Why Games Consoles Are Successful

Games consoles are undoubtedly the most popular platforms for video games. The computer game industry is one that was born on the PC but has now migrated to the masses and their XBox 360s and Playstation 3s. The reasons for this are manifold and some of the advantages of consoles over PCs are huge. While PCs retain a sector of the market and remain strong in a few genres it is without question the era of the games console.

The most obvious advantage of a console, and probably the single biggest factor leading to their success, is the ease of use. To play a game on a console all you need to do is just put the game in the machine and turn it on. Installing a game on a PC can be a long and painful process as you make sure your hardware is up to the task, install drivers, clear hard disk space, patch the game, fix bugs and go through extensive copy protection. Playing games on a console is a painless experience, and it can often be far from easy on a PC.

Longevity is another factor behind console success. A few hundred pounds investment at the start of a console's life will get you a guaranteed lifetime until the next generation. The Playstation 2 is still going after nine years, suddenly the initial 300 pound purchase looks cheap compared to the cost of keeping a PC upgraded over the same period.

A console will always be able to play the latest games, while PCs will need constant enhancements. New graphics cards alone will be more expensive than a new console, and you'll also need the expertise in order to fit the part, something that most people lack.

A good multiplayer console game can be enjoyed in the living room with friends. Multiplayer PC games are played alone over the Internet. While PCs will always give you a wider amount of people to interact with you're always connected remotely. A games console can generate a genuine social environment and with the Nintendo Wii proving popular it is certainly something that games developers haven't missed out on.

The advent of online gaming for consoles will soon rule out any Internet advantage that PCs have as consoles move towards being a central entertainment device for the home.

For the majority of people consoles are easier to play games on, the controllers are ergonomically designed and easy to use. Many people find a keyboard and mouse too fiddly and certainly for many games they are inferior, only really retaining an advantage in FPS and RTS. The simplicity of design and ease of use is a major factor in console success.

Probably the second main advantage after ease of use is the games that are released for consoles. Most high budget blockbuster games see their first release on a console followed by a bug-filled rerelease on PC some months later. Because consoles have a higher gamer userbase developers will spend more money making games for the wider audience.

As consoles integrate movies and web browsing into their functions they will most likely phase out the PC as an entertainment device. Because of this more developer time and money will go into console games, making them clearly superior. It's never been a better time to own a games console, and the next generation looks set to take over all digital entertainment in the home.

Article Source: http://www.dummiesguideto.com

Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Gatwick parking, Gatwick parking and Gatwick hotels.

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