Computers, consoles, smartphones - which platform is better for video games?
A solitaire game, a game of chess, a level completed in Mario, a battle won online or a racing simulation using a steering wheel for the price of a Ziguli - toys are available on almost any device and for any wallet.
But which is the best platform for video games? Which device is the most enjoyable to play from? Let's figure it out by examining the pros and cons of all devices in detail.
Computers
The PC is primarily positioned as a working tool. This is how it is associated with large companies such as Microsoft and Apple. But developers have been making games for these unwieldy and expensive computing machines since ancient times.
Desktops
The PC has never been and is never a popular platform for gaming, but its evolution is incredible. The PC now has power beyond the reach of other platforms.
The mid-range PC already shows the performance of the latest generation consoles, while the top-of-the-range builds have become a hobby for enthusiasts. Gaming PCs are going through a bad time. The market has sagged badly over the past 10 years, as there have been many reasons: cryptocurrency mining, the rapid growth of the smartphone market, the semiconductor crisis.
But thanks to hobbyists, gaming PCs are still going strong and are in no hurry to disappear from the market. PC gaming is still of interest to a certain segment of the population. It is stationary system boxes that deliver the best visuals and highest frame rates.
Laptops
If it wasn't for the laptop market, most companies would have to shut down. It is this type of computer that brings in the bulk of the profits for large corporations.
Gaming models get a lot of attention. Producers arrange them in RGB design with a lot of highlighting elements, add 200-250W power supply, 144-240Hz screens and top hardware.
A modern, high-end gaming laptop is close to a mid-range PC. The good news is that they no longer look like thick plastic sandwiches.
A laptop has many advantages over a desktop PC. At the cost of lost power, the user gets to carry it around and work autonomously. Most importantly, laptops are more practical for everyday use. Everything else is almost identical to desktop PCs, because both have x86 components and the familiar Windows (less common Linux) system inside.
You'll have to install a lot of lunchers to run games, look for solutions to performance problems on technology forums, roll back drivers that ruin the smoothness of the interface and much more. It's a typical Windows OS gamer's everyday life.
Consoles
Consoles are clear - they are the successor to the arcade and were the creators of the modern AAA gaming industry. High-quality gameplay and cutting-edge graphics have been priorities for every console generation.
Console-based consoles
With 8-bit consoles started a surprisingly ubiquitous development. After the enormous popularity of the static consoles, the first portable models were launched.
These devices have evolved and remain the most optimal and balanced for most players. Inexpensive consoles allow you to play the most modern AAA games with relatively stable FPS and good visuals. In most cases the optimisation on consoles is better than on PC, although there are exceptions.
Games are expensive, subscriptions are expensive too. But it's all very simple, especially after PC. All you have to do is set up one profile, click a button and you're done - the limitless world of video games awaits. The main thing is to have time to give money, because the manufacturer recovers the low cost of the console thanks to digital goods and services.
There's no 4K on PS5 and XBOX SX, frame rates are significantly worse than on PC, graphics are average, and ray tracing makes your eyes suffer at 30 FPS. It's not ideal, but it's still great.
Handheld consoles are only relevant to those who rarely sit at home, really like video games, but can't stand the rubbish from the Google Play Market and Apple App Store. The quality of games is considerably better than on smartphones, and the controls are close to those of full consoles - that is, handy.
Smartphones
It is possible that in 5-10 years 90% of gamers won't know what a gaming console or a computer looks like. Almost all gamers in Asia and Africa have never played on a gamepad or keyboard. A smartphone is a universal device for all occasions. A smartphone is life!
Tablets are added to this category because they deserve a place in this ranking. Smartphones are by far the most popular gaming device in the world, although tablets are better suited for gaming.
Mobile phones
Almost all mobile games are free. Releasing paid projects has proved unprofitable. Developers quickly realised this and are shoving a lot of donation into their disguised casinos. Lots of ads, low-quality gameplay, horrible graphics, awkward controls - all this does not prevent mobile games from surpassing consoles and PCs by several times in profitability.
The phone is always with its owner, and games are designed to be played in small sessions of a few minutes each. This has spawned an entire generation of gamers who simply aren't interested in all that cinematic and realistic gaming on 4K monitors.
All that matters is that the gameplay is addictive and keeps the player engaged. Most mobile projects keep users around with high levels of replayability, simplicity and accessibility.
The tablet market has fallen on hard times. They have been bought less with the popularisation of 7-inch phones. PC tablets have now become a rarity, but in terms of gaming they are a good option. What sets them apart from smartphones is a much larger screen. This in turn gives a better gameplay experience and more enjoyable controls.
At the same time, portability suffers. The 10-inch screen won't allow you to put it in your pocket. You'll have to carry it around in your bag. For entertainment, budget iPads are best. They have the best power to cost ratio, which is important for the potential budget gamer.
But games are still as primitive and cheesy as on phones. You can forget about quality and free gameplay. The only saving grace is a subscription or paid games that somehow keep the quality bar above the plinth.
Each gaming platform has its own ideal scenarios to use. For some, the computer or laptop has become not only a working tool, but also the main centre of entertainment. For others, it is easier to buy a stationary console, while most people are satisfied with their mobile phone.
As statistics show - the number of players is proportional to the threshold of entry. That is why there is a decline in the PC market and a flourishing of smartphones. Consoles hold the golden mean and relative stability. But most importantly, each of these types of technology has its fans like in https://22bet-at.com/, ready to prove their choices right. In fact, it's hard to go wrong because each gaming platform has disadvantages and advantages.