When it comes to playing computer games, there are essentially two choices – play on a computer, or play on a games console. Which is better?
The answer is easy, and is the usual answer to IT-related questions. “It depends”. Certainly, there is the issue of cost, particularly if you already have a reasonably up-to-date personal computer, but you may well find that it is cheaper in the long run to get a dedicated games console such as a Sony's PS/2 or Microsoft's Xbox.
Generally, the games themselves are available for any of the hardware choices above. In the past, there used to be exclusive agreements that meant a particular game was only available in a particular format (say, for the PS/2) which encouraged sales of the associated platform (ie. the hardware). These days, games are often released to suit all devices, although there may be a delay to give one platform a temporary advantage.
To play state-of-the-art computer games on a personal computer does require above-average components. In particular, the graphics or video component will need to be quite good in order to display not just the quality of image that is necessary but also the smoothness of movement. It is possible to spend upwards of Vt60,000 just on a graphics card for top-of-the-range stuff! But even for 'standard' gaming graphics, you will need to Vt10,000 plus worth of component, either included with your computer purchase or as an upgrade to your existing computer.
Personal computers also need plenty of disk-space, an up-to-date operating system with current patches and fixes, and it is usually necessary to switch off background processes that will interrupt or slow down gaming performance, such as email software, anti-virus software, and firewall software. This makes it a bit inconvenient.
On the other hand, a gaming console is a dedicated unit built for one thing – playing games. Actually, more and more is being built in now, such as DVD playing capability, internet surfing, and others. But for about half the price of a mid-range computer, you get something that you just switch on and use, and (this is particularly of benefit to families!) you can easily relocate to another room or let someone play on it while continuing to use the computer for email, surfing, typing etc. And your computer can be a cheapie low-performance unit that does not need expensive upgrades or components.
Which option you choose, PC or console, depends on how much you are willing to spend on a computer (and how much you know about what to order), what it's main use is, who will be playing games and how often, and where you want the game playing done.
