PC and console gamers have been at each other's throats since the '80s, and the battle doesn't look like it'll end anytime soon. In one corner: fans of an expensive, multipurpose machine that allows unprecedented customization — if you've got time and expertise. In the other corner: advocates of a cheaper box with high-end exclusive games that does just one thing, and may not do it for all that many years. Let us choose wisely.
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You can play games with better graphics than consoles — if you have a powerful gaming PC.
Xbox One graphics (left) versus PC graphics (right) on "The Witcher 3."Digital Foundry
This is one of the main arguments in favor of PC gaming, as the hardware inside a gaming PC can far outperform the parts in a console like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4. As a result, games on PC can play with graphics settings set to higher levels, as well as play at higher, smoother frame rates, than that on a console.
With that said, gaming PCs that outperform consoles can come at a high price. A great gaming PC for 1080p resolution screens — the same resolution that the PlayStation 4, original Xbox One, and Xbox One S — can cost anywhere north of $500. Compared to the $250 price tag of those aforementioned consoles, a gaming PC suddenly doesn't seem so tempting.
But, again, better graphics and smoother gameplay are available, if you're willing to pay. And, at the same time, you save money in the long run when you play on PC, as you'll see next.
The Steam game platform.
Valve Software
Steam is a place to buy, play, discuss, and learn about games on the internet. It works differently from other websites in that it requires you to download the Steam "engine" to run the games. Once you install the engine and create an account, you can play free games, chat with other users, play multiplayer, join forums, learn about new games, play demos, and even create games for others in the site's Workshop section -- all for free. Most popular games require an additional download -- and they often cost money.
While sites such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming are popular places to watch others play games, Steam is mainly about playing your favorite games against others, including friends you know from real life. Kids who have Steam accounts regularly exchange Steam "handles" so they can meet up online. Here's more you need to know about Steam:
Steam is a social gaming network. Game networks are what gamers hook into to play. There are many game networks, but Steam is popular because it supports different devices and platforms and offers a large collection. Some game networks -- for example, Sony's PlayStation network -- will only run its own games (or a very limited number of non-Sony games).
Valve Software
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