PC gaming has grown since 2021. Market research from Epylion shows that PCs now account for over half of all non-mobile gaming sales. This is a change from two decades ago, when their share was just under 30%. In the same report, Epylion highlights the slowing of console sales.
Systems from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo haven’t come out as fast, and many gamers have switched to PCs with cross-platform capabilities. The sales figures reveal a change that can’t be overlooked. While consoles are still king in certain markets, PC gaming continues to pick up ground.
Better Control Means Better Play
One of the greatest strengths of PC gaming is its input. A mouse and keyboard system gives tighter aim, quicker commands, and greater control. This is true for a variety of genres. In first-person shooters, like Counter Strike 2, reaction time is crucial. On console, it can be slowed down by using thumbsticks. Faster cursor movement and the ability to assign keys to multiple actions are also beneficial to strategy games such as Age of Empires IV.
This kind of control is not only used in action or real-time games. It alters the ways in which players engage with video formats that are dependent on screen space and touch precision. Any genre that demands full control benefits from bigger displays, quicker inputs, and higher screen refresh rates. That includes casino-style formats that are now available on various platforms.
Some of these casino games are playable on mobile, but usually load with delays or downgraded graphics. On PC, the format fits better. Full-screen modes support cleaner visuals and steadier inputs, which is especially true for games like Plinko and the many Plinko variations that depend on vertical drops and timed responses.
Control is more important when even a slight lag can have an impact on the outcome. The software on PC helps to mitigate those limitations.
Longer Lifespan and Increased Accessibility
Game consoles age quickly. Most users have to wait several years before the next system. PCs don’t have this limit. They can be upgraded or changed without changing the entire system. PC machines are also backward compatible.
Earlier games are still playable, while newer console systems may not necessarily support earlier titles. Games like Half-Life 2 and The Witcher 2 play well on modern PCs. Older discs or downloads are no longer supported on consoles. This provides PCs with a definite advantage when it comes to long-term access.
Another reason is cross-platform play. The PC is the middle ground as more games move to shared servers. Players can play with friends on different systems while maintaining high frame rates and superior graphics.
Hardware That Grows With the Games
This is a major reason why some players choose to play on PC instead of consoles, as they are able to upgrade their machines as time goes by. Newer games require more memory and graphics power. A person can open their PC and change the better parts. That might mean upgrading from 16GB to 32GB of RAM, or upgrading to a faster SSD. These changes do not require complete system replacements and provide an advantage to the player in terms of performance.
PCs also come equipped with more powerful graphics cards than most consoles. This is to assist games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield to run and look better. Resolution can be increased by players while maintaining high frame rates. That’s more difficult on console, where once the hardware is established, it can’t be changed.
Another element of this is cooling. PCs can run additional fans and can have better airflow. Long play sessions don’t cause overheating as easily.
This helps to stabilize the system under heavy graphics loads. They create machines that are customized for the games that they play rather than using a single machine that has been designed for everyone.
Game Libraries Keep Expanding
PCs have the capacity to store huge libraries of games. Platforms like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store publish thousands of titles every year. Some of these are exclusive or never reach consoles. For instance, highly strategy-based games like Crusader Kings III or simulation-based games like RimWorld are often released only on PC.
They are best played on a keyboard and mouse system and are designed for systems that support mod support and file modifications. PC is also more suitable for testing indie games. No need to follow strict console guidelines or get approval through a long process.
They can launch titles faster and get real-time feedback. Games like Valheim and Dwarf Fortress developed their audience this way. On top of that, PCs let players return to games from the past.
The older RPG games like Fallout 2 or Planescape: Torment are still available for download. Unfortunately, except for a remake, these features have been inaccessible to console users. PC always has the original versions around and updated by patches or mods.
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