Console vs PC gaming: what to consider when buying your next monitor
Which one is the better platform to enjoy video games, console or PC? This fundamental question is older than some video game fans themselves, but the answer is simple: both are great – yet each medium has its pros and cons. In the end, everything comes down to personal preference. If you haven’t made up your mind what device you want to invest in, don’t worry. We collected the strengths and downsides of console and PC gaming so you can decide what suits you more.
Console Gaming: eye-candy, comfort, easy handling and less expensive
Consoles traditionally were more linked to casual gaming and enjoying some Triple A titles on your couch on a relaxing evening. Due to hardware limitations, some complex genres like MOBAs cannot be adapted to consoles. However, console players can be just as competitive and professional as PC gamers. Especially FPS and Fighting Games support thriving esports scenes for console fans, with titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, Street Fighter or Super Smash Bros…
One of the biggest advantages of console gaming is that it is easier and cheaper than building an entire PC setup. You only need to buy the device and its controllers, plug it into a screen and you are ready to go.
Beautiful images but slow responsiveness? Not with new models!
Speaking of a screen, the specifications of the perfect monitor for a console are different than PC displays. A console gaming monitor is usually larger and comes with a great colour reproduction rather than the fastest responsiveness, as they are built to show breath-taking blockbusters. You are also further away from a console gaming screen, which means they come with technology that grants a perfect viewing experience from wider angles. Console gaming monitors usually offer a 1080p or 4k resolution and a better support for HDR (High Definition Range). While companies nowadays started to include HDR for their PC monitors as well, most PC games do not support this feature, whereas the editions for consoles do.
The focus on beautiful and lifelike images often comes with cuts in responsiveness and input lag. However, companies with a focus on gaming were aware of this disadvantage and tweaked their products. Console Gaming-tailored monitors can now sport a great response time, low input lag and refresh rates up to 144Hz.
A screen specifically built for console gaming fans
If you are searching for the right monitor for your console, check out the Philips Momentum 558M1. This model was specifically designed to create the best monitor for console gaming. The product enables next-gen console gaming thanks to HDMI 2.0, 4k resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate – creating stunning image quality and super smooth visuals. The 55” model includes a specially designed speaker from the engineers at Bowers & Wilkins, which means you get an impressive sound backdrop right away.
PC Gaming: Complex, fast and diverse with high FPS and smooth images
PC enthusiasts on the other hand benefit from broader hardware capabilities and therefore a larger game library, including more technically complex titles. The more precise input with keyboard and mouse also leads to flourishing esports scenes with games such as League of Legends, StarCraft II, Counter-Strike or sim racing. PCs can have more power, more precise controls and display images just as beautifully as console gaming monitors – but only if you have a high-tech setup. This leads to a huge downside: the costs. You need to assemble a powerful tower with a strong GPU, CPU and other elements, buy a good keyboard and mouse, headset or boxes and the right monitor. While with console gaming the screen is the only part you can have influence in, PCs can range from casual setups to top quality battle stations.
More images per second and a higher response time – but you can still get impressive visuals
When looking at said perfect monitor fitting for your tower, you will realise there are different specs to consider than with a console gaming monitor. As you are sitting much closer to your screen, you need a smaller model under 55” to keep everything in your field of vision.
Fast loading times, no lag, smooth images and high FPS are in the foreground for PC games. These get ensured by features such as FreeSync which synchronises the monitor to the graphics card. A high refresh rate goes hand in hand, which is the number of times the monitor updates with new images each second. And lastly, the lowest possible response time which is the time it takes your monitor to shift from one colour to another needs to be considered. While most non-gaming screens have a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, this would be considered entry-level for PC displays.
Fast gaming action and great images no matter what genre you prefer
A perfect allrounder model for PC gamers is the Philips E-Line 272E1GAJ/00. This monitor has a quick refresh rate of 144Hz, Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) of only 1ms and FreeSync for super smooth images without any screen-tearing or ghosting.
The 27″ screen also displays crystal-clear images as it comes with a 1080p resolution, diverse contrast and a wide colour gamut.
Conclusion: It’s all about preference
There is no superior platform for gaming, so enjoy playing your favourite titles on whatever medium you prefer. When investing in a new setup, console gaming is simpler and monitors have a focus on producing beautiful images. PC battle stations are more diverse and come with multiple elements you need to coordinate. Monitors tailored for PCs usually have a higher refresh rate, response time and more FPS. Manufacturers keep working on both console gaming monitors and PC monitors for gamers to eliminate weaknesses and create the most stunning and smooth experience on both platforms.