Bernd Becker 
In recent years, the global gaming industry has experienced a remarkable surge in growth fueled by groundbreaking technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. As the landscape of digital entertainment has evolved, players have been presented with an array of gaming platforms, each offering unique benefits and experiences.
The debate about whether games consoles outperform PCs, and vice versa, has been present in the industry since gaming first went mainstream but now, with the mobile platform in the mix, players are even more spoilt for choice in terms of options for engaging with their favourite games. According to the latest statistics, the mobile sector pulls in the largest share of revenues per year, but does that mean from a consumer perspective that it’s the ideal way to play games? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each medium and attempt to answer the question: is there an ultimate way to play video games?
Digital Gaming Trends
Before diving into the details of PC, console and mobile and considering their merits, its helpful to understand the prevailing trends that are currently shaping the industry. One notable trend is the rise of online multiplayer gaming. Titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty and League of Legends have cultivated massive online communities, where players compete and collaborate in virtual worlds.
Additionally, the advent of cloud gaming services has transformed how games are accessed and played. Platforms like the now defunct Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming offer gamers the ability to stream high-quality games across the full spectrum of devices, from consoles to compatible mobiles, expanding the accessibility of gaming and eliminating the need to continually purchase new hardware.
More recently, cross platform play, AKA cross play, has gained prominence in the industry. This groundbreaking new concept allows players on different devices to play together in the same gaming title. This focus on inclusivity is fostering social interaction across all platforms, blurring the lines between the traditional gaming ecosystems that have centred around singular platforms through the decades.
Gaming Platforms Explained
Now, let’s look at particulars of the three main gaming platforms.
PC Gaming
There’s no denying the fact that PC gaming offers unparalleled flexibility and customisation and caters to a broad demographic of players, from casual enthusiasts to eSports pros who need the highest levels of performance and graphics capabilities. With its vast array of hardware options and the ability to upgrade components over time, the humble PC enables players to fine-tune their rigs to suit both their preferences and budget.
One of the standout features of PC gaming is the thriving digital gaming scene. PC gaming encompasses a broad range of experiences, with online marketplaces like Steam and the Epic Games Store giving players access to a wealth of games spanning multiple genres and eras.
The versatility of the PC makes it an enduring way to play a variety of different games, too. For instance, some specialised gaming sectors, like the digital poker genre, are typically most compatible with desktop devices (although some mobile options are available).
This is especially true when it comes to playing real money poker games and even getting to grips with the fundamental aspects of the game, as well as developing poker strategy. For instance, if a player wants to learn the rules of the Texas Hold’em variant and compete in gaming tournaments, then the PC lends itself perfectly to such a process. Plus, the processing power of even a budget gaming rig makes the gameplay experience that much more engaging.
Consoles
The PC may offer better performance and customisation for gamers, but if there’s one platform that’s synonymous with video gaming itself then it’s the games console. These dedicated hardware items have been part of the industry since day one. Leading the console market are giants like Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox devices, which each boast a vast library of exclusive titles and robust gaming features.
One of the key benefits of consoles is their simplicity. With a dedicated video gaming device, players can enjoy plug-and-play gaming without needing to get to grips with software configuration or hardware compatibility. Plus, consoles today serve as multimedia hubs, allowing users to stream movies, browse the internet, and access a variety of entertainment apps.
Mobile Gaming
Within less than a decade, mobile gaming has emerged as a global phenomenon. With millions of games available for download on app stores, mobile devices have become portable gaming consoles in their own right, which cater to players of all ages and skill levels.
The accessibility and affordability of mobile gaming makes it an attractive option for casual players and on-the-go gaming enthusiasts. Whether it’s quick rounds of puzzle games during a commute or immersive RPGs during downtime, mobile devices offer digital entertainment experiences tailored to modern lifestyles.
While mobile gaming is often associated with the hypercasual genre, the platform has also seen a rise in premium titles and console-quality games being developed. Titles like Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile utilise the technical capabilities of modern smartphones to deliver immersive gaming experiences on the go.
Is there an Ultimate Way to Play Video Games?
The question of whether there’s an ultimate way to play video games is, perhaps unfortunately, entirely subjective and depends on the priorities and preferences of individual players. Each gaming platform offers its own set of benefits and trade-offs, catering to different play styles and even lifestyles. PC gaming provides top quality performance, while consoles often feature exclusive titles with social features. Mobile, meanwhile, delivers convenience and portability.
