Ever since the news of the PlayStation 5 Pro dropped—along with its price tag and the absence of a disc drive—this console has sparked widespread discussion online. We’ve all weighed in, and like many others, I’ve been vocal about it. However, what bothers me most is the frequent “Just get a PC” comments in response to Sony’s expensive proposition. Why? Because it’s not the best alternative.
As for the PS5 Pro, we still don’t know if it will justify its price. But I can tell you with 100% certainty what won’t: an $800 or lower-tier gaming PC.
Wait. Did you just say that, Keith? You of all people? Mr. “Frame Rates Matter.” Mr. PC Enthusiast. Are you seriously suggesting that telling people to get a gaming PC instead of the PS5 Pro is the wrong move? Yes, absolutely. I have no qualms about being real when it comes to gaming—especially PC gaming.
But why? What’s the catch? It’s pretty obvious. Yes, PC gaming is fantastic—it offers cheaper games, multiple ways to play, and potentially better performance (depending on the game). I do believe PC gaming generally surpasses console gaming. However, despite its perks, PC gaming has challenges that could easily deter casual gamers. It’s not a perfect solution, nor is it always the best way to steer people away from consoles.
Let’s Look At The Hardware Side of Things
For starters, while the PS5 Pro comes in at $700, adding extra accessories can push its total cost up. Even then, it’s still not going to match the price of a decent gaming PC that can handle modern games effectively. There’s nothing worse than seeing people with a bare minimum understanding of building PCs heading to PCPartPicker to create setups with 5-6-year-old CPUs and GPUs just to match the PS5 Pro’s price.
Let’s be real—no one wants to buy a gaming PC with a Ryzen 5 3600 (no disrespect to those still using this CPU). It was solid in its time, but now it’s outdated. Sure, it can handle indie games, but have you checked out the latest releases in 2024? Here’s a valuable lesson: ignore the bare minimum specifications for PC games, because they’re just that—minimum.
Recommended requirements indicate you can run the game, but don’t expect an exceptional experience. If you’re aiming to build a PC that competes with the PS5 Pro—or even the PS4—you shouldn’t be stuck at 720p or 1080p at 30FPS. Go ahead and purchase that underwhelming CPU; you might regret it in a few weeks or even days.
The same applies to GPUs. Compute units are just one part of the equation. You need to consider VRAM, power requirements, and compatibility with AI upscaling. Many overlook that while AMD GPUs support FSR (which is fine), FSR is not true AI upscaling—it’s software. Nvidia’s DLSS uses AI technology, but you pay a premium for that performance. In the world of PC gaming, if you want to compete, you have to invest.
Solid SSDs matter too. Who wants an M.2 PCIe 2.0 SSD when we’re rocking M.2 PCIe Gen 4 and soon Gen 5? Fast read and write speeds are essential. A power supply that meets the needs of your power-hungry components is crucial. Skimping on a good PSU can lead to issues down the line. Did you know a quality modular power supply can cost $150 or more?
So, to sum it up: if you want performance, you have to pay for it. A $700 gaming PC? Please. That’s just unrealistic.
Can’t Forget About The Operating System And User Experience
Next, let’s talk about the software side of things. I’ve seen comments like, “Just go pirate Windows,” and “People who pay for Windows are dumb.” Keep saying that, and you’ll find yourself at the mercy of Microsoft when they decide to force upgrades, blocking future updates, and leaving your system vulnerable to all sorts of threats.
Now, regarding operating systems (OS), Windows as a gaming OS has significant shortcomings. It was originally designed for work, not gaming. Despite Microsoft’s progress over the years, we’re still asking for a dedicated gaming OS. This is why people love Steam—not just as a storefront, but because its launcher outperforms anything Microsoft has offered, including the Xbox app.
For PC gaming, Valve’s SteamOS excels at what it does. It’s built from the ground up for gaming, providing a streamlined experience that Windows simply cannot match. While it may seem unfair to compare them, this discussion is about efficiency and transparency. That’s why several SteamOS clones, such as those found in the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion GO, are emerging to replace Windows as the go-to gaming OS.
Meanwhile, Microsoft sticks with its one-size-fits-all approach, keeping Windows basic. Thankfully, there are ways to enhance the gaming experience on Windows, such as using Playnite, an all-in-one launcher that consolidates various game platforms. While there are other options, Playnite is my favorite. I digress, but it’s important to note that the OS and user experience are just as crucial as hardware when trying to build a gaming PC that competes with consoles.
I want a system that starts at the press of a button, allows me to browse my library, and lets me purchase games using my controller. I want a hibernate function that works seamlessly. Unfortunately, Windows doesn’t deliver that experience.
What Have We Learned?
Good PC gaming isn’t cheap, no matter what a random person on Twitter claims. It doesn’t work that way. As someone who advocates for PC gaming, I’d much rather someone invest in building or purchasing a quality gaming PC that delivers an optimal experience. You don’t want to end up with a low-quality rig that you found in an alley, only to regret it the next day.
I genuinely enjoy PC gaming, and if you decide to make the switch or even add a gaming PC to your setup, fantastic! It’s a great platform with many benefits. However, I wouldn’t simply tell someone to ditch their console for a gaming PC. I understand the commitment involved, and it’s not always greener on the other side.
At the end of the day, it’s not your money or your decision. If someone wants to spend whatever it takes to get a PS5 Pro, that’s their prerogative. Similarly, telling someone to switch to a PC—especially if they’ve never used one or prefer an “it just works” solution—might not be the best advice.
And hey, if you ever want to talk PC gaming or need help building a gaming PC, you can always reach out to me on Twitter at @shadowhaxor and we can chat about it.
