There has never been a better time to be a gamer. There are more games available and more ways to play them than at any point in history.
Want to shoot zombies on your morning commute? You’ll find thousands of mobile games that’ll let you take on the undead from your seat on the bus. Prefer an ultra-realistic car racing experience? Then a console or PC with a specially designed steering wheel and pedals will have you feeling like you’re actually out on a race track.
But whilst having all this choice brings with it many benefits, it does have one major drawback – you can be left with decision paralysis, not knowing which gaming platform is for you. Should you be a mobile gamer or would PC gaming be right for you? Here’s our simple guide on how to select your best option.
What Types of Games Do You Want to Play?
The types of games that you like to play (or would like to try) is a big factor to consider when choosing a gaming platform. This is because not all games are available on every device.
For example, if you want to play the latest AAA blockbusters as soon as they’re released then a console is likely your best bet. This is because games are generally developed for these first, with ports to PC coming shortly afterwards.
On the other hand, if you want to play card games like poker, then a PC or mobile device will be a better choice. This is because most online card rooms are only available through these platforms and they will also allow you to access resources like guides that make it easier to learn poker. Many of the largest brands, like PokerStars, offer this content as part of their marketing strategy as it helps to engage with people who are looking to try the game or take their playing to the next level.
Do You Want Customisability or Simplicity?
Some gamers like to tinker with their gaming machines and often get as much fun out of swapping out graphics cards and installing better cooling systems as they do from actually playing.
If having this granular level of control over your gaming experience sounds like your cup of tea, then a gaming PC is definitely the one for you.
In contrast, console gaming offers the easiest and simplest in-home experience. Simply unbox the device, plug it into your TV, and hit the power button. Of course, modern-day consoles will usually ask you to create an account first, but that’s still much simpler than designing a PC spec, assembling the parts, and then configuring the operating system to get the performance just how you want it.
Smartphones and tablets are also simple. Playing games on these platforms usually just involves downloading an app from your respective store and then tapping on it from the home screen. Again, you might be asked to sign in, but this is usually a painless process.
Where do you want to play?
Gaming in the early days required you to be in one spot, either standing next to a gaming cabinet in an arcade or sitting in front of your TV at home. Today, however, you have the freedom to game wherever you want.
The most portable platform of all is the smartphone, a device that fits in your pocket and can go almost anywhere with you on Earth.
However, even a gaming laptop is portable and capable of travelling with you to most places. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch is a console that can be converted to a handheld or portable tabletop device that lets you play games on the go.
A smartphone will give you access to a wide variety of titles on the go, but a laptop or Switch console will provide you with different options, including a selection of exclusive games.
Of course, you likely already own a smartphone, so you could get the best of both worlds and use your phone to game as well as any other device you purchase.
