Home Gaming There will be no console war!

There will be no console war!

3 min read
95

Microsoft vs Sony vs Nintendo.  Console vs. mobile. Hardcore vs. casual.  PC vs. console.  Am I missing any?

If you follow all the hype around the new consoles, apparently Nintendo is dying and Sony will beat out Microsoft depending on the DRM requirements.  Yeah, sure, I understand where this is going.  We have to compare, say something is better than another and all that.  But isn’t it sort of a waste of time?

Looking at the current generation, I had two consoles, a handheld device, a computer, a tablet and a mobile phone.  Yes, I know that I’m yuppie scum, but am I really that abnormal?  Most people I know (gamers and non-gamers alike) have at least a computer, phone and tablet, plus a console.  That’s four platforms for gaming, and they are all used for gaming to at least some degree.  Then we have hard core gamers, who will definitely buy at least one console – but probably two!

Sure, there is a battle between Microsoft and Sony, but isn’t there already brand loyalty?  The gamer who has been using the PS3 will most likely buy a PS4 – maybe due to the exclusive releases, or familiarity with the remote, or simply loyalty to PS.  The same goes for the Xbox.  As a wide sweeping generalization (and yes, I know I’m going to get flak for this), PS is for those who are more interested in RPGs and Action/Adventure genres while Xbox is for FPS players – just look at the exclusive releases.

And then there’s Nintendo.  Most people I know have a Wii – whether they like gaming or not.  What is to say it will be any different with the Wii U?  It may not be the ‘main’ console in the house, but I’d wager that most gamers will end up with one, if only to play a few titles a year.  It has unique features and certain games will simply be better on it – plus ZombieU 2 is coming, as it Wii Fit U.

Then there is the issue of mobile gaming.  People keep saying mobile gaming will kill PC gaming, or is it the other way around?  Just like handheld devices are separate from consoles, mobile games are simply a new platform for different types of games.  No one would sit and play angry birds on their next-gen console, and I doubt any phone or tablet could run a full-length RPG.  As long as there have been phones, people have played games on them – I certainly killed hours on my original Nokia playing snake.  This isn’t a new concept – it’s been around for a while and it isn’t going anywhere.  Bigger and better games may come to mobile devices, but the same is true of consoles and PCs.

Which brings me to the humble computer.  No matter how great consoles get, there will always be the PC gamer.  In fact, the feud between PC and console gamers is far older and way more bitter than the feud between consoles.  But you know what, both are still going strong.  Some games are simply more enjoyable on the computer – and easier to distribute.  Some people’s lives are configured in such a way that they can only play games on consoles.

 

Despite numerous feuds, the industry keeps going.  Like the battle between Coke and Pepsi, or Apple and Microsoft, or McDonalds and Burger King (which Burger King is totally gonna win in South Africa) – the battle is both inevitable and inconsequential.  Plenty of people are going to buy consoles, most likely more than one.  They will also still use computers, tablets and mobile phones.  Like the Cold War, there won’t really be any battle, and in the end, consumerism will win.

Last Updated: May 15, 2013

95 Comments

  1. umar bastra

    May 15, 2013 at 13:08

    I for one just like to play games …. got two handhelds,phone,tablet and both consoles(not wii),pc and my favorite gaming system is the ps2 which I still play on. I find the feuds non nonsensical .. PC will always dominate in raw power. forever and ever, people should just accept it. But you can’t play The Last of Us on PC now can you. I just hope next Gen that people will calm the F*** down and just play the damn games

    Reply

  2. CODDAMIT

    May 15, 2013 at 13:08

    I agree, there won’t be a console war, because there is already a winner in the console league. I say console league because PC has always been in their own league. Plus Zoe just basically called XBOX gamers COD players bwahahaha.

    If I was still part of the competition I would have broken right here.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

      May 15, 2013 at 13:20

      Hehehe

      Reply

    • Lourens Jordaan

      May 15, 2013 at 13:28

      I object!!! XBOX for FPS is total bull. COD on XBOX and PS sucks equally.

      Reply

      • CODDAMIT

        May 15, 2013 at 13:39

        Yes!

        Reply

      • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

        May 15, 2013 at 13:40

        Ok, OUT you go!

        Better luck next week 🙂

        Reply

        • CODDAMIT

          May 15, 2013 at 13:46

          Bwahaha three already in one article. Send Zoe a cup cake.

          Reply

          • Rince an repeat

            May 15, 2013 at 13:50

            Zoe is good, temptress!

        • Lourens Jordaan

          May 15, 2013 at 14:31

          In my defence, I did not say COD sucks, I did however compare the two consoles and summarized that COD sucks equally on both consoles. The point being that however much COD sucks on one (be it a lot or none at all), it sucks to the same extent on the other.

          The funny thing actually is that I quite enjoyed playing the modern warfare series. It was only Black ops 2 that left bitter bile in my mouth. I believe in free choice. If you want to waste your money on an XFOX, go ahead. I’m getting a PS4. AND I’m gonna play FPSsesssess on that bitch! Killzone! YEEEEAEAAAAAH!!!!

          Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        May 15, 2013 at 14:00

        Another one bites the dust lol

        Reply

      • Illuchne Mancera

        May 15, 2013 at 14:05

        Obviously you haven’t played and enjoyed Borderlands 1 and 2 on Xbox 😛

        Reply

  3. Lord Chaos

    May 15, 2013 at 13:13

    With you on this. Have both consoles (PS and Xbox), smartphone tablet and monster PC.
    Only complaint I have is the PS still gives me nintendo hand whereas the xbox fits like a glove.
    But that’s just me being used to the xbox controller.

    Reply

  4. GTO

    May 15, 2013 at 13:16

    I shall not be buying any consoles this generation (Probably). There just aren’t enough top class games coming out that I enjoy to justify buying a dedicated piece of gaming equipment. Most of the games will be avaliable on PC which I need for work.

    Spec Ops: The Line, The Walking Dead, thats about all that I can think of recently that I really enjoyed. Buying dedicated equipment enjoyed. But I played both of those on the PC. The only Games I will miss is Quantic Dreams games, I loved Heavy Rain but I am not going a console for one game every couple years.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

      May 15, 2013 at 13:20

      SpecOps and TWD were bloody awesome

      Reply

  5. Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

    May 15, 2013 at 13:20

    TBH that specific Lenovo PC won’t beat the console :

    Reply

  6. Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

    May 15, 2013 at 13:22

    I have a dream. A dream where all are equal. A dream where all can play together. A dream of no fanboiism. A dream of peace.

    And I am holding onto that dream, good games for all!

    Reply

  7. Matewis Jubilai

    May 15, 2013 at 13:23

    Let me fix the last image for you

    Reply

    • ElimiNathan

      May 15, 2013 at 13:30

      Wow the consoles graphics are super realistic compared to the PC’s 2D animated graphics 😀

      Reply

      • CODDAMIT

        May 15, 2013 at 13:31

        Bwahaha!

        Reply

      • GTO

        May 15, 2013 at 13:32

        Resolution kind of sucks though 🙁

        Reply

      • Slade Boender

        May 15, 2013 at 13:35

        I lol’d proper

        Reply

      • Matewis Jubilai

        May 15, 2013 at 13:39

        lol touche

        Reply

        • CODDAMIT

          May 15, 2013 at 13:45

          You already failed this argument with your first post. Damaged has been done. Nice try though 🙂

          Reply

      • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

        May 15, 2013 at 13:41

        OUT of competition for this week. Thank you for playing

        Reply

        • ElimiNathan

          May 15, 2013 at 13:50

          hahahaha 🙁

          Reply

          • CODDAMIT

            May 15, 2013 at 13:52

            Don’t feel bad, it’s very hard not to troll and I fell out early

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 15, 2013 at 14:00

            In fairness, you fell out just by having that name 😛

          • CODDAMIT

            May 15, 2013 at 14:15

            But next week my name can’t be judged?

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 15, 2013 at 14:17

            Next week I’ve got a groovy achievement, that will drive Geoff up the walls 🙂

            So no, won’t be judged!

          • Trevor Davies

            May 15, 2013 at 14:31

            Is it no trolling Darryn week? lol

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 15, 2013 at 14:32

            Nope, that won’t drive him up the walls, no, no.

            This is MUCH more intense 🙂

          • CODDAMIT

            May 15, 2013 at 14:49

            Were trolling Geoff?

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:07

            I fell out early too… and I’m with @Erwin_Kempff:disqus on your name

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 15, 2013 at 14:22

            Yeah, you were second.

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:26

            Terrible hey?

          • Rainman

            May 15, 2013 at 14:46

            So let me get this right, you guys are trolling about not trolling?

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:54

            Nope, we trying not to troll and then trolling about being caught trolling by the anti trolling squad

    • CODDAMIT

      May 15, 2013 at 13:37

      Like I said PC is in another league.The “neglect my spouse because this MMO is to good to stop playing” league. Enjoy GTAV next decade once all the DRM is in place.

      Reply

    • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

      May 15, 2013 at 13:40

      Sorry dude, OUT you go!

      Reply

  8. Warren Ross

    May 15, 2013 at 13:47

    I’ll base my next console choice on price, availability and choice of titles. When I bought my X-360 the PS3 was still massively expensive due to short supply and the number of games on offer was much smaller. I’m not much for brand loyalty when it comes to consumer electronics, and will buy whatever let’s me play the games I want to play reliably and at the lowest cost. I’ll also always have a mid-level PC for certain games which I’d simply rather play on a PC, but I’m not interested in paying thousands of Rands for a single graphics card or SSD just so that I can squeeze a few more pixels per frame. 😀

    Reply

  9. Rince an repeat

    May 15, 2013 at 13:53

    Zoe, you temptress you!

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

      May 15, 2013 at 13:56

      I’m impressed Rince. 6 have fallen (actually created a lekker spreadsheet!)

      And you and Deon are still in the running! Even Trevor is behaving (just)

      Reply

      • Illuchne Mancera

        May 15, 2013 at 14:08

        Rince still hasn’t Trolled? It may snow on Friday if Rince, Deon and Trevor behave the whole week

        Reply

        • Trevor Davies

          May 15, 2013 at 14:52

          That just makes me more determined, I’ve never stood in snow & I would like to 😉

          Reply

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 15:00

            NOOO! What have I done?!?

  10. FoxOneZA - X-Therminator

    May 15, 2013 at 13:54

    “Xbox is for FPS players” << I was just saying that this morning to a PS3 gamer.

    I was reading an interesting article about how PC gamers are already leaping into the 4K (4x1080p) generation already. Sure 4K TV's are expensive but then you can always hook 3 monitors together and you've got half of that 4K res. Or even better, just hook the PC up to a Projector and dd an Xbox controller and you're off.

    Reply

  11. Trevor Davies

    May 15, 2013 at 13:55

    It would take something incredible for me to get a console in addition to (or even replace) my PC. I also don’t own a tablet because I’d never really use it for anything other than games, & I can play most of those on my phone. Not because I’m being all PC elitist, but because it just doesn’t suit me.

    It saves me a boatload of cash on hardware, I don’t have to worry about the rest of the family’s TV watching habits & I don’t multitask that much so I’m perfectly happy to have one machine that can handle my gaming, movies, browsing & whatever else I feel like doing.

    It sucks a bit when there’s an awesome looking exclusive, but I can deal without it. There’s tons of PC games I haven’t bought either.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

      May 15, 2013 at 13:57

      😉

      Nice comment, proud of you, not even a hint of trolling!

      Have an upvote!

      Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        May 15, 2013 at 14:01

        Funnily enough it didn’t really cross my mind. OMG WHAT’S HAPPENING!!!!

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

          May 15, 2013 at 14:02

          We are changing, for the better!

          If you do something 29 times, it becomes a habit.

          Reply

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:08

            For the better?? O.o 😛

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 15, 2013 at 14:15

            Yes, I believe so 🙂

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:18

            If you say so

          • HvR

            May 16, 2013 at 08:31

            Sounds to me like you trying to start a cult. Beware boys and girls going for the anti-trolling badge., before you know it you will be sitting in a circle with shaven heads wearing LZ underpants playing CoD.

          • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

            May 16, 2013 at 08:37

            Nope, just trying to lighten the mood here, and get everyone to do something together.

            Also, since you are out already, I don’t need to post OUT again 🙂

            PS: LZ underpants are for the loser of the SuperBru

    • FoxOneZA - X-Therminator

      May 15, 2013 at 13:58

      Yes, I agree with you mostly but the spanner in the works is the Xbox Arcade. A cheap console at a half the price of the competition.

      Reply

  12. Xelus

    May 15, 2013 at 13:56

    As long as fanboys exist, there shall be a war… *facepalm*

    Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      May 15, 2013 at 13:58

      War… war never changes

      Reply

      • Lourens Jordaan

        May 15, 2013 at 14:53

        I agree. War never changes. Be it on the landing zones of Normandy or the sand dunes of Iraq. The call of duty will remain for young men (and these days woman) willing to lay down their lives in the name of freedom.

        Reply

  13. HvR

    May 15, 2013 at 14:13

    BRILLIANT ZOE!!!!

    It was a bloodbath, you gave the nudge on the right place and FLOODGATES OF RAGE OPENED.

    Reply

    • Illuchne Mancera

      May 15, 2013 at 14:19

      Never seen so many fall on one article… I’m sure LG has gotten wise to our ways… lol

      Reply

      • HvR

        May 15, 2013 at 14:27

        Come to dark side young padawans, embrace the COD hatred and let it flow. It wil make you stronger.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Combat Engineer

          May 15, 2013 at 14:31

          Ok, thats trolling, OUT you go!

          Reply

          • Matewis Jubilai

            May 15, 2013 at 14:41

            You might have to change the rules to who trolled the least methinks 😉

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:50

            We’re going thin this week… I wonder if @google-78ff87ad4b67ab07d579d43163b265c2:disqus will make it through the whole week this time… we trolled him pretty hard last week lol

          • HvR

            May 15, 2013 at 14:52

            it is actually quite sad to see everyone around him going nuts and all you get from him Is ” Gaming is cool” and “+1 buddy”.

            Like an recovering alcoholic at OktoberFest, just waiting for it to happen…

          • HvR

            May 15, 2013 at 14:47

            How the hell was I still in?

          • Illuchne Mancera

            May 15, 2013 at 14:53

            I have no idea… I think @Erwin_Kempff:disqus is battling to keep up with all the posts…

        • Illuchne Mancera

          May 15, 2013 at 14:42

          LOL I was the second person to fall this week… and that was yesterday… The trolling is strong with some of us

          Reply

  14. Milesh Bhana

    May 15, 2013 at 14:29

    I can’t see myself beign able to afford both consoles. My plan is actually to sell my 360 and PS3 and choose 1.

    The one i choose.

    That’s the better one.

    Waaaay better than the one YOU chose.

    that’s how it works doesn’t it?

    Reply

    • HvR

      May 15, 2013 at 14:30

      With the typical entry prices I think after selling both you’ll be half way to a next gen controller.

      Reply

      • Illuchne Mancera

        May 15, 2013 at 14:52

        Yeah… you may need to sell your kidney, half your liver, and 2m of your intestines to get the rest of the controller

        Reply

      • Milesh Bhana

        May 15, 2013 at 15:48

        what do you think the prices of the PS4, XBOX Fusion/Infinity will be ?

        I’m expecting around R5k-R6K ? Unrealistic?

        Reply

        • Illuchne Mancera

          May 15, 2013 at 16:00

          It’ll probably be in that region… I just hope it drops quicker than my salary increases so I can get one.

          Reply

        • HvR

          May 16, 2013 at 08:27

          R6k minimum with a R100/month subscription, otherwise no less than R7500.

          Reply

  15. Ryan

    May 15, 2013 at 14:37

    The Xbox 360 won over the Ps3, mainly i believe, because of the bad ram setup in the Ps3 and it showed in open world games. When you have a big game like GTA being released only on consoles, people will buy the best console to play the game on.

    But the fan wars was fun to watch because you can learn from it. Like the Ps3 won over the Xbox 360 in media playback. The next gen console fan wars is going to be about, if you want to pay to play your games online, if you want to pay to watch tv, if you want to pay listen to music, if you want to pay to watch movies, if you want to pay, to pay, to pay for what ever you can pay for, then get a new Xbox console and if you want to play games (DDR5), get the best media playback of the media you own, get a Ps4

    I see the 8gigs of DDR5 ram (if it’s true and in the final console) winning the console wars. Just waiting to see Usher dancing on stage and behind him on the screen, DDR4 ram

    Reply

  16. Tbone187

    May 15, 2013 at 16:12

    Hehe….nice article…

    Reply

  17. TiMsTeR1033

    May 15, 2013 at 16:23

    for my 5 cents, right now I think Ps4 and xbox 720 or infinite (whatever it may be) Gonna be a par, Sony might win due to the fact it has listened to what the game devs want which will go a long long way. Nintendo sadly will die I think the wii U will be another gamecube, and they could of got it right but calling a new console the same name just with a U was pretty stupid. As now many people think it is indeed an addon. Never had a Wii or a gamecube but sadly mario will be missed…

    nice article though..

    Reply

  18. sumvenatrix

    May 16, 2013 at 21:35

    exactly! like every contrived brand war, it’s just supposed to boost sales.

    Reply

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