Gaming Laptop Vs Gaming Console Vs Gaming PC Build – Ultimate Comparison!

Gaming PC, Laptop, or Console: What Should You Buy in 2024?

Introduction
What should you choose for gaming in 2024: a gaming PC, laptop, or console? This guide is designed to remain relevant over the years, providing insights based on current trends and helping you make the right decision no matter when you’re watching this. Technology evolves, and price points will bring different options in the future, but the principles here will always hold true.

Categories of Gaming Devices

Let’s start by exploring the main categories of gaming devices available today.

Consoles
Currently, we have mainstream options like the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5. In the near future, these may be replaced by newer models like a PS6 or the next Xbox.

There are also handheld consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, Lenovo Legion Go, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Steam Deck. Among these, the Steam Deck stands out with its unique operating system, which is based on a PC-like platform, offering great versatility.

Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are generally divided into two categories:

• Thin and Light Laptops: These are portable and weigh under 2 kg but often compromise on performance and cooling.
• Full-Fledged Gaming Laptops: These weigh around 2.3–2.5 kg and prioritize performance, featuring better cooling systems and GPUs.

If you’re considering a laptop, investing in a full-fledged model ensures better gaming performance, especially for running modern AAA titles.

Gaming PCs
Building a PC offers unmatched customization and upgradability. For example, with a budget of ₹50,000–₹60,000, you can assemble a mid-tower PC capable of smooth 1080p gaming. This option provides great flexibility for future upgrades.

Pricing Comparison

Consoles
The PS5 and Xbox Series X are priced at ₹45,000–₹50,000. However, you’ll also need a display:

• A 4K monitor costs around ₹25,000.
• A good TV can cost approximately ₹40,000.

This brings the total investment to around ₹70,000–₹90,000. The Xbox Series S, which is more affordable, supports 1440p resolution and has some differences compared to the Series X.

Gaming Laptops
For a good gaming experience on a laptop, expect to spend ₹40,000–₹60,000 or more. Focus on a laptop with a strong GPU rather than a high-end CPU, as gaming performance heavily relies on the graphics card.

Gaming PCs
A budget of ₹50,000–₹60,000 allows you to build a solid gaming PC that can handle modern games at 1080p or higher. To complete your setup, you’ll also need a good monitor, which typically costs ₹15,000–₹25,000.

Conclusion

Choosing the right device depends on your budget and gaming preferences:

• Consoles are great for plug-and-play gaming and offer exclusive titles but might require additional spending on a display.
• Gaming Laptops provide portability with decent performance, but they are less customizable and harder to upgrade.
• Gaming PCs deliver the best performance, customization, and long-term value, but they require more initial effort and technical knowledge.

Evaluate your priorities and make a choice that suits your needs. Let us know in the comments what you’re planning to buy in 2024!

 

Gaming PC, Laptop, or Console: Which One Should You Choose?

Introduction
In this guide, we’ll compare gaming PCs, laptops, and consoles to help you decide which is the best option for gaming in 2024. This analysis considers performance, pricing, portability, and other key factors. While the specific hardware will change over the years, these insights will remain relevant for making informed decisions.

Gaming Setup Options

Laptop Example
We recently reviewed Lenovo’s Legion Pro with an Intel 12450H processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU. Priced around ₹80,000, this laptop is a strong contender for gaming enthusiasts at this price point. It provides built-in portability and a screen, making it an all-in-one solution.

PC Example
For a gaming PC, you can build a setup with the Intel 12400F processor and an AMD RX 6600 GPU (8GB VRAM). This combination delivers excellent 1080p performance. Including a monitor (₹10,000–₹12,000), keyboard, and mouse (₹3,000), a complete setup will cost approximately ₹70,000–₹75,000.

Console Example
Consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X are optimized solely for gaming. They include features like powerful GPUs designed for seamless gaming experiences, outperforming similarly priced PCs in certain areas. The Xbox Series S is a more affordable option, albeit with some limitations in resolution and performance.

Comparing Portability

Winner: Laptop
Laptops are the most portable. Simply pack your laptop, charger, and a mouse, and you’re ready to game anywhere. However, for optimal performance, gaming laptops need to be plugged in as their CPU and GPU require higher power. Battery performance is not sufficient for demanding gaming sessions.

Consoles
Consoles like the Xbox Series S and PS5 are also portable to an extent. You only need a power cord, controller, and possibly an HDMI cable. They can easily be connected to TVs found in hotels or relatives’ homes. While the Xbox Series S fits into a standard backpack, the larger Series X might require a dedicated bag due to its size.

PCs
PCs are the least portable option. The cabinet, monitor, keyboard, and mouse make them cumbersome to move. Additionally, setting up a PC in a new location is far more complex than plugging in a laptop or console.

Comparing Space Requirements

Winner: Laptop
Laptops take up the least space. You can game directly on the built-in screen and keyboard, with only a mouse as an additional accessory. While some users create setups with external monitors, keyboards, and mice for laptops, this is optional.

Consoles
Consoles also have minimal space requirements. A TV or monitor, the console, and a controller are sufficient. You can even connect a keyboard and mouse to certain consoles for a more versatile setup.

PCs
PCs require the most space due to the larger number of components, including the cabinet, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and potentially a UPS. While consoles and laptops don’t usually require a UPS, having one for a PC setup is highly recommended for safety and uninterrupted gaming.

Productivity

Laptops
Laptops are ideal for productivity. They offer the flexibility to switch between work and gaming seamlessly, making them a great choice for those who need a device for both purposes.

Consoles
Consoles are gaming-centric and not suitable for productivity tasks. They are limited to entertainment functions like streaming and gaming.

PCs
PCs offer the highest potential for productivity. They are versatile and can handle gaming, work, and creative tasks like video editing or programming, making them an all-in-one powerhouse.

Conclusion

• Portability: Laptops are the clear winner, followed by consoles. PCs are not portable.
• Space: Laptops take up the least space, consoles are compact, and PCs require the most room.
• Productivity: Laptops and PCs are excellent for productivity, while consoles are gaming-focused.

Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your priorities and budget. Let us know in the comments which one you’d pick!

 

Productivity

When it comes to productivity, PCs and laptops fall into the same category. Since both run on Windows, they can handle tasks like office work, meetings, internet browsing, and more with ease. A gaming laptop or PC offers flexibility for multitasking and productivity, in addition to gaming.

On the other hand, gaming consoles are designed solely for entertainment and gaming. If your primary focus is gaming, a console is an excellent choice. However, if you also need to work or handle other tasks, a gaming laptop or PC is more versatile.

Entertainment

All three options—consoles, laptops, and PCs—can handle entertainment well.

• Laptops/PCs: You can access browsers and stream content on platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube. They also support a wider range of OTT apps and streaming websites, giving you more flexibility.
• Consoles: Consoles also support mainstream platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. However, they may lack support for less popular OTT platforms and specific browser-based streaming services. This limitation might be noticeable for users who rely on niche platforms.

For general entertainment needs, laptops and PCs offer the most versatility. Consoles are great for mainstream streaming but fall short in comparison when accessing a wider range of apps.

Resolution and Performance

Consoles:

• Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are marketed as 4K gaming devices, but they often fall short of delivering native 4K at high frame rates.
  • The PS5 can run 4K at 30 FPS. However, when switched to 60 FPS, the resolution drops to 1440p, which is especially noticeable on larger screens (e.g., 55-inch TVs).
  • The Xbox Series X is slightly more powerful, capable of running some games at 4K 60 FPS, but it too may drop resolution in more demanding scenarios.

Laptops/PCs:

• PCs and laptops give you the freedom to choose your gaming resolution, whether 1080p or 1440p.
• Technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) or FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enable smoother performance at higher resolutions.
• PC gamers can customize game settings (low, medium, high, ultra) to balance performance and visuals, something that consoles lack.

Consoles only offer basic optimization options such as prioritizing resolution or frame rate. PC gamers have granular control, allowing them to fine-tune settings for the best possible experience, whether achieving higher FPS or enhanced visuals.

Frame Rate

• Consoles: Frame rates on consoles are capped based on the game and the hardware’s limitations. Most games run at 30 FPS or 60 FPS, with some esports titles supporting up to 120 FPS.
• Laptops/PCs: PCs and laptops are more flexible. Depending on the hardware, you can achieve higher frame rates by adjusting settings. This makes them ideal for competitive gaming, where higher FPS can provide a smoother and more responsive experience.

Conclusion

• Productivity: PCs and laptops are clear winners due to their versatility. Consoles are limited to gaming and entertainment.
• Entertainment: Laptops and PCs offer broader access to OTT platforms and streaming services. Consoles are great for mainstream entertainment but have limitations.
• Resolution and Frame Rate: While consoles provide good performance at a fixed frame rate, PCs and laptops offer more flexibility, customization, and higher potential for better visuals and smoother gameplay.

If your main focus is gaming, consoles provide excellent value. However, for multitasking, productivity, and customization, laptops and PCs are better choices.

 

Frame Rate and Performance

Current-generation consoles have capped frame rates depending on the game and hardware limitations. For example, most console games run at 30 FPS or 60 FPS, with some esports titles supporting up to 120 FPS.

In contrast, laptops and PCs offer uncapped frame rates. This allows gamers to fully utilize high-refresh-rate monitors, such as 240Hz displays, making them a better choice for esports enthusiasts. PCs and laptops provide the flexibility to achieve unlimited frame rates depending on the resolution and game settings.

Ultimately, the choice between consoles and PCs/laptops depends on personal preferences. If you prioritize consistent gaming without tweaking settings, a console might be suitable. However, if you enjoy customizing graphics and performance settings, a PC or laptop is the way to go.

Gaming Library and Accessibility

Consoles:

• Xbox: Offers the Microsoft Store, where all games can be purchased digitally. Xbox also allows you to share digital purchases between Series X and Series S.
• PlayStation: Features the PlayStation Store for purchasing games digitally, along with the option to buy physical discs.

PC:
PCs provide multiple storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games, and more, often offering the same game at different prices. For example, a game might cost ₹1,000 on Steam but ₹800 on Epic Games. This competition can lead to better deals for players.

One downside is that physical discs for PC gaming have become obsolete, and you would need an external disc drive if required. However, digital purchases dominate the market today, making this less of an issue.

Exclusive Titles

Exclusive titles significantly impact the gaming library:

• Xbox: Lacks strong exclusivity since many titles like Forza and Halo are also available on PC. This is because both Xbox and Windows are Microsoft products, reducing the need for exclusivity.
• PlayStation: Excels in exclusivity with titles like Spider-Man 2, which is only available on PS5. However, Sony has been gradually bringing its exclusive games, such as God of War: Ragnarok and Uncharted, to PC after 1-2 years.
• PC: While exclusivity on PS5 is strong initially, PCs eventually gain access to most of these titles. This makes PCs and laptops the ultimate platform for gamers willing to wait.

If you’re into story-driven games like The Last of Us, God of War, or Uncharted, a PS5 or PC/laptop would be the best option. Xbox is less appealing in this category.

Game Piracy and Jailbreaking

On PCs and laptops, cracked games can be downloaded and played. While this option exists, it is discouraged as it harms the gaming industry. Supporting developers through legitimate purchases ensures the growth of gaming, especially in regions like India.

On consoles:

• Xbox: Has not been jailbroken yet.
• PS5: Older versions of the PS5 have been jailbroken, enabling features like running emulators, downloading games via USB, and using third-party discs. However, the latest PS5 versions remain unjailbroken.

Conclusion

• Frame Rates and Performance: PCs and laptops offer uncapped frame rates and the flexibility to optimize settings, making them ideal for competitive gamers. Consoles deliver a stable gaming experience with capped frame rates.
• Gaming Library: PCs and laptops stand out for their diverse storefronts and eventual access to former exclusives. PlayStation excels in initial exclusivity, while Xbox lags in this area.
• Piracy and Jailbreaking: While PCs allow more freedom, it’s better to support the gaming industry through legitimate means. Consoles, especially newer versions, have stricter anti-piracy measures.

For flexibility and long-term value, PCs and laptops are the superior choice. However, if you prefer a seamless plug-and-play experience, consoles are a solid option.

 

Cracked IDs and Pirated Content

In the market, some cracked IDs come preloaded with 20-25 games. These IDs are logged into your console, allowing you to download all the games. However, to use these, you must keep the console in offline mode.

You can play story-driven games using these cracked IDs, but there’s a significant drawback. Some games may start crashing at certain levels because updates are required. Without updates, the games may become unplayable, making this a risky choice.

Vendors often advise you to avoid connecting to the internet, further limiting the experience.

GTA 6 Exclusivity

The upcoming release of GTA 6 is a major consideration. The game is expected to remain exclusive to consoles, such as PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, for at least 2-2.5 years before potentially arriving on PC.

If you’re eager to play GTA 6 right at launch, purchasing a console is the best option. For budget-conscious gamers, the Xbox Series S (priced at ₹20,000–₹25,000) is an excellent choice. It should be able to run the game at 1080p and possibly 60 FPS.

You can even resell the console after playing the game, potentially incurring a loss of only ₹2,000–₹3,000 or none at all if demand remains high. Alternatively, you can bundle the console with GTA 6 to sell at a better rate.

Gaming Memberships

Memberships are a fantastic option for accessing a wide library of games without making individual purchases.

• Xbox Game Pass: Available for both Xbox and PC, this membership costs around ₹6,500 annually. It includes hundreds of AAA titles such as the Forza series, Halo series, Quantum Break, and many more. For new gamers, it provides an extensive library to start with.
• PlayStation Plus: Priced at ₹7,500 annually, this membership gives you access to top-tier titles like Spider-Man, God of War, and Uncharted. In addition, you can claim 2-3 free games each month to add to your library permanently. However, these games are only playable as long as your membership is active.

Both memberships are excellent value for gamers who want to explore a variety of titles without purchasing individual games. They’re particularly helpful for new console owners who want access to a strong initial library.

Membership Limitations

With both Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus, the availability of games can be time-limited. While games claimed with PS Plus remain in your library, they are unplayable if your membership expires unless you renew it. Xbox Game Pass games also rotate periodically, so you must play them while they’re available.

If you’re buying a console and don’t want to invest heavily in games upfront, these memberships are a great starting point. For around ₹600 per month, you gain access to a vast collection of titles worth exploring.

 

Ease of Use

Gaming consoles are incredibly straightforward to use. Just plug them in, turn on the power, and start playing. However, using a PC or laptop involves a more complicated setup process.

When purchasing a new laptop, you need to:

• Check for BIOS updates.
• Install Windows updates.
• Update the graphics driver.

Once these steps are complete, the laptop is ready to use. However, if you are building a PC from scratch, the setup process is more involved. You must:

• Check the motherboard’s BIOS.
• Install all required drivers, including the graphics driver.
• Set up the operating system.
• Download and install game stores and the games themselves.

Sometimes, certain games might not work as expected on a PC, requiring additional troubleshooting. In contrast, gaming consoles let you start gaming immediately with minimal hassle.

Device Lifespan

Consoles typically have a longer lifespan compared to PCs or laptops.

• Consoles:
  For instance, the PS4, released in 2013, is still receiving games and software updates 11 years later. Similarly, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, released in 2020, are expected to remain relevant for another 6–8 years. Consoles ensure that the latest AAA titles, like GTA 6, are optimized to run smoothly without requiring manual adjustments.
• PCs and Laptops:
  PCs and laptops generally last for 5–7 years before showing signs of lag or reduced framerate in games. Over time, cache memory fills up, and newer game updates demand more system resources, leading to slower performance.

For example, GTA V has significantly evolved since its 2015 release. Its file size has increased, textures have improved, and overall graphics have been enhanced. This means older PCs may struggle to maintain the same framerate, even though the hardware remains unchanged. Regular resets and maintenance can help, but keeping up with evolving games requires effort.

Upgradability

• Consoles:
  Upgrades are limited to storage.
  • PS5 supports M.2 storage upgrades.
  • Xbox allows for external SSDs or hard drives to store games or play older titles.
• Laptops:
  RAM and storage are upgradable, but the CPU and GPU are typically not.
• PCs:
  PCs are the most versatile when it comes to upgrades. You can upgrade RAM, storage, and the GPU. For example, you could replace an RX 6600 with a higher-end RTX card. This flexibility makes PCs ideal for users who want to continually enhance their system’s performance.

Repair and Service

• PCs:
  PCs are the easiest to repair due to the availability of individual components. Parts like the motherboard, RAM, storage, graphics card, and power supply can be replaced or repaired easily. Repair services are also widely available, making PC maintenance cost-effective.
• Laptops:
  While RAM and storage can be replaced, repairing the motherboard or other internal components is more challenging due to the compact design. Success rates for repairs are typically lower compared to PCs.
• Consoles:
  Console repairs are often expensive and inconvenient. There are fewer repair services available, and repair costs can be high—for example, ₹5,000–₹7,000 for newer consoles. If a console’s motherboard is damaged, the repair cost may reach 60–70% of the device’s price. While consoles are generally reliable, major repairs can be a hassle and may lead to replacing the device entirely.

 

Repairability

PCs are highly repairable due to the availability of individual components and skilled technicians in the market.

• If your RAM or storage is damaged, you can replace it easily.
• Issues with the graphics card or power supply can also be addressed with repairs or replacements.
• Motherboard repairs are typically more successful on PCs due to their larger size and modular design.

Laptops are more complicated to repair.

• While RAM and storage can be upgraded or replaced, issues with the motherboard pose a challenge.
• Due to its compact design, repairing a laptop motherboard has a lower success rate compared to PCs.

Consoles, on the other hand, are the least repairable.

• There are very few repair technicians available for consoles, and repair costs can be high.
• For example, repairing a newer-generation console can cost ₹5,000–₹7,000. If the motherboard is damaged, the cost can reach 60–70% of the console’s price.
• Consoles are generally reliable, but if they do get damaged, repairs can be a hassle and may even lead to replacing the console entirely.

Thermals and Noise

Thermal management varies significantly across devices:

• Consoles:
  • Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are compact machines with heavy components. While they do heat up quickly, they are much quieter than their predecessors. For instance, the PS5 is almost silent compared to the PS4 Pro, which used to generate noticeable fan noise.
• Laptops:
  • Gaming laptops tend to heat up quickly due to their thin design and powerful CPU/GPU.
  • The fans in laptops can get loud during intensive gaming sessions.
  • To manage thermals effectively, it’s advisable to use an air-conditioned room or a cooling pad.
• PCs:
  • PCs have the best thermal performance due to their spacious design and customizable airflow.
  • You can install additional fans or upgrade the cooling system to maintain optimal temperatures.
  • PCs remain the clear winner in terms of thermal efficiency.

Gaming Features and Modding

PCs and laptops excel when it comes to game modding and customization.

• For instance, in GTA V, you can easily download mods, import custom cars, or access 100% save files.
• PC gamers often use mods to create unique story-type content for YouTube or to enhance gameplay with custom features.
• Consoles do not support such extensive modding, making PCs the go-to choice for gamers who enjoy customization.

VR Gaming

Virtual Reality gaming is supported across all platforms, but with varying experiences:

• PCs:
  • PC-based VR gaming offers the most immersive experience due to compatibility with high-end VR headsets like the MetaQuest 3.
  • Priced around ₹45,000, the MetaQuest 3 is a standalone device with its own operating system and powerful capabilities for VR games.
• Consoles:
  • The PS5 supports VR gaming with the PSVR 2, which is available for approximately ₹40,000–₹45,000.
  • While PSVR 2 delivers a next-level VR experience, it is specifically designed for use with the PS5 and does not have the versatility of a PC-based VR system.

 

Then comes Xbox. What about VR gaming? Unfortunately, it’s not part of my syllabus, so I can’t do VR gaming on Xbox.

The winner here is PS5 and a PC laptop. Then, let’s talk about accessories and setups. You can create your own setup. A PC setup is excellent, and people also create setups for consoles. However, most of the accessories are available for PC laptops, such as a different keyboard, mouse pad, and headphone stand. You can build your own setup for both PCs and consoles, depending on your preferences.

If you’re using a keyboard and mouse combo for Esports gaming, the setup can be considered a tie since both systems offer customization options depending on your gaming space. If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated gaming room, you’re in a great position!

Now, I’ve covered all the pointers, and I’ll move on to the types of users. What should you buy? If you’re a student staying at home for 2-4 years and your main focus is gaming, then you can go for a gaming console—especially if you already have a laptop or PC for productive tasks.

But if you need to do both gaming and productive work, then a laptop or PC is a better choice. A laptop is great if you want to travel often, but if you’re staying in one place, a PC setup is ideal.

For college students or those staying away from home for preparation, a laptop is the best option. It helps with gaming and productivity tasks, and if you’re living in a rented room without a TV, it’s a perfect solution.

If you plan to change rooms or cities, a laptop is still the best choice. You can watch movies, use OTT platforms, and handle productive tasks and gaming all on one device.

Now, let’s talk about working professionals. For them, a gaming console is a great choice. If you’re earning money, you can easily afford a gaming PC. In most cases, the company provides a laptop for work, so you may not need an additional one for productivity. If your company doesn’t provide a laptop, you’ll still have one for work, and for gaming, a console is a perfect solution. After a long day of work, you can relax and play on your console.

The last category is for content creators like me. A PC or laptop is the best choice for us since we need to do both gaming and content creation. We can use these devices to write scripts, edit videos, run Photoshop, and handle all the other tasks necessary for content creation. For us, this is a sideline, and if we become successful, we can invest in even more equipment. Personally, I have both a console and everything else I need.

Some of you might be thinking that you need everything except a handheld. Handheld devices are a different category. If you travel a lot, love gaming, and need something portable, you can go for a handheld. However, keep in mind that they don’t offer as much power as a full-fledged gaming device. It can serve as a secondary option but not as your main gaming device.

That’s all from me. Now, I’d like to know: Will you buy a PC, laptop, or gaming console? Share your opinion in the comments!