps (and under ) any more.

The further we have got into this gen its clear the consoles are struggling.

I still enjoy my PS4 for FIFA and im really looking forward to getting until dawn tomorrow but coming from a long time console owner, I just want to play games on ny PC all the time.

Its beautiful.
 
Krappadizzle said:
The difference is as big as you want it to be.
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starts there and ends there. of course the bigger the difference, the more money you would have to spend. like Krappadizzle, ive been playing at 1080p/60fps for the past ~7 years. by the end of the year i want to be able to play at or above 120fps. that will require a new monitor purchase for me and maybe a new gpu purchase. well worth it IMO.
 
Zaphod said:
I've never understood that one. I've had my PC hooked up to a TV for almost 8 years now. With an xbox controller, the physical experience is no different between PC and console. When I need a mouse, the wireless trackball works great from the couch.
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And the Steam controller and Steam link only make that argument stronger.

We know this. You know this, THEY know this, but that comfy couch is still so much better when playing games on a Sony console.

For... reasons.
 
I don't know man.

I have a gaming PC.

Can't say I have seen games that "wowed" me like Infamous second son and Until Dawn, or Journey, on PC this year.

FF15 2.0 was also, despite not technically crazy (no AF filter, etc..), insane. Simply insane, in terms of animations and effects I haven't seen anything better yet.

Also, Guilty Gear Xrd is better than any cell shaded game on PC.

So really, the question is, do you like those consoles only games, if yes, I think ps4 is worth it.

Because you get pretty much every PC games + consoles only games. And the drop from a 1080p PC set up is not that much of a fall.
 
Kinthalis said:
And the Steam controller and Steam link only make that argument stronger.

We know this. You know this, THEY know this, but that comfy couch is still so much better when playing games on a Sony console.

For... reasons.
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I have had a coworker ask how it was possible connect a PC to a TV. But he was not too into tech, the people here should know better.
 
Slaythe said:
Because you get pretty much every PC games + consoles only games. And the drop from a 1080p PC set up is not that much of a fall.
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I assume you mean pretty much every console-style PC game? Because the actual number of PC exclusives is pretty massive.
 
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