2020 is shaping up to be a landmark year for gamers, despite the COVID crisis. After eight long years, new consoles are being released, marking a transition to the “next generation” of video gaming. You can expect a massive leap in terms of graphics, realism, and detail in modern games.
For the vast majority of gamers in the past, the prime dilemma is this – gaming PC or gaming console? Many video gamers don’t even consider mobile gaming in the same league as PC or consoles. Regardless, the rise of mobile gaming in recent years is undeniable.
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The Growing Profile of Mobile Gaming
When Microsoft recently bought video game publisher Zenimax, they had to shell out a cool $7.5 billion. But that is still only the second-largest acquisition in gaming – the top spot goes to Tencent acquisition of Supercell, a mobile game developer, for $8.6 billion!
Fallout is one of Zenimax’s top titles
Millions of players across the world spend billions of dollars on their favorite mobile games each year. With the rise of competitive esports titles like PUBG, Clash Royale, League of Legends, and Free Fire, mobile gaming is growing faster than any other platform in video gaming.
Gone are the days when gaming was just a side activity available on a mobile phone. These days, manufacturers are releasing specially designed gaming phones, packed with high-end hardware and control options.
Many popular video games these days launch with a mobile version also in the anvil. This is especially true for sports and multiplayer battle royale games like Fifa, Madden, Fortnite, and Battlefield.
So we are reaching a point where gaming phone vs. gaming PC is becoming a legitimate question, at least in the minds of some folks. Here are the many ways in each of which each platform stacks up against the other.
Gaming PC is a Lasting Option for Work and Play
In terms of raw power and graphics potential, a gaming PC has no equal. The next-gen consoles offer 4K gaming at a lower price, but at the cost of several features. You can upgrade a PC with better parts over time, to constantly improve its gaming prowess.
Besides, a PC is a very versatile device that can do double duty as a workstation or entertainment system. In the days of COVID and work from home, this is a massive reason to spend some good money on a gaming PC.
In terms of available games, PC has some advantages over both consoles and mobile. It still has the largest selection of titles. And some genres like strategy and FPS simply work better on PCs with a mouse and keyboard controls.
But PCs are Expensive and Lack Mobility
You can build PCs for gaming at any budget, going as low as a few hundred bucks if you are willing to look at the used market for parts. But if you want high-end performance similar to a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you will end up spending north of a thousand dollars or more.
And if you travel a lot, PC is not a very good option for your gaming fix. It is a heavy piece of fragile machinery that has to stay on a desk inside your home. Gaming laptops sacrifice a lot of power for mobility and are not a good option unless you really want to play PC games on the go.
Gaming Phones are Stylish and Powerful
Gaming phones from brands like Asus ROG and Razer combine high-end hardware with RGB lighting, sharp edgy designs, and a lot of cool accessories. The result is a decadent mix of gaming power and “bling” – these phones seem to scream – “look, I am a gamer!’
Nothing can beat the looks of a custom build
If you want a mobile device capable of offering the best gaming performance, with superb 120hz screens, a gaming phone will do that with ease. It will also grab a lot of attention when you are out and about. That’s a plus if you like flaunting stuff!
A gaming phone makes sense if you are heavily into pro-level competitive gaming. Mobile esports is growing in popularity across the globe. If you have the skills and moves, a gaming phone could give you a much-needed edge.
And the biggest advantage of a gaming phone is the portability – you can play high-end games anywhere with these devices. Be it in the office, or inside a cab or metro, or anywhere else when you feel like a short gaming session, a gaming phone gives you the freedom to play.
But they are Expensive, with Cheaper Alternatives
Just like high-end gaming PCs, the top gaming phones are also quite expensive. Thanks to flagship-level hardware and other optimizations (plus the design elements) these phones often cost close to a thousand dollars or more. If you are not too keen about pro-level mobile esports, you can probably find better value elsewhere.
After all, most high-end mobile phones these days have the processor and GPU to handle mobile gaming. As for simpler mobile arcade games and casino slots, they can be played online for free even on budget Android phones and older iPhones.
And if mobility is all you need, a Nintendo Switch is a fantastic option with many popular games. Then there is the current trend towards cloud gaming – Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are all launching services that allow you to play high-end video games on any mobile using the internet.
Choose Wisely According to Preference
PC gaming and mobile gaming are two separate spheres for the most part. Your choice of a gaming device will depend on your lifestyle and where you expect to do most of your gaming. If you are always on the move or don’t get to spend too much time at home to play, a gaming phone is an excellent option if you have the budget for it. Otherwise, a gaming PC is probably a more flexible, versatile investment.
