If you want to create a heated discussion, find a group of gamers and ask them if consoles are better than PCs. Both sides will have tons of arguments, but some of them are often proven faulty. The truth is, consoles are more popular than ever, as every generation sells hundreds of million units. So, why are they irresistible to many? Here are the top ten reasons why gaming on consoles is better than on the PC! Oh, and check our Top 10 Reasons Why PC Is Better Than Consoles list for a complete picture.

10. Playing on Consoles Is More Comfortable

Yes, thanks to the HDMI standard, it's possible to connect your PC to that colossal TV in your living room and play your favorite rally, action, or sports games. But, for a large percentage of users, that's too much of a hassle. It's not only that you need to move your computer, but you also have to think about connecting it to the internet. Maybe you'll even need to buy a wireless card/USB dongle and a better router.

Also, playing with a mouse and keyboard from the sofa is practically impossible. Even if you are controlling PC games using a gamepad, you'll still need a mouse and a keyboard (preferably wireless) to navigate the operating system. While we've connected PCs to our living room gaming TV numerous times, it will never be a comfortable solution.

9. Better Couch Multiplayer

Let's say that you're willing to move your PC to the living room once your friends arrive for the local multiplayer games. While there are plenty of games supporting couch play, sometimes it's exclusive to console versions.

The list of multiplatform games supporting split-screen only on consoles is pretty long, even though things are looking better for PC users in the last couple of years. Yet, due to the technical limitations of platforms such as Games for Windows or Steam, consoles remain a better choice for local multiplayer.

8. Larger Player Pool

Of course, you'll have no trouble finding people to play Overwatch, DotA, LoL, or Fortnite on PC, but what if you dig deeper? Console versions of multiplatform games are usually selling much better, so it's easier to find opponents and teammates. 

If you like Electronic Arts' FIFA series, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, or even more obscure titles, you will have a much better multiplayer experience on consoles. The wait time is much shorter, so you'll spend more time playing.

7. Console Games Are Better Optimized

The uniformity of console hardware means that developers can use every ounce of power available. Unlike on PC, they don't have to think about optimizing games for tons of different components. The truth is, they don't do it anyway! PC games are sacrificing performances for maximum compatibility, as detailed optimization would delay the release. 

Plus, powerful consoles such as Xbox Series X don't have tons of resource hogs working in the background. Even though they all have an operating system, they are fully optimized for gaming. That's impossible on PC because gaming is only a portion of what a computer does. Of course, there are deviations to the rule - Cyberpunk 2077, anyone?

6. Games Won't Work on Every PC

When you play games on PC, there is always a chance that something will go wrong. Maybe the game doesn't support your operating system, or the newest version of GPU drivers are making a mess. In the worst-case scenario, you might have a unique problem that can't be easily solved. 

Maybe your RAM is faulty, or your controller is not compatible with the game, even though it should be. One time, we couldn't start the game at all until we figured out that it doesn't work if two controllers are connected to our PC! Some developers obviously still think that PC gamers don't have multiple gamepads. While even PS5 has some issues, they can't compare to all the bad things happening to PC gamers.

5. Consoles Have Longer Life Span

In theory, the PC is timeless. Some members of our topten.fun team have never sold it but upgraded it for decades to always stay relevant. But, what if you decide to buy a reasonably powerful PC the same day when the next generation of consoles? After a couple of years or so, you'll need to upgrade to play new games at higher graphics settings.

However, the same console hardware stays relevant for at least five to six years, or even a decade, like the Xbox 360 or PS3. It's highly doubtful that your 2013 PC could run 2020 PS4 games such as The Last of Us Part 2 or the Ghost of Tsushima. Even if you've spent thousands of dollars building a new PC in 2013, you would still need to upgrade it multiple times by now. It's even worse with laptop PCs or Steam Deck, as you can't upgrade them significantly.

4. Gaming on Consoles Is Much Cheaper

To build a PC with roughly the same power as the new generation of consoles, you would need to pay at least two or three times more. That was always the case, and even though consoles like PS5 are now basically a customized PC, things haven't changed a bit. This happens because console makers aren't trying to make money on hardware.

Maybe you'll be shocked to know that Microsoft and Sony lose tens of millions of dollars as they sell consoles underpriced. Nintendo is the only manufacturer that profits this way, but only slightly. So, why are they doing this? Because they want to establish the user base as quickly as possible! Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony receive at least 40% revenue on any games sold for their systems. And still, triple-A costs the same as on PC. Of course, you'll need the right TV for your console, but they are very affordable now.

3. No Setup Necessary

You have the latest and the greatest PC hardware? Lucky you, as you can crank up the settings knowing that the gameplay will be smooth. However, for at least 99% of PC gamers, that isn't the case. That's why it may take hours to find out the best balance between performance and graphics quality. Some people enjoy this tweaking more than gaming, but again, they are only a vocal minority. 

Recently, consoles offer graphics customization in some games, but it's all about choosing between a higher resolution or 60/120 fps performance. On PC, some of the options are hard to understand, even for experienced gamers.

2. You Can't Sell Your PC Games

So, you have a Steam account with games worth thousands of dollars? While yes, they are in theory yours to keep forever, you don't really own them. Don't believe us? Well, you probably have tons of games you've finished playing, and you don't need them. Wouldn't it be great if you could sell them, even for a few bucks? Maybe you would like to give them to some poor kid who can't afford those games? No, Steam won't let you do this, nor will Uplay, Epic Games Store, or Microsoft Store. Some of these services won't even let you play your games until you are online!

Although the digital distribution of games is now prevalent on consoles, they all still support physical copies. Even when you install and activate them, you can always sell them. Of course, you'll also save tons of money by buying used games.

1. Console Exclusive Games

There's no doubt that there are many PC games that will never be released on consoles. The trouble is, there are no triple AAA games among them. Or double AA games. Almost every PC exclusive title, and the biggest indie games, receive a port on consoles. Developers and publishers are highly motivated to get their game to hundreds of millions of console players.

While some console-exclusive games eventually come to PC, you may have to wait for years. However, many of them will still skip Windows, especially PlayStation exclusives. Don't wait for the PC editions of Gran Turismo, Ghosts of Tsushima, Ratchet & Clank, etc.

As our top ten list implies, consoles are here to stay, and even if you are a passionate PC player, you might consider buying them at least for exclusives and the comfort of play. We genuinely believe that to call yourself a complete gamer, you have to embrace both platforms and enjoy diversity.

Do you primarily play on PC or consoles? What gaming systems do you have in your collection? Discuss it in our comments section.

Cover photo: Personal archive