Here's Why Next-gen Consoles Might not be Such a Big Deal

While our gaming industry today is conceived of multilateral face-offs by next-gen consoles, mobile phones, and tablets, Tracey Lien from Polygon shares an interesting fact supporting the ever-growing notion of "PC Master Race". As such, the article exemplifies the different opinions of developers and producers on the past and present significance of consoles and how they could not compete over the PC over the next few years and how, ultimately, it would be PC gaming versus mobile gaming.

[ArchangelMike]

Polygon.... smh... anyway.

Well it's not really PC versus anything if you think about it for a second. After-all are the next gen consoles not simply 'patented' PC's with a brand and trademark behind them?

The same is true of Tablets and mobile phones. They are all evolving into mobile 'personal computers'. To me the argument is moot. underneath the hood, they're really all different types of 'computing systems'.

The point of consoles are the games + the sofa + big TV screen. That whole package makes console gaming a diferent and unique experience.

If I had the choice to be able to play [insert AAA game here], I would choose to play it in my lounge, on the sofa, infront of my TV, with my surround sound speakers booming.

The console makes that possible.

[ATiElite]

I want to be the first one to welcome you to the 21st Century where it is NORMAL to connect a PC to a Big Screen TV and use ANY wireless Controller or Wireless KB/m to game on while....wait for it, sitting on the couch!

Have YOU not heard of a VGA, DVI, HDMI plug? All Large Screen and Flat screen TV's have them and PC's have had them for like since they were invented.

If YOU prefer Console Gaming then that is ALL GOOD!

But don't be a MORON and act like you can't connect a PC to a TV because that just make YOU look SILLY!

[ArchangelMike]

Yeah dragging my PC into the lounge... naah too ugly a setup. My console fits in the TV cabinet, nice and neat like.

Connecting a PC to the TV is beside the point, that's not how PC's are naturally set-up. Heck I can connect my smart phone and my Tablet to my TV as well. But that's also beside the point. That's not how they are naturally used. A console on the other hand... but I guess that is a completely lost on you.

BTW, do you have to use CAPS to make your point. Doesn't that make you look like a moron!?

[Milesprowers]

My PC which I built myself fits in my TV Cabinet,
Simply build an HTPC Gaming PC.

[tee_bag242]

@ ArchangelMike

That's your problem if your PC is too ugly to drag into your living room.
The fact is, many PC gamers have had sexy, discreet gaming machines connected into their entertainment systems for a long time now.

Your point that "that's not how PC's are
naturally set-up" is totally invalidated by the simple fact there is no specified way you must set up a PC. That's pretty evident considering PC's have VGA, HDMI, DVI outs I would have thought.. no ?! K/M or Gamepad. The choice is yours. 720p or 1080 120fps. What ever floats your boat is where PC is generally at.
I get it if you simply can't be bothered, but for those who can, are rewarded.

[N4g_null]

Better yet mike you could use gasp a gaming laptop from asus or alienware, wait alien ware makes sexy looking pc also... my fav now is main gear simply because their stuff is 4k ready with way more ram than your games will need.

Also there is the wireless hdmi tech then the possibility of some wifi direct tech similar to the wiiu, then we have the steam box solution with its cool controller.

ok wait for it but wireless tvs are coming also, wireless cable boxes are already here. Hell the ps4 and wiiu have wireless setups that are possible for the display.

[zRude]

For example. I have been using my Big ass power PC next to my 40" Full HD Sony Bravia flat TV.
And wait for it.... I play and use my pc... While...
i sit on my couch. OMFG ! WITCHCRAFT !

PC does not see any f*cking difference between above mentioned TV and a small normal flat PC monitor.

So saying that consoles are unique just because you can sit on a couch ? Does not apply anymore.

And yes, i got 5.1 Surround speakers plugged in to my PC while i play my games.

Since there are really good wireless keyboards and gaming mouses + good "lap tables" You have just utterly awesome and relaxing position to play your PC on your couch.

And yes i play proper AAA title games, Battlefields, starcraft etc etc.

And yeh. If you are a fashion decorator. You don't eve have to look hard to find pretty little fashionable mATX PC cases. And yeah. You can actually have beastly mATX mini gaming PC's these days, that fits your pretty little lounge.

[s45gr32]

Okay I am using a 360 gamepad /keyboard and mouse, playing PC games via STEAM big picture mode through my PC gaming rig. I decided to buy (5 years from now) a docking station for my smartphone to hook it up to the 4K TV using a gamepad to play say smartphone games via the television set. See my point.

[aLiEnViSiToR]

The ignorance is strong in this one.

[ufo8mycat]

It's all about the games

You pick PC and you miss out on a HUGE amount of great games only available on console.

You pick PS4/XBONE you pretty much get all the games that come out on PC, PLUS that HUGE amount of great games only available on console.

It really is a no brainer.
Let's not this fanboy delusions cloud your judgement

[Milesprowers]

PC can emulate the Wii Library.. I finished Twilight Princess at 1080p 4xMSAA on my PC hooked to my Sony 1080p TV.

[DCfan]

Oh, a PC master race AND a thief. What a common combination.

[NeoTribe]

Your point? Come back when you can emulate uncharted and the last of us in 20 years.

[decrypt]

"It's all about the games"

Funny you say that, then ditch the PC lol.

You do realize the new consoles launch with no BC, hence have no gaming library. Infact if you look at their launch line ups there hardly is a game on the list that is a system seller.

I bet most people after buying the new consoles will be waiting for games so they can actually play on the console.

PC has BC of about 30 years. Games from every thinkable genre are on that list. PC even emulates just about every console ever released. Overall from a games perspective the new consoles are a barren waste land in comparison to the PC gaming library. Stop kidding yourself.

Lastly about 10% games released on a console are actually exclusive, most are multiplat PC plays those better. PC gets its own exclusives too so i really dont see your point.

[deafdani]

Except that there's also a ton of games exclusive to PC that you can't play on any other platform, as well. So, your post is very fanboyish, too.

Just play the system that has the games you want and be happy. No need to discredit the other systems.

[GentlemenRUs]

What is with Polygon today...

I've seen nothing but bad stuff coming from them about the PS4 and never the XBOX.

[N4g_null]

The ps4 is out and now everyone realizes oops the launch sucks. Cool system but why upgrade when we have a shiny new ps3?

[Tornadobounce]

It's clearly not worth it yet.

[DiLeCtioN]

I have tried every platform and can say each has it's pros and cons. Ultimately the decision comes down to the gamers.

[feraldrgn]

Polygon article.
8 years later, I'd say it is a pretty big deal to people.

[s45gr32]

I bet you that the next generation of consoles are gaming tablets or gamers will end up hooking their amazing smartphone devices to their 4K Tvs via a docking station using a gamepad.

[feraldrgn]

That's certainly a possibility,
not sure if you're replying to me saying 8 years is enough of a wait for a lot of people though.

[N4g_null]

Said smart phone will catch on fire... 4k is no joking matter. Next gen could become more upgradable though... if steam works phones may never catch up to consoles again.

[susanto1228]

Listen get on youtube learn how to build an HTPC connect it to a 55" samsung 3d TV....connect your xbox pc controller to yout HTPC pop in Skyrim with a NVidia 680 and welcome to 2020 graphics of the future....consoles can never match...all this while I sit in my couch and enjoy true next gen gaming.....if your not doing this...YOUR MISSING OUT!

[kambeix]

Don't forget what Valve is doing with Steam OS, it can be a game changer in the near future.

[SpinalRemains138]

Bottom line

If PC gaming was so amazing, everyone would do it.

Reality is, console gaming is better and way more people use consoles as a result.

To each their own, but consoles rule the roost.

[evilsooty]

They rule the roost when it comes to convenience, sure, but if you are looking for the best graphics experience, the ability to upgrade and so on PCs win.

But as you say it depends on the individual.

[iiwii]

And thats why they will never make consoles obsolete. Most people just want to jump in play a game, not spend time (and lots of money) constantly upgrading to keep up with patches that work with their hardwre, etc only to discover that they cannot match the other guys out there who are buying $1000 video cards, top shelf ram, etc.

LOL, go ahead and vote me down. I know this is fact. I gamed on the PC for a number of years. Its nice, but just not worth the extra money and hassle.

[Mr Tretton]

@SpinalRemains138, that's some embarrassingly biased, failed fanboy logic you got there.

[s45gr32]

Umm not anymore, the PC wins hands down with free online gaming, full backwards compatibility (dosbox for Dos games, Mud for classic PC games), able to customize the hell out of your games, an amazing multimedia device using xmbc, deals and steals for both games and hardware, able to play on the couch using your tv set, etc. All in all PC gaming will dominate this upcoming generation while console gaming will fall.

[Tzuno]

I game on PC with a Xbox 360 controller and is DOPE. Who needs a next gen console when the graphical leap is unimpressive.

[AWBrawler]

There are still a ton of people intimidated by PCs. Consoles advantage is that you just plug it up, pop on a game and go. No need to ever buy ram, graphics cards, or anything else. I have no problem with PC gaming, but the general public likes fast and easy, and you wont believe how many parents don't know how to block porn from their kids, so PC can't ever get the kid audience.

I agree its the better platform, but it can be very intimidating, as opposed to buy a console and buy games.