Would you rather buy a console or upgrade your PC?

[oiprocs]

Last weekend I bought a video card and processor (with the guidance of my brother) to upgrade my PC so I can play FIFA 09 and NBA 2K9 without sluggishness. The graphics are going to be awesome!

Anyway, I spent $250 and he said I could just buy a console and be set for the next 5 years. I countered that my upgrade would be good for at least 3 years (that's how long my current specs have lasted) and I could make another upgrade at that point if I really wanted to.

What y'all think?

Btw, I debated putting this in PC Gaming or Console Gaming, but I think it's broad enough that ATOT might allow it. Please move it if necessary mods.

 

[ballmode]

When I bought my 7800gt back in the Summer of 2005, it was $299 brand new!

Now it's worthless! I could have bought the Xbox 360 for $350 back in that day and it would still fetch money on the used market.

Used prices on PC technology that isn't a laptop tanks! Horrible investments

 

[ballmode]

Renting games for roughly $5 bucks is a greater way to play games on Console compared to PC demos. Then again Xbox live has demos too

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I don't think I'm going to keep upgrading my desktop. Its value depreciates so quickly, it's ridiculous. I'm just going to get a laptop, sell my desktop, and get a console.

Edit: Damnit, consoles don't have decent strategy games, though.

 

[BoomerD]

I'm tired of the "upgrade game" to keep my PC ready for the newest, latest, greatest games.

I'm seriously considering buying a game console and television that is dedicated to gaming. (or, buying a new TV for the family room and using the old Sony Trinitron 27" for gaming)
For about the $1000 I'd need to upgrade my computer, (new mobo, processor, RAM, and video card(s) ) I can buy a console and TV.

BUT, I really don't game enough anymore to justify either one.

 

[LtPage1]

If all you're playing is sports games, buy the console.

 

[BurnItDwn]

In my case, PC upgrade would be obvious answer. I don't play console games at all ever and have no interest in doing so. I play PC games all the time. (RPG, FPS, RTS, 4X, etc)

I've never heard of or played FIFA90 or NBA2k9, but if those are games you like then it sounds like you made a good choice.

 

[oogabooga]

I had that very choice last year. 200 in gift cards to best buy. PS3 or Xbox for under 300 or spend even more money on a PC.

I'm very happy with my new PC (ended up blowing around 800 after all was said and done), and will probably blow the gift cards on a tv or new monitor.

 

[nakedfrog]

PC games are much more mod-friendly, and tend to have a different online experience.

 

[KeithTalent]

The only thing I use my PS3 for is to watch Blu-rays/DVDs. I even bought some games for the thing a little while ago, but none of them held my interest very long, so I just stopped buying them and now stick to my PC for gaming. I will occasionally still download demos for the PS3, but again, nothing much there holds my interest.

I am mainly an FPS guy and playing an FPS on a console is just an exercise in futility, so it's PC or bust for me.

KT

 

[sonambulo]

Console. I rarely play PC games these days and my girl will play PS3 with me.

 

[dmw16]

Depends on the games. For shooters I love my PC, but for the games you mentioned you'd have been better off w/ a console. Sports games are usually much better on a console.

 

[OCGuy]

If I wanted to use 4 year old tech, I would buy a console.

 

[Crusty]

I don't classify them the same at all. I'll buy a console if there is a game on it that I want to play, and I'll upgrade my computer if there's a game I can't play on it. I hate playing FPS and RTS games on a console, but RPG and puzzle games are much more fun on console then a computer IMO.

 

[zinfamous]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
The only thing I use my PS3 for is to watch Blu-rays/DVDs. I even bought some games for the thing a little while ago, but none of them held my interest very long, so I just stopped buying them and now stick to my PC for gaming. I will occasionally still download demos for the PS3, but again, nothing much there holds my interest.

I am mainly an FPS guy and playing an FPS on a console is just an exercise in futility, so it's PC or bust for me.

KT

Though I haven't played it in months, it's easier for me to drink + COD4 on the PS3. Of course, I tend to hate FPS so it's not big deal to me. I don't really play my PS3 games, either.

...It's been at least 2 months, I think, since I popped one in...

 

[So]

After the video card treadmill got too steep around the time of the Geforce 5 series, I jumped off, and mostly stopped buying PC games. I bought the orange box and I buy telltale's stuff. Other than that, I play my roommate's 360 and spend my time on other activities.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
I am mainly an FPS guy and playing an FPS on a console is just an exercise in futility, so it's PC or bust for me.

KT

Yeah, my friend brought over his 360 and I tried some Halo online... I'd say I played like I was hammered off my ass, but I'm pretty sure I still play better than that on PC when I'm drunk.

 

[pontifex]

you can't base this question solely on resale value.

"i'm gonna buy a console because it has better resale value but it's going to sit there unused because it doesn't play the games i want to play"...yeah, that makes sense.

 

[oiprocs]

See, all I play are sports games. Metal Gear is fun, but other than that I'm nothing but a sports junkie.

When it comes to modifications, PC definitely takes the cake. But gameplay, I know that the console fares a bit better, mainly because of the controller. Hence why I'm going to get a xbox360 usb controller.

That being said, if I want to get a PS3, my brother says that I need get a nice TV with it too, but I can't remember the reason why. But right now that would run me something like $1000, no? ($400 console, $500 TV)

 

[effowe]

My current video card (8800GTX) will last me quite a while, considering I only really play CS:S and the occasional L4D or COD4 on it. I said console because I still don't have a PS3 and I want a blu-ray player.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: obscenethistle
See, all I play are sports games. Metal Gear is fun, but other than that I'm nothing but a sports junkie.

When it comes to modifications, PC definitely takes the cake. But gameplay, I know that the console fares a bit better, mainly because of the controller. Hence why I'm going to get a xbox360 usb controller.

That being said, if I want to get a PS3, my brother says that I need get a nice TV with it too, but I can't remember the reason why. But right now that would run me something like $1000, no? ($400 console, $500 TV)

If you're running a PS3 on a SDTV, you'll be running at a much lower resolution.
I have a Logitech wireless Rumblepad for PC, it might be a better deal than a 360 controller (it's PS2-style if that makes a difference).

 

[middlehead]

At the moment, build a new PC. I already have a Wii and PS3, and I do intend to buy a 360, but I'm really tired of my current desktop.

 

[ballmode]

Originally posted by: pontifex
you can't base this question solely on resale value.

"i'm gonna buy a console because it has better resale value but it's going to sit there unused because it doesn't play the games i want to play"...yeah, that makes sense.

Ok since we are all made of money, when the next console comes out or when I need to sell some games to get a new game I got more people to sell to on console than a PC.


Same could be said about cars, I would buy a Honda/Toyota knowing I would get more for it in resale or after a wreck from insurance. Even if I didn't use them as "much"

 

[Vette73]

If it is for games then get a Xbox. If it is for work, school, games, video, etc... then PC.


I still am running a X800 video card. But I have a Xbox360.

 

[spaceman]

old consoles fine
upgrade pc when need.
this is the way mr. frampton