PC vs Console

I'm just curious how most of you feel about that long-standing debate? I admit - I prefer controllers for shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield. I also like the trophy systems. My PC recently got an upgrade, but I still feel like I still prefer using a console if I have the chance, even though the upside visually is maybe not as good (Skyrim on PC obviously nukes the console counterparts if your PC is beefy enough to jack the settings up), but I feel like there is something to be said for not having things like Windows updates breaking your WMV cinematics, or worrying about driver conflicts or resource allocation if you try to do two things at once.

So what about you? I fall into the console camp, but I know there are a lot of gamers who don't and I'm curious why. The most common 3 reasons I see is: graphics are/can be better, games tend to cost less and modding - all of which are legit reasons, just not compelling enough to change my personal stance.

I'm primarily a console gamer as well, but I can definitely see the appeal in going PC (mainly for the reasons you've already mentioned). I'm just more interested in things such as exclusive properties and the niche games you won't find anywhere near PC. If I had started gaming on the PC rather than a console though, I'm sure my tastes would have developed differently, especially since I'd have amassed quite a library and would likely feel compelled to keep investing in one very open system than multiple more restrictive ones.

By the way, don't services such as Steam have achievements now? I feel like I've unlocked several before but I play so little (no thanks to my aging laptop) that I'm probably not qualified to answer. I do know many games are compatible with game controllers or can be tweaked to become that way though. The Xbox 360 controller comes in handy for me when playing bullet-hell games and many seem to support it the second you plug it in. I'd say getting to choose the way you play is another asset of the PC.

Like both of you, I am mostly a console gamer, but there are certain genres that are just better on PC - strategy games especially.

For whatever reason the console market lacks for the REALLY deep strategy games, and so I have been so very glad to finally have a laptop back that lets me play stuff like Europa Universalis IV.

Also there's no RPG Maker on the consoles ;-)

Yes to RPG maker, Matt! It's a lot easier to import and use resources, but I'd love to see a creation tool like that for consoles as well where you could easily share your campaigns with others. Hell, I'd buy a keyboard just for that ('cause using a controller for all that text would suck). BTW, how's your RPG maker title coming along?

Midori - Yup, steam does have them, and I think they might (MIGHT - I haven't played much lately) have some sort of a related level system. In the past, achievements were isolated to games. I liked the aggregate achievement score of my 360 or the 'level' I attained on trophies in PS3. I know they have their new trading card system, and I've unlocked several but not really done anything with them yet.

They both have their place, but I find I enjoy games more on consoles than PCs. Maybe when more Japanese publishers start supporting PC gaming, I'd be more willing to try to get into it, but as it stands, I can't really convince myself to spend much time even with the PC games I do have.

Spoiler:

So a lot of my co-workers are gamers (we work at a software company, so I suppose I shouldn't be shocked) and most of them have consoles, but a few of the guys in my department have some serious PC rigs. I swear the one guy's PC is worth more than my 2010 car. He posted this to our team chat the other day randomly while talking about some new gear he wanted to grab. It made me chuckle, and seemed appropriate to this discussion. He is a *little* excited about the upcoming Steam Box stuff, despite not really needing one due to his ridiculous PC.