There is a growing number of PC gamers who are moving away from the complexity and problems of PC gaming and back to consoles. This trend is particularly noticeable among gamers who have used the PC as their preferred gaming platform for years, but are now enjoying the benefits of the PlayStation 5 and the PS5 Pro discover.
But why is this happening? Is the PC really no longer the undisputed number one gaming platform, or is it simply the growing frustration with the shortcomings of PC gaming? The latest example at Assassin's Creedwhich became unplayable due to a Windows update, gets to the heart of the problem. This has led to an extensive discussion on Reddit, from which we have filtered out the most important reasons.
The complexity of the PC - a constant nightmare
The world of PC gaming has its appeal, especially for gamers who are looking for absolute performance and customization. But the flip side of the coin is the constant technical problems that can challenge even the most experienced PC gamer. A Windows update, that makes playing impossibledriver problems that disrupt the enjoyment of the game and the constant hunt for higher FPS - all these problems can get on your nerves.
For many PC gamers, it is frustrating that even games that should run on the highest settings do not always perform optimally. A game like The Witcher 3which is now ten years old, can still be jerky on a high-end PC and often requires hours of adjusting the graphics settings. This is despite the fact that the PC should technically be able to display this game smoothly. This is where the great advantage of consoles comes into play: they offer an uncomplicated solution. Games are optimized for them and almost always run smoothly without the player having to deal with endless setting options and technical problems.
The hunt for perfection - Are you really getting happier?
Another common phenomenon among PC gamers is the quest for perfect performance. You constantly measure your FPS, look at benchmarks and keep finding out that the next graphics card or the latest CPU could offer even better performance. However, all these technical endeavors often lead to the fun of the game being lost. Instead of enjoying the game, you are more concerned with optimization and troubleshooting. An actually enthusiastic PC gamer reportedthat he always has the FPS counter in view when playing - even if he knows he could switch it off. The counter becomes a source of compulsion that spoils the enjoyment of the game.
Consoles offer a welcome change here. You simply choose a game, switch on the console and play. No constant adjustments, no performance worries. For many gamers, this is the real luxury. They simply want to immerse themselves in the world of the game without having to deal with technical details.
The convenience of the console - a real comfort
Another strong argument in favor of consoles like the PS5 Pro is convenience. Anyone who wants to relax on the couch after a long day at work will appreciate the fact that the console is immediately ready to play. The time otherwise spent troubleshooting and installing updates can now be invested directly in a gaming experience - at least in most cases. Huge game updates on PS5 can also get in the way here.
Many PC gamers report that they now prefer to play on the PS5 because they no longer have to deal with the constant switching between different launchers and software updates. Instead, they enjoy the ease of use of the console, which is essentially "turn on and go". Especially after a long day at work, it's a relief for many to just sit down on the couch and start the game without having to deal with drivers or compatibility issues beforehand.
The PS5 Pro: A powerful console that can "keep up" with high-end PCs
The PS5 Pro raised the bar for console gaming to a new level last year. Its powerful hardware specifications allow it to display games in 4K resolution with smooth frame rates at a fraction of the cost of a high-end PC. For many gamers who no longer want the technical challenges of a PC, the PS5 Pro has become an attractive alternative that is not only powerful, but also user-friendly and more affordable.
There are some PC games that naturally look better on the PC - like Alan Wake 2which, due to its graphical complexity, comes into its own on a PC with a powerful graphics card such as the RTX 4090. But for most games, the PS5 Pro's performance is perfectly adequate, especially if you play at a comfortable distance on a large TV. The differences in graphics are often not even noticeable from this distance.
The future of PC gaming: an uncertain outlook?
Many gamers who have switched to consoles in recent years are concerned about the future of PC gaming. The demands of the latest AAA titles are increasing rapidly, and the complexity of the PC build seems to be putting more and more people off. The PS5 and PS5 Pro offer a future where you don't have to worry about updates or hardware upgrades. You can rest assured that the console will always be ready for the next big game. Of course, there is also the staunchly opposed side who deliberately want to get to grips with it - as a kind of hobby. There's also no denying that many games for the PS5 don't even exist or are released much later and are often cheaper. But that's another discussion.
For many gamers, the decision to switch from a powerful PC to a console feels like a liberation. Instead of struggling with endless technical issues and tweaks, they can now enjoy the simplicity and convenience of a PS5 or PS5 Pro. The console makes it possible to concentrate fully on what is most important: gaming.