My brother is weighing between building a gaming PC (well, having me build one for him) or just picking up a PS4 or XB1 off the shelf.
My argument is that I can match the performance with the same budget of a console, and greatly exceed it by throwing some more cash at it, and unless he's got some exclusive games in mind that won't come to PC, there's no point getting a console. In the case of multi-platform ports, the PC version generally can look the best and have the most flexibility with controls and mods and such. That is, if the devs don't completely fuss it up like Arkham Knight. Even with exclusives, if you're patient they can come out later, like the recently released Final Fantasy IX PC port, and that one has higher resolution than the original. There's also emulation, but even emulators for last generation are still a long way away.
But I'm also biased because I really like speccing out and assembling computers.
So the question is, are there any games available for both PC and console where the console version is undoubtedly superior?
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[–] ChillyHellion 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago (edited ago)
I don't think this is going to win any console vs PC arguments, but the first thing that jumps to mind is Diablo 3. The console version launched without the real money auction house, and a lot of the improvements that later went into the PC version were thought up in the console version. Diablo 3 also has great support for both controller and split-screen multiplayer, with support for simultaneous online/local multiplayer.
Honestly I don't think exclusives or superior games are going to win the argument either way. PC wins out on hardware and any exclusives will be at the caprice of each developer and how thoroughly they support their platform. The biggest reasons to choose console over PC is if you have specific requirements like physical media support, your friends are all on one platform, or you really just want something that has absolute minimal hardware setup/customization.
There are games that are inherently better with a controller (fighting games, for example) but even that just depends on developer support on PC.
[–] Northvvait [S] 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
I think you hit on the right track, it's all networked so it depends on where his friends are. If no one is anywhere, then he can take his pick but PC is definitely the muscle in the crowd.
[–] ChillyHellion ago
That's the perfect way to put it :)