In 2017, what's the use of having a console system, when the convenience factor and exclusive games aren't the same as they used to be?
In this post, I will do a light breakdown of the reasons why I think we shouldn't care (too much) about console gaming anymore, with the exception of the Switch. And no, although I like Nintendo, I also like Microsoft and own an Xbox One and not a Switch. I'll explain the appeal to the Switch (from what I have personally played and from a business perspective) below.
Old advantages that aren't so anymore
1- The convenience factor
Console gaming used to claim the top spot in convenience for playability. In the cartridge era, you just popped a game in and viola! You're playing Super Mario, Mortal Kombat, Sonic, etc. In the DVD / Blu-ray era, while load times for the PS3 were horrendous, you could still justify paying for the system and having a machine capable of running smooth games in reasonable times.
But now... now it's very different... When someone wants to play a game they just bought, like COD or Halo, etc. they may have to download large "updates" which may take a few hours, even on high internet packages, where on a PC it takes minutes. This is a shame, truly.
2- Graphics and cost for gameplay
Consoles at times surpassed PC graphics, let's just be honest. Even today, if there is a game that is cross platform on PC and consoles, the console version SOMETIMES (more often than not) will get shafted graphically. For all of our graphic lovers out there, why get an inferior graphical version of a game you love when you can get one on your console at a higher resolution?
Also, the cost of the system could justify buying it over building a gaming PC. Why build your own gaming PC that would run well over the cost of a console at somewhere around 1000 USD, for those of us not in the know?
But to buy a pretty decent gaming pc only runs you from 500 to 750 USD and many that fall in that price range can run true 4K. 'Nuff said.
3- The software that allowed the engines to run
The software on PCs were pretty bad for Triple A titles, in my opinion. When vista launched, it was a HORRIBLE software to play games on, so I (and many others) assumed why should we join the PC Master Race when we could just stick to console gaming, but when 7 was released, this actually started to open my eyes.
But it's really not that case for the vast majority of games.
4- Exclusive Games
Console gaming controlled a good chunk of the market for a while, and Big Triple A game companies made sure to make exclusive deals with console companies. These exclusive deals aren't too exclusive anymore. They are limited to a certain number of years or sales. Plus, people are caring less about them.
Also, to add in that many of the Triple A games don't offer the same gameplay experience cross platform or mid-sized companies offer, and you can see why people are caring less about exclusives.
-Things that are ruining console gaming-
A- Becoming PCs
While you can get Netflix and the like on your PC, the consoles are trying a little too hard to be dummy versions of PCs, that can't actually conveniently do what PCs can do. They can't conveniently search the web or visit sites. They can't handle real browser operations (yet). They can't take computer inputs without being modified.
So, why get a console to be a PC when you can just get a PC to be a PC and game on it for 500 to 750 dollars? Yes, it's more than a console, but you can also do actual productivity on it.
THE EXCEPTION:
The Nintendo Switch. I know! I know! You're going to call me a fanboy. No, from a practical and business sense, Nintendo has always been looking at the gaming console market as a shrinking market and they've been trying to reach a new audience. They tried with the Wii, but then no one bought games after it sold like crazy. They tried and failed big time with the WiiU. But now it seems like they are combining the mobile phone / tablet feel to a console system. If they can pull this off correctly for the long term (over 5 years), then they will have claimed victory this time around. Also, if they keep this up over the next two years, then they will have carved out a comfortable lead in the market for what Sony and Microsoft will eventually go after, hybrid systems.
They see that the mobile market and the PC market are the cash cows, and they are finding a spot in between them that can give them an advantage.
But hey, that's just how it is for now.
Image credit: Google YouTube
What are your thoughts? Like, comment, repost and follow ;) I'd love to hear your thoughts!
May I suggest putting a face to the profile. Some avatar or photo.
Thank you for the heads up! Just did! @geekgirl
I think its an adoption / established market issue. I just built a gaming pc for myself this year but none of my friends have so I still log onto my ps4 to play rainbow six with them. I want to play on PC but for me it hasn't been a smooth transition.
That's true, because that's what initially would have inhibited me a few years ago. The download times, on top of the monthly fees (XBL, PS Network, now Switch Network) for a service we don't need to pay for on the PC is just really off putting. I'll be writing a short series that talks about this as well.
I'm not a console gamer, I quite like the convenience of the pc, but I remember the days of the N64 and Gamecube. We had lots of fun with Super Smash, Snowboard Kids, Zelda, Pokemon, Mario Kart, etc. etc. and it was really easy. Like you said, just pop in a game and there you go! Reading this though:
It really does sound very annoying with newer consoles!
To be honest, my boyfriend has a PS... 2 or 3... and the only thing we use it for is Netflix. We're both avid gamers, but PC gamers.
Anyway, nice post! You've got my upvote :-)
Yeah, up until the gamecube, PS1 / PS2 generation, console gaming was a lot more fun. Now, it's big budgets and focus on microtransactions with less on story. That's on PC as well, but there is also a larger market for fun games as well.
Thanks for the upvote! :)
I have learned that PC gaming is really so much better. I still play the consoles, though. Partially so I can review them, but also because of Nintendo and Halo. Once Halo is done, I'm done with the other two, because Nintendo just makes fun games still.
I gotta say, if I ever get a console again, it'll have to be from Nintendo. I just love the games like Super Smash and Mario Kart, and ofcourse, they have Zelda! I have an old Gamecube with a few games, but the controlers aren't too great anymore. Also have a 3DS for pokemon and I was so happy to see they had Ocarina of Time for it aswell! I still prefer PC gaming though :-)
Unfortunately, it seems like the only quality console (in the US market) is the Nintendo Switch. The other two are watered down PCs.
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Hello, friend. I enjoyed your well laid out comparison. I'm not a gamer because I'm from a country where 700bucks is really hard to come by, but I've had my time with console games from my Planet Hollywood 8-bit game to PS4 (although I'm one of those guys who only plays FIFA on the higher machines. lol). Just maybe when things get easier I'll think of setting up a gaming system just for the bias. Now I know who I'll talk to then 😉. I'll follow you now. Regards, mate.
Thank you sooooo much for the follow! I like to play futbol (soccer) in real life, so I've never played FIFA for long. But I should review some of those, because I used to.
Also, please do check me out sometime!
I can relate on the 700 bucks reality. These things are prohibitive, and I have relatives in ETH as well that wouldn't be able to afford most of what we in the USA can buy.
Awesome, buddy. I'll keep an eye on your blog. Nice avatar you've got there 😉
Thanks @misterakpan
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STOP@nick-write-vegan Really intriguing and insightful submit. Want you the most effective with all of your potential endeavors.
Thank you very much!
It's sad but I agree with most of what you said...
Right now the only thing that makes a console a console is how limited it IS compared to the PC (and that's a very good thing, believe me!!) the more use-cases they give consoles the more they seem PCs and the more real PCs seem better in comparison.
Also the prices.... if console games had big sales just like Steam I for one will buy PS4, I feel like I play better when I play on a system that's made spefically for games-only rather than a gaming windows... But I can't afford to buy all my games at +$20... I barely can buy games when they are $10 on sale.
Exactly, one of the big problems is the price, but that is what also keeps consoles at or at higher revenue rates than PC gaming. The higher prices caused Triple A companies to just rack in cash. But that's not always going to be the case in the future.
I actually just released an article that questions whether the PC market will last as well, due to mobile gaming. Check it out if you'd like :) @ahmadmanga
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There is no Way around it, in the Future Sony and Microsoft will eventually Stop making Home consoles and Go into the PC gaming Market, And Nintendo Will most Likely Either Go into the Mobile Market or Stop Existing.
Now the Novelty of Playing Games on the Big Screen is not Exclusive to Consoles anymore thanks to the ability to Plug in your Gaming PC into a Large TV and play PC games on that.
Now Gaming is Either PC or Mobile, That is why the Switch Sold like Hot Cakes. so People can Play Big triple A Nintendo Titles On the Go
Thanks @oguz! I appreciate it!