)
PC vs console: What’s best for gaming?
)
PC or console? It’s a age-old question every gamer faces at some point. From power and performance to price and play style, let’s break down the differences between playing on PC and Console to help you pick the right setup for your gaming sessions
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 1st August 2025
PC vs Console: Understanding your options
Before choosing between PC and console, it’s good to know what to expect from each of them.
Gaming PCs are powerful computers designed to run games smoothly. They’re highly customisable, allowing you can choose your parts, upgrade over time, and adjust settings to get the best performance or visuals. They also double up as all-purpose computers so you can browse, work, stream, or create content as you would on any other PC.
Game consoles, like the PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S, or Nintendo Switch 2, are built just for gaming. They’re simple to set up, just plug in, update, and play, and you don’t need to worry about settings or upgrades. They usually cost less than most gaming PCs too and come with exclusive games you can’t play anywhere else.
Both PC and game consoles have their own strengths, so it really comes down to what matters most to you – ease of use, performance, cost, or flexibility.
Advantages of gaming on PC
Gaming on a PC brings a lot of flexibility and power that you won't get with any other gaming device. Whether you’re into fast-paced shooters, detailed strategy games, or massive open-world adventures, a PC can give you a smoother, more custom experience.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of choosing a gaming PC.
With a PC, you’re in control. You can choose the parts when building or buying your setup – from the graphics card to the amount of storage. Over time, you can upgrade individual parts instead of buying a whole new system. This helps your PC stay up-to-date and perform well for years.
PCs have access to a huge selection of games. From big-budget titles to indie games and free-to-play options, there’s something for everyone. Plus, platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG offer regular sales, so it’s often cheaper to grow your collection.
PC gaming gives you access to mods — extra content or changes made by other players. These can improve graphics, fix bugs, or even add entirely new features or levels. Mods can keep games fresh long after their release and give you more ways to enjoy your favourites.
On a PC, you can choose how you want to play. Many gamers prefer a keyboard and mouse for speed and accuracy, especially in shooters or strategy games. But if you prefer a controller, you can plug one in and play that way too. It’s all up to you.
A gaming PC isn’t just for games. You can use it for schoolwork, streaming videos, editing photos, or browsing the internet. That makes it a great all-round investment, especially if you need a computer anyway.
PC gaming offers powerful performance, stunning graphics, and total control over how you play. With a huge game library, custom upgrades, and access to mods, it’s perfect for gamers who want the best and are happy to tweak things to suit their style. If you’re after flexibility, top visuals, and more than just gaming, a PC might be the ideal choice.
Advantages of gaming on a console
Consoles are a popular choice for many gamers, and for good reason. They’re simple, affordable, and built just for gaming. Whether you’re new to gaming or just want something that works straight out of the box, here are some of the main benefits of getting a console:
Consoles are designed to be simple. Just plug them into your TV, turn them on, and you’re ready to play. There’s no need to worry about graphics settings, drivers, or system updates — most of it happens automatically. It’s ideal for people who just want to relax and enjoy games without any fuss.
Compared to a high-end gaming PC, consoles are usually more affordable. You pay one price for the system and can start gaming right away. This makes consoles a budget-friendly option for individuals or families who don’t want to spend too much.
Many consoles have exclusive titles that you can’t get on PC — like The Last of Us on PlayStation, Halo on Xbox, or Zelda on Nintendo Switch. If you’re a fan of a certain game series, choosing the right console might be the only way to play it.
Consoles are perfect for playing with others in the same room. Most come with support for two or more controllers, so you can enjoy split-screen or party games with friends and family. This makes them great for living rooms and shared spaces.
Because games on consoles are made to run on one specific system, they’re usually well-optimised. You don’t have to worry about whether your hardware can handle a game – it just works. That means less time adjusting settings and more time playing.
Console gaming is all about simplicity, fun, and great value. It’s easy to set up, affordable, and perfect for playing with friends or family. With exclusive titles and solid performance straight out of the box, consoles are a great pick for anyone who wants to jump in and enjoy games without the hassle.
PC vs Console Gaming: What’s the best option for you?
Choosing between a gaming PC and a console depends on what kind of gamer you are and what matters most to you.
If you like customising your setup and having access to a huge library of games – including mods and early access titles – then a PC might be your best bet. But if you want something simple, affordable, and ready to play out of the box, a console may suit you better.
A PC a great choice for serious gamers or those who also need a computer for work, school, or content creation. Keep in mind, though, that it can cost more at first and might take a bit more time to learn how everything works.
Consoles are perfect for casual gaming, playing with friends on the sofa, or enjoying exclusive titles you can’t find on PC. They’re easy to set up, reliable, and great for shared spaces like a living room.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options are great – it just depends on your budget, how you like to play, and what kind of gaming experience you’re after.
What about other gaming device options?
While PCs and consoles are the most common choices for gaming, there are other ways to game that mix the best of both worlds.
Handheld PC-console hybrids like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, for example, are becoming really popular for gamers looking to play PC and console games on the go. These consoles give you most of the the power and flexibility of a gaming PC, but with the convenience of a handheld console, making them great if you want to game while travelling, relaxing on the sofa, or without being stuck at a desk.
They run on Windows or SteamOS too, meaning you can access your PC game library and even install other apps, and
Another increasing popular alternative is cloud gaming. With services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and PlayStation Plus Cloud Streaming, you don’t even need a powerful device to play modern games. Instead of running the game on your hardware, the game runs on a server and streams to your screen over the internet. That means you can play on any device you want, including your tablet, smart TV, or even your smartphone
For cloud gaming to work as it should your internet connection needs to be fast and stable enough to handle it. If not, you’re at risk of experiencing lag, buffering, or screen tearing which can ruin your gaming experience. That’s why having ultrafast broadband (like our gaming broadband!) is extra important when you playing on the cloud.
Pair your gaming device with Virgin Media broadband
While you’re shopping for a console or gaming PC, it's a good time to level up your gaming with our ultrafast broadband – built for speed, power, silky smooth gameplay when you’re online. You'll get:
Speeds up to 1Gbps and beyond for instant downloads
Low ping for fast, responsive online gaming
Reliable WiFi across your whole home
Perfect for consoles, PCs, handhelds, and cloud gaming
Whether you’re battling online, downloading updates, or streaming games straight from the cloud, our broadband keeps you in the game with lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency. That means no lag. No dropouts. Just smooth, seamless play every time.
Ready to choose your package? Check out all of our gaming broadband deals and enter you postcode to see what you can get in your area.
Browse the Virgin Media range
)
)
)
)
Virgin Media services are only available in eligible Virgin Media network areas. All of the products on this page are subject to survey, network capacity and a credit check.
