• Jiggle_Physics@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Consoles are actually not priced to make a profit, they sell at a loss. They do this because they have a premium on games, and games exclusive to them. On top of this they charge for a variety of services, things that are free for similar games on PC.

    PCs’ cost is up front. The cost of a console continues fore the life time of that console. If you have a PS5 for the average cycle to produce a newer version, you will have paid 800 dollars just for the ability to play their games online. That makes it $1500 dollars at this point. This isn’t even including all the other little costs, and average of higher prices for games, the premium price on their devices/accessories, or the cost of the TV, etc.

    On top of this you can’t also use your PS5 to work, like you can with a PC, or anything, really, other than gaming, and a select number of things, that you will be able to do with the things you need to have for the console, like a TV.

    • TheRealKuni@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Thanks! I’m aware of all of that. I don’t need to be convinced that a PC is worth it, I’m just out of my comfort zone.

      I was asking because the title was “I could make a great PC for that” and, like I said, I’m planning on building a PC. My usual instinct of “just get the more powerful one” will quickly lead me to financial ruin in the PC world. 😅

      • Jiggle_Physics@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        I mean, I have a PC that is roughly the same specs, while still being in the general price ballpark. I waited for specials, took advantage of vendor specific price reductions (such as company specific credit card discounts when I had the money to pay outright), bought a couple things second hand, bought two things that were ope box (returned but nothing wrong), and I already had a decent monitor. This, as you probably can tell, was a pain in the ass, but I have a PC that is a little more powerful, with a lot more storage, for just shy of 900 USD, after taxes. So not bad. However I don’t expect normal people to go through that, I kinda enjoy the process.

        But the only way to really compare the two is in a holistic manner. Without including the costs of using the console, through its life, it just isn’t a fair comparison.

        • TheRealKuni@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          But the only way to really compare the two is in a holistic manner. Without including the costs of using the console, through its life, it just isn’t a fair comparison.

          I totally agree. Part of the reason I’ve not made the leap yet is that gaming has become less and less important of a part of my life, and that initial cost has been enough to dissuade me generally speaking. Also if I’m being honest I really like the “plop down on the couch and use a controller” console experience. But I’m realizing more and more that I just need to bite the bullet and I’ll appreciate it in the long run.

          • Jiggle_Physics@lemmy.world
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            2 months ago

            I don’t know what your living space is like, but I have an HDMI cable running from my PC to my TV, and some wireless controllers, for when I feel like sinking into my recliner and just playing.