The argument of console vs PC has been raging since the dawn of time. Well, maybe not quite that long, but when it comes to the gaming world, it really is a tale as old as time. I always used to be the one arguing that console was every bit as good as PC – until I bought a gaming PC that is. Now, I think I finally see what everyone was talking about. And so, I’m here to help other console-evangelists make the switch to PC gaming, so you can see the light too.
Buying Your First Gaming PC
Buying your first gaming PC can be a daunting task. There are a lot of components to think about, and not all of them work together. And if, like me, you’re not necessarily technically minded, then it all just looks like a lot of confusing jargon. So, you have a few options – you can try and build one yourself, buying each component separately, you can buy a fully pre-built PC right off the shelf, or you can order a custom PC and have an expert put it together for you.
While buying prebuilt may seem like the easiest option, you’ll end up paying more for lower-powered parts. I wouldn’t recommend building one yourself if you have no real PC building knowledge though. So, you’re left with ordering a custom PC of your own. This is what I did, and it meant I could have the specs I wanted, at a good price, without worrying about how to put it all together.
A lot of sites that offer these custom PC builds also have advice on what components you should go for depending on the games you play, or how you plan on using it. For example, if you want to stream some AAA gameplay, then you’re going to need a more powerful machine than if you just want to play some Valorant. For reference, here are some general price points for different kinds of builds:
- Basic Gaming PC: £500 – 750
- Streaming PC: £1000 – 1500
- High-End Gaming PC: £1000 – 2000
- Top of the range, crazy specs: £2500+
For most people buying their first gaming PC, you probably don’t want to spend upwards of £1500 unless you’re planning on some serious gameplay and streaming. The best thing about PC gaming is you can always upgrade to higher specs if you need to. So, it’s better to start off with something low-mid range and work from there.
Game Selection
As someone who loves both console and PC gaming, one of the best investments I’ve made is buying the Xbox Game Pass. With this, I have a huge library of games that I can enjoy both on my Xbox and on my PC. If you’re brand new to PC gaming, this is a great way to get lots of games quickly and cheaply.
Outside of this, the main stores used for PC games are Steam and the Epic Games Store. Whatever game you’re looking for, chances are it’s on one of these stores. The Epic Games Store also gives out free games quite regularly, so it’s worth making an account.
And, of course, a lot of the most popular PC games are free to play anyway. Titles like Valorant, Fortnite, and CS:GO are all completely free, so you can play to your heart’s content.
Keyboard & Mouse vs Controller
Of course, the biggest difference between console and PC gaming is the controls – but it doesn’t have to be. You can easily connect your Xbox or PlayStation controller to your PC to use in your favourite games. Although, trust us, you probably don’t need to. Using a keyboard and mouse is so much easier than a controller – especially when it comes to FPS games. You’ll soon find just how much easier it is to aim using a mouse than a joystick when you make the switch.
Are you ready to make the switch? Make sure to head over to the Command Discord if you need teammates for those sweet PC gaming wins, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more gaming content!