I used to be a PC-only gamer but the older I get the more I gravitate toward very ‘simple’ platforms.
Because my gaming time slots can be unpredictable and sometimes short I can’t take too much time setting things up.
I was surprised to find that I use the Nintendo Switch a lot because the games are on cartridges (usually few to no downloading needed) and I can continue playing the game when I am away from home. Really surprising, considering I bought it out of curiosity in 2017 and that it is in some ways underpowered compared to my other devices- I never had a Nintendo ‘home’ console before that.
I thought of adding the PS4 to this mention however recently I’ve been avoiding playing it due to the constant updates. The worst example was when my SO bought me Red Dead Redemption 2. I sat down, excited to play it, when suddenly it pormpted me to download a HUGE update . It really kind of ruined my first session.
What are your experiences and your preferred devices?
Steam Deck
So PC
I used to game a lot on a desktop, but now that I work at home, I kinda hate sitting in front of a PC. I wasnt playing a lot, but then got a steam deck at launch, and now I’m gaming a ton again.
I like the switch, but I really like how backwards compatible PC gaming is.
I play mostly on my Steam Deck nowadays. If a game is too heavy for the Deck I just subscribe to GeForce Now for a month to stream to my Steam Deck. Once everything is setup on the Steam Deck it’s pretty much friction free to start a game, especially in GeForce Now.
PC for “real” gaming. Phone for casual stuff, although I’ll stream better games when my connection is good enough.
My favourite way to play games at the moment is with a retro emulator handheld. But with new games it’s ps5. I’m still rocking a 1050ti in my pc so I prefer to play the big budget games on console.
I run the game on PC but use Steam link on the TV to connect to it and use a controller most of the time. It’s not the absolute best for playing keyboard + mouse games but it’s very nice for Subnautica for example.
I used to be like you OP, PC-only gamer for a long while, but as I’m getting older (and got back into gaming a few years ago), I’ve mostly been using consoles or equivalents:
- PS5 40% of the time
- Xbox Series X 20%
- Steam Deck 20%
- Switch 10%
- Super Nt / PS3 / Analogue Pocket / Miyoo Mini Plus / 3DS / Vita, remaining 10%
I’m not sure what your definition of “older” is, but I’m past my 20s so I probably qualify.
I really like my Steam Deck. I have Switch as well, but I only use it for exclusives. The Deck is great because it lives next to my bed and I can easily pick it up and play pretty much anything on it.
I used to love my desktop PC, but I keep feeling like I should be productive instead of playing games when I’m on it, and it’s just not as comfy as laying in bed.
Then again, I’m a grumpy Linux user since 15-ish years, so using locked down consoles is offensive to me.
Same here. I have a gaming laptop that sees the majority of my play time but the Steam Deck is perfect for picking up where I left off in bed or chilling on the couch with my partner instead of being shut away in my office.
I guess I’m in the older segment as I’m in my 40’s, and still basically exclusively a pc-guy, making a slow but somewhat sure transition over to penguin themed os from windows.
I do play some older console games (via emulation), adventure games (scummvm <3) and quite a bit of modern pc singleplayer/coop titles. My go-to launchers are Steam and GOG.
Sure, pc maintenance can be a lot at times, but I’m a nerd and tinker on my pc a lot anyway, so it just happens.
Probably the Xbox SS because of the quick-resume feature. Sometimes I just want to play for 15 minutes in-between other stuff so skipping the loading time is great.
Xbox Super Sport.
I’m glad you went with that and not on a history lesson…
I grew up with SNES and N64 era, so maybe I’m old enough?
PC. Consoles are too much to deal with. Cartridges are probably better than discs, but either having to change games in either is probably gonna make me choose to just not play instead. With PC, everything is just a few clicks away.
You can use digital downloads with consoles too. I don’t see how PCs are easier than consoles.
First you have to switch devices from the PC to the console to use it.
Our computers can play games from what, 20, 30 consoles?
Console (xbox, ps, switch) because i got tired of buying a new gpu or whatever upgrade for pc every couple of months. Now i dont have to stress for updated drivers or if it crashes because windows wants something done at the most fucked up time. Just sit in my comfy chair turn it on and play. Dont have time for all the other bs.
Why so often? I just updated my almost 10 year old PC that had one gpu upgrade in its life, and was still happily playing the 10 year old games I wanted to play.
Then I got the new PC with decent specs and decided to push its limits with some Stardew Valley.
Huh. I built my PC with mid-level specs 3 years ago and haven’t upgraded anything but RAM and storage. Didn’t even need either for gaming…
I’m the same way but I bought one of those mini pcs that has a laptop cpu/gpu in it, installed ChimeraOS on it which essentially turned it into a steamdeck.
I have that hooked up to my living room tv and it’s my main gaming device. It’s essentially a console. I never upgrade anything. It runs what I play at 1080p with med or high settings.
Suits me just fine. I mainly just want to sit on my couch and game on the TV instead of being at a desk like I did years ago.
Oh thats a good idea. I do find that some games i miss out on because there not on console… this is a good idea. What mini pc did you get?
The Minisforum HX80G. That’s the older model. They have the HX99G, HX100G and others now. They all range in price but Amazon has sales.
I picked mine up for $650.
Tnx gonna check that out.
Do you have a few minutes to talk about our Lord and Saviour, Gabe Newell? But seriously, get the Steam Deck. It’s awesome.
I used to play everything, and had every major system to do so back in my teens and twenties. But I’ve since just been primarily a PC player because I know what I like, and what I like are weird games that experiment with new ideas and/or push the limits of complexity. Like Dwarf Fortress and damn near anything Ssethtzeentach reviews.
In the console space, much of the experimentation I see done in games that would otherwise interest me are more in the cinematography and other means of presentation, whereas all the weird and interesting implementations of fun tend to be PC exclusive.
As time goes on I lean more and more into PC gaming with emulation for older systems. Resistant to hardware and disks/cartridges failing and there are fewer concerns with online functionality going away completely. There’s a lot to like about the Switch but with it being literally their only console that still has any online features, I have serious concerns about longevity.
