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[RCU005]

I understand that PC gaming is probably in its all time high fame right now. While there's always been a big size portion of gamers playing on it, most of the games used to come to consoles only, and PC games were limited to some fixed stereotypes. Nowadays, every console controller is compatible with almost every game, and almost every game (even PS first party) are coming to PC.

With that said, the biggest differentiator of consoles was that they were PLUG AND PLAY. When you got a NES, SNES, N64, PS1, PS2, DC, GC and XBOX you had to only connect it, put the game in, and start playing. Nothing more needed. Just have fun! Starting with the Xbox 360 and PS3 gen, consoles started to behave more like a PC: They came with a hard-drive, games started to be installed, firmware updates, etc. But people in the majority wouldn't mind that.

Starting with PS4 and Xbox One, the mid-console cycle started, and to me, it's when console gaming started becoming too much like a PC. Now, you are making consumers think about stuff outside of games, and more about the tech involved to play those games. Things like resolution, FPS, VRR, HDR, Teraflops, etc. TVs that have all that stuff are clearly aimed at knowledgeable consumers that use compatible computers and tech, because the average Joe will never use it, and will at most configure the picture and that's it. And with consoles, it is the same! Average Joe want to only play the game.

So, for me, the PRO consoles should be PCs! PlayStation is already releasing their first party games on PC, and Xbox releases EVERY game on PC! With much more features that even the PRO can do! (Like Ultrawide support). Who is the PRO aimed to? Connoisseur people about all the tech that's inside the PRO, it's likely already playing on a high end PC with even better results! Sony is already trying to capture the PC market, so they want those people to buy a PRO instead? The issue with the PS5 Pro, is that it's a preemptive announcement that the PS6 will NOT cost LESS than $599.

PC gaming is becoming very big (or it already is), so they should separate the two markets when it comes to hardware. Keep the plug and play console for the average Joe, and need the PCs for all the smart people who want all the bells and whistles. The way of uniting the two markets, is by the games (and cross play).

You can also tell, that not even Sony cares about the specs of the PRO, because they haven't released more than like two games that are NOT cross-gen, because they want every average Joe still on PS4 to continue on the PS ecosystem (even if it cripples the PS5 gen).

I feel like the reason Nintendo is selling so much, is that you don't have to think about anything else, other than enjoying the game. The console has a very simple concept and extremely simple execution, with an affordable price. This is the reason of consoles' existence and the main thing that made them popular. The PS4 Pro and Xbox Series X made a little sense because of 4K TVs, and it happened at the middle of the gen (kind of like what happened with HD at the middle of PS2/Xbox gen). Any PRO after that, should only be called a PC, specially if they are selling those thing $200 more than the base.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

wut?... they are not all (to consumers)

 

[Gaiff]

So, for me, the PRO consoles should be PCs!

 

[Optimus Lime]

 

[Metnut]

Consoles are still plug and play. Also, look at PS5 and Switch sales. Consoles are a huge business.

 

[Magic Carpet]

I remember way back when all the big games were PC only and they eventually got ported (crudely) to console.
Things are just shifting back. How long till a PC only big game shows up?

 

[Hrk69]

 

[Crayon]

 

[Clintizzle]

I think I get it now when many people were complaining about too many GamePass threads on the main page.

 

[EverydayBeast]

Consoles will continue on

 

[Unknown Soldier]

If consoles were more like PC's, you could just buy a Pro console and expect all your games to just run faster and better like on PC's

 

[R6Rider]

I somehow still vividly remember this scene.

 

[Hoddi]

The lines are getting kinda blurred. Consoles 20 years ago didn't have big OSes or run on APIs but that's not really the case right now.

The biggest difference nowadays is just that consoles don't have keyboards and have interfaces made for TVs. But that's also about it because there aren't many other major differences. You can even use KB/M in many games and the only thing that makes consoles 'consoles' is that they don't ship with them.

Same goes for TVs, for that matter. My dishwasher needed an update yesterday and I could probably call it a console if it had an HDMI port.

 

[HogIsland]

PCs are getting more plug and play, consoles getting less plug and play.

 

[Topher]

Now, you are making consumers think about stuff outside of games, and more about the tech involved to play those games. Things like resolution, FPS, VRR, HDR, Teraflops, etc. TVs that have all that stuff are clearly aimed at knowledgeable consumers that use compatible computers and tech, because the average Joe will never use it, and will at most configure the picture and that's it. And with consoles, it is the same! Average Joe want to only play the game.

Average Joe doesn't know a thing about most of that stuff except if has something to do with their TV like HDR. And Average Joe doesn't need to know about it. They can game in happy ignorant bliss and not worry about any of it.

So basically I think your entire post is based on a false premise. Consoles are still consoles, even Pro consoles.

 

[Mr.Phoenix]

I think you are overthinking things bro.

 

[Kabelly]

if anything consoles should be more like prebuilt pcs than not and give players options.

 

[digital_ghost]

I somehow still vividly remember this scene.

8yr old me teared up.

 

[Fess]

Keep the plug and play console for the average Joe, and need the PCs for all the smart people who want all the bells and whistles.

?
Some day I should record a video of how it is to be a PC gamer today, because I keep seeing comments hinting that it’s somehow a complex thing and I’m getting tired of that.

In reality, PC gaming today is 99% like playing on console. In Steam you can use the same controller and press X on the exact same dialogue boxes when you buy, install, start games and there are presets for everything so you can just start playing at once. That last 1% when it’s not the same is the rare scenario when you use another launcher. But most games end up on Steam sooner or later or can be added to Steam.

The big difference is that you - can - change almost everything - if you want. Plus, you don’t have to pay to play online. And when the hardware is getting weak you can choose to upgrade the exact parts that needs to be upgraded, if you want.

But if you don’t have the energy or knowledge to make choices you can still just go with predefined choices just like on console.

And the real shocker, no rocket science degree is needed when building your own PC either. If the mother board, case, CPU, graphics card manual isn’t detailed enough there are guides for everything, detailed video guides. People love to show off building their PC. And there are guides and helpful people online for choosing parts as well.

The downside is that it’s expensive.
As an enthusiast gamer - you’ll likely pay minimum 2x more for your PC hardware than your console hardware over a generation. I don’t think I’m exaggerating here.

You save money from skipping both Xbox and Playstation and mid generation upgrades and no online payments and you often get cheaper games. But I still don’t think it’s enough to make up for the higher hardware cost.

Big focus on that ”as an enthusiast gamer” line. I understand that you can in theory stay on the same PC for like 15 years and also skip all mid gen upgrades on console and only play on one platform. But lets be real - We don’t do that here.

 

[Robb]

I agree on the plug and play part. That’s how it should always work. No day one patches, huge installs etc. you should just be able to put the disc in, press start and be playing.

 

[HogIsland]

I agree on the plug and play part. That’s how it should always work. No day one patches, huge installs etc. you should just be able to put the disc in, press star and be playing.

Consoles havent been like since the PS3 generation:

 

[Robb]

Consoles havent been like since the PS3 generation:

I know, which is a travesty.

 

[ArtHands]

I mean, the console bros are now discussing tech stuffs (PSSR, FSR etc) like PC players

 

[Hohenheim]

The lines between console and PC are getting very thin, indeed.
The new consoles are basically low/mid-range PC's without the freedom, and with less in-game settings.
If you enable your PC to start in Steam big picture mode, there's really not a lot of difference.
That doesn't mean consoles are getting very complicated though. PC is not very complicated these days, unless you dig into it and do stuff you don't really need to just play your games.
Many games even auto set up the best settings for your hardware.
Even kids have gaming pc's and they seem to be very able to handle them.

That being said, consoles will always be the easiest way to play games. That's not gonna change.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

 

[DirtyBast8rd]

I remember way back when all the big games were PC only and they eventually got ported (crudely) to console.
Things are just shifting back. How long till a PC only big game shows up?

Most good games aren't on consoles. Console only players don't know how many good fun or obscure games are pc only. Big games? You mean AAA games. AAA is overrated these days. You get shit like Concord or that Star Wars filth. I have more fun browsing the steam store looking for games I never heard about than playing my PS5 at the moment.

 

[Team Andromeda]

I understand that PC gaming is probably in its all time high fame right now. While there's always been a big size portion of gamers playing on it, most of the games used to come to consoles only, and PC games were limited to some fixed stereotypes. Nowadays, every console controller is compatible with almost every game, and almost every game (even PS first party) are coming to PC.

With that said, the biggest differentiator of consoles was that they were PLUG AND PLAY. When you got a NES, SNES, N64, PS1, PS2, DC, GC and XBOX you had to only connect it, put the game in, and start playing. Nothing more needed. Just have fun! Starting with the Xbox 360 and PS3 gen, consoles started to behave more like a PC: They came with a hard-drive, games started to be installed, firmware updates, etc. But people in the majority wouldn't mind that.

Starting with PS4 and Xbox One, the mid-console cycle started, and to me, it's when console gaming started becoming too much like a PC. Now, you are making consumers think about stuff outside of games, and more about the tech involved to play those games. Things like resolution, FPS, VRR, HDR, Teraflops, etc. TVs that have all that stuff are clearly aimed at knowledgeable consumers that use compatible computers and tech, because the average Joe will never use it, and will at most configure the picture and that's it. And with consoles, it is the same! Average Joe want to only play the game.

So, for me, the PRO consoles should be PCs! PlayStation is already releasing their first party games on PC, and Xbox releases EVERY game on PC! With much more features that even the PRO can do! (Like Ultrawide support). Who is the PRO aimed to? Connoisseur people about all the tech that's inside the PRO, it's likely already playing on a high end PC with even better results! Sony is already trying to capture the PC market, so they want those people to buy a PRO instead? The issue with the PS5 Pro, is that it's a preemptive announcement that the PS6 will NOT cost LESS than $599.

PC gaming is becoming very big (or it already is), so they should separate the two markets when it comes to hardware. Keep the plug and play console for the average Joe, and need the PCs for all the smart people who want all the bells and whistles. The way of uniting the two markets, is by the games (and cross play).

You can also tell, that not even Sony cares about the specs of the PRO, because they haven't released more than like two games that are NOT cross-gen, because they want every average Joe still on PS4 to continue on the PS ecosystem (even if it cripples the PS5 gen).

I feel like the reason Nintendo is selling so much, is that you don't have to think about anything else, other than enjoying the game. The console has a very simple concept and extremely simple execution, with an affordable price. This is the reason of consoles' existence and the main thing that made them popular. The PS4 Pro and Xbox Series X made a little sense because of 4K TVs, and it happened at the middle of the gen (kind of like what happened with HD at the middle of PS2/Xbox gen). Any PRO after that, should only be called a PC, specially if they are selling those thing $200 more than the base.

Way to miss the point of underselling consoles.

There are 2 BIG massive differences between a PC to a Console to this day.

1) Everything you need to play day 1 on a console is in the box, right down the leads to the TV, TV Plug and also Joypad - Simply not the case with PC

2) Everything on a console can be launched or opened up via the Joypad - Simply not the case with the PC where some apps or games will need a double click of the mouse

And consoles games have appeared on the PC for decades that doesn't undermine them or make them less of a top class console. Sonic came to Win 95 and Metal Gear Solid also came to Win 97 and yet you ask any Mega Drive fan or PS1 fan to list their top ten games and you can bet Sonic and MGS will be in them, same goes for FF 7.

I also couldn't careless if a console makes use of PC tech. The Mega Drive was all the better for using the 68000 CPU, the Dreamcast all the better for using Power VR2 and the OG Xbox was a monster of a console thanks to using NVidia tech with the biggest boost to sound performance I had ever seen with consoles to this day and that's even before you move on the awesome graphics of the OG Xbox

 

[Fahdis]

Consoles are still plug and play. Also, look at PS5 and Switch sales. Consoles are a huge business.

What century were you born in friend to not understand PC's are the same on Steam. In fact you can play with every controller.

Also, the biggest difference now is just price of entry between consoles and PC and that's about it, besides the online pay to play tax/walled garden.

 

[SHA]

It's Concord and the lack of major exclusives, calm down.

 

[RoboFu]

To counter that point everyone has had computers in their lives now. A whole generation has grown up with modern with modern windows. They know how to install an app and click on it.

 

[jimmypython]

What if PC becomes plug and play? Those mini ATX builds look very nice next to a TV

 

[BlackTron]

I agree with your general sentiment about this shift but not the extreme position that consoles veering from this pure Nintendo style shouldn't even be here.

I don't think you need to be a techie or graphics whore to notice issues in popular games. Lord knows we did in every last game on N64 no matter who you were. A Pro console offers the opportunity to solve this problem without going down the PC rabbit hole, that is, while remaining an average joe. Simply what's available at a mass-market price is no longer cutting it for all popular games.

While that fills a real purpose, I think it's also true that consoles are better when they don't need to worry about management, specs, drives, etc. The more complex it gets, the worse it is. Stick cart in slot => it plays immediately is definitely a USP of Switch.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Consoles were created in a time you needed specialized hardware for demanding applications. Back in the 80s/90s there were many limitations to PCs that consoles didn't have to deal with, i suppose most famously audio effects and side-scrolling.

Nowadays that's simply not the case anymore. Consoles are becoming like PCs because there's little need for them nowadays in the first place. Sure you can come up with stuff such as "plug-and-play" but even that element is becoming less and less of an actual issue for modern pc gaming.

 

[Wildebeest]

Why won't people who don't want to deal with extra nonsense just stick with their phones and tablets?

 

[Edgelord79]

Consoles are still plug and play. Also, look at PS5 and Switch sales. Consoles are a huge business.

Steam deck is plug and play.

 

[BlackTron]

Steam deck is plug and play.

Kind of. You have to give a shit to make many games work well. Minimally, playing with graphics settings. Yeah Steam Deck Verified is a thing, what about all those popular games that aren't on Steam yet will obviously run on it...with the right config? And it's more likely you will have to because it's a (relatively) weak handheld.

 

[Edgelord79]

Kind of. You have to give a shit to make many games work well. Minimally, playing with graphics settings. Yeah Steam Deck Verified is a thing, what about all those popular games that aren't on Steam yet will obviously run on it...with the right config? And it's more likely you will have to because it's a (relatively) weak handheld.

I haven’t fortunately experienced a ton of issues. If the game has a green check mark it runs flawlessly. If using yellow check mark games then there is some tweaking, but it’s pretty easy.

Of the 60+ games I have installed all play fine with no tweaking at all on Steam. If you are attempting to play Dwarf Fortress on it then well ya…

I can switch from pc to switch to other emulators flawlessly (this did require quite a bit of effort) now. PSPlay Remote has relegated the PS Portal to the shelf.

Idk I think the handheld is a pretty powerful gaming package that is mostly easy to use. As you can tell, Im a believer now that the Steam Deck is the second coming lol. Its changed my gaming habits significantly.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Kind of. You have to give a shit to make many games work well. Minimally, playing with graphics settings. Yeah Steam Deck Verified is a thing, what about all those popular games that aren't on Steam yet will obviously run on it...with the right config? And it's more likely you will have to because it's a (relatively) weak handheld.

You're looking at it backwards. The fact a handheld like the steam deck can run even games not meant for it is an advantage. Compare it with the switch, games not specifically ported for it simply can't be played.

 

[twilo99]

Consoles are still plug and play.

If you buy a gaming laptop for example, you don't even have to plug it in right away and it plays...

 

[twilo99]

What if PC becomes plug and play?

Since when are PCs not plug and play?

 

[BlackTron]

You're looking at it backwards. The fact a handheld like the steam deck can run even games not meant for it is an advantage. Compare it with the switch, games not specifically ported for it simply can't be played.

I never said it wasn't an advantage. Just that there's almost certainly going to be a game that makes you want to do this, and once you do, it's not "plug and play" anymore.

I'd say Series X is a plug and play console despite the capability to get frustrated with it while adding emulators. But Steam Deck will almost certainly require you to get your hands dirty unless you really castrate yourself with it.

 

[Topher]

I agree on the plug and play part. That’s how it should always work. No day one patches, huge installs etc. you should just be able to put the disc in, press start and be playing.

That isn't about console or PC though. That's due to the fact that games have become much more complex than in the PS1/PS2 days. Playing a game off an optical disc would not be a pleasant experience.

 

[Edgelord79]

You're looking at it backwards. The fact a handheld like the steam deck can run even games not meant for it is an advantage. Compare it with the switch, games not specifically ported for it simply can't be played.

One other thing. Imo the steam deck easily has the best joysticks and buttons of any device. I HATE the joysticks on the portal, dual sense, Xbox controller, Switch, etc now. The Steam deck joysticks feel so much better and higher quality. Probably just me though.

 

[Robb]

That isn't about console or PC though. That's due to the fact that games have become much more complex than in the PS1/PS2 days. Playing a game off an optical disc would not be a pleasant experience.

If the format is a problem, change the format. Only reason discs are used is because they’re cheaper to produce.

But that’s hardly the problem. Even if you download games straight onto the internal SSD these days you’re very rarely a button press away from actually playing the game. First you have to log on and link your account to another publishers online platform for some reason. Then there’s an update to install. Etc.

 

[Topher]

If the format is a problem, change the format. Only reason discs are used is because they’re cheaper to produce.

I'm guessing they would have to put the games on solid state tech or something similar to be able to play from it. Sounds incredibly expensive to me. Think I'm fine with discs.

But that’s hardly the problem. Even if you download games straight onto the internal SSD these days you’re very rarely a button press away from actually playing the game. First you have to log on and link your account to another publishers online platform for some reason. Then there’s an update to install. Etc.

I'll agree that linking accounts is a needless pain in the ass, but that's not required across the board.

 

[kevboard]

Consoles will continue on

for a while... not indefinitely.
eventually within the next 30 years everything will merge into one device/form factor.
hardware gets smaller and more powerful, games and other software hit a limit of what can realistically be achieved and therefore a limit of how much computational power they need. and eventually you can play the most demanding games on a phone sized device that can connect to your big screen at home, be it a TV or Monitor.

maybe I'm brainwashed from consuming too much scifi stuff, but I mean, it seems inevitable

 

[SyberWolf]

for a while... not indefinitely.
eventually within the next 30 years everything will merge into one device/form factor.
hardware gets smaller and more powerful, games and other software hit a limit of what can realistically be achieved and therefore a limit of how much computational power they need. and eventually you can play the most demanding games on a phone sized device that can connect to your big screen at home, be it a TV or Monitor.

maybe I'm brainwashed from consuming too much scifi stuff, but I mean, it seems inevitable

it is realistic.
i already read lots of things about everything becoming a hardware SoC in the future (that is where these AI pcs are coming from that AMD is promoting).
and configurable pcs where you buy all components seperately will disappear in the near future, this is something i have been hearing for a long time.
everything will become windows/linux based.
and for people who dont know an Xbox runs a modified windows 10/11.
and PS5 runs a Linux/Unix based operating system.
just look at Steam who is pushing their SteamOS(linux) operating system with their steamdeck. and previously Steam machines.
all a matter of time.

 

[Guilty_AI]

I never said it wasn't an advantage. Just that there's almost certainly going to be a game that makes you want to do this, and once you do, it's not "plug and play" anymore.

I'd say Series X is a plug and play console despite the capability to get frustrated with it while adding emulators. But Steam Deck will almost certainly require you to get your hands dirty unless you really castrate yourself with it.

And there's almost certainly going to be a game you want to play that isn't on switch or plays poorly on it. This is on the same level as saying consoles aren't plug and play because you have to "rack your brain" choosing between fidelity, performance and RT mode.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

To counter that point everyone has had computers in their lives now. A whole generation has grown up with modern with modern windows. They know how to install an app and click on it.

Hmm, back in the 00s if you wanted to use the internet you had a PC.

Nowadays kids have iPads/iPhones instead.

 

[Snake29]

The issue with the PS5 Pro, is that it's a preemptive announcement that the PS6 will NOT cost LESS than $599.

No it's not. The pro is not a new generation which sold with loss.