PC is a better option than consoles

Since pro has forfeited his round, I guess I"ll have to start with some expanded definitions. PC: A computer is "personal" when it is sized and priced for general individual use. Broadly, it consists of a CPU, memory, storage, video output, and keyboard/mouse input. Beyond that, there is no standard for what hardware and software must be included in a PC. With the exception of specific models built by companies like Dell or HP, each PC has the potential to be unique with regard to hardware and software configuration. Console: A gaming console is a computer built specifically for the purpose of enjoying interactive entertainment software (games). With the exception of specific revisions, consoles are produced with standardized hardware and software as specified by the manufacturer. Under this definition, iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as Samsung"s Galaxy line of mobile devices, are considered to be "consoles." Other consoles include handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS and Sony PlayStation Vita, as well as set-top consoles like the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii-U. Since my opponent is ostensibly arguing that PCs are better than consoles, I will accept the burden of proof in arguing that consoles are at least as good, if not better than PCs. When considering which is better, there are two perspectives to consider: users (players) of course, and game developers. I will show that consoles are better in almost all respects for both groups. There are several aspects to consider with regard to player enjoyment: convenience, value, and variety. If this was a debate happening 10 years ago, PC would be much more competitive. But now, in each of these categories, consoles are tied in some respects and the clear winner in all others. Convenience This is where PC would have had the advantage in the past. A year after Valve launched Steam, and other digital distribution vendors started cropping up, downloading started to become the primary delivery for computer games and it was all but an afterthought on consoles. Now, though, every single console has a digital store. So, in this regard, the two are tied. Where consoles definitely have the edge is in the convenience of portability. There simply is no PC equivalent to the 3DS, Vita, or iPhone/iPod Touch. You can keep these devices in your pocket and get them out anytime you need some entertainment. You can't do that with a laptop. Lastly, as far as convenience is concerned, there's the simple fact that a game released to consoles is guaranteed to work. There are no hassles with incompatible hardware for consoles. You bought the latest PC game? Your video card may not be adequate. Maybe you're going to see some performance issues because you just barely meet the minimum memory or CPU requirements. You bought the latest PS4 game? It"s going to run on your PS4, no upgrades necessary. PC just can't compete on this issue. Value Steam definitely puts up a good fight for PC in this regard. With their seasonal sales, it's easy to pick up major games for as little as $0.99. But the mobile console space destroys any advantage Steam might provide. Almost every game that comes out for both PC and iOS is 50% cheaper or better for mobile. Furthermore, ad-supported games are becoming so common on mobile platforms that it"s possible to play high quality games for free and just donating a little time to seeing a commercial once in a while. That model isn't even conceived of on PC. Also to consider with value is hardware. The typical console lifecycle is 10 years. During that time, probably 7 of those years are at the top of the generation (i.e. PS3 released in 2006, PS4 released in 2013). To build a PC that is compatible with everything that comes out for the next 7 years, you"d have to spend at least $1500 to get the high-mid range for the major components. Buying all of the major consoles on launch day, the cost is comparable (thought a little higher). PS4-$400, Xbox One-$500, 3DS-$250, Wii-U-$300, Vita-$250, and iPod Touch-$200. Total: $1900. However, PC hardware depreciates at a much greater rate than console hardware, and that means you're more likely to toss your old PC hardware than sell. In the meantime, consoles can typically be traded in for 30% of their value towards new hardware. That means the $1900 cost drops to less than $1400. Variety This is where consoles really shine. Between mobile, handheld, and set-top, consoles crush PC in terms of variety of games. Almost every indie title that comes to PC also comes to mobile, while mobile gets many titles that simply don't come out for PC. Similarly, the majority of blockbuster PC games either are ported to or where ported from consoles. Conversely, many titles on consoles don"t make the jump to PC. The reality as that PCs simply don"t have the games line-up that consoles do. So that;s why consoles are better for players. But what about developers? For them, the benefits aren't as numerous, but that doesn't mean they"re any less significant. Consoles provide a consistent platform with a huge install base that make games a much less risky business for devs. Furthermore, console manufacturers are out competing for top notch games. There"s no equivalent in the PC market. Happy developers make good games. They take risks on new genres. And, tying back into benefits for players, console manufacturers actually have some leverage over developers who might look to make a broken game and try to get some quick cash from the player base before anyone notices. On PC, Steam is the only company in a position to do something similar, and their record on it is atrocious. I know it"s tempting to say that PCs are better than consoles. They certainly have some superficial benefits. But when it comes to what really matters in terms of games, consoles are simply better.