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[MazeHaze]

Who else has experienced this?

Been a console guy all my life, and towards the end of last gen I was buying games on sale left and right, stocking up a huge backlog for whenever I had time to play things. After getting a PC last year though, most of my console backlog is obsolete for me. Except for the obvious console exclusives, I've re-purchased everything on PC. After getting used to high res for this gen, anything on my ps3 looks like dog shit to me.

I've recently been playing through Alan Wake on PC and loving it. It is crazy to me that a seven year old game can still look this good. I probably would not even have this thought if I was playing the 540p original version though. Running it at 1440p on the highest settings makes it very enjoyable, and besides some low res textures here and there, it absolutely feels like a current gen game.

This has been the case for countless third party games in the year since I've gotten into PC gaming. Everything runs at super high res, high frame rate, ultra settings. Using a Dualshock 4, it's like new life has been granted to all of these older games. If I didn't know any better I'd think I was playing current gen remasters, or just current gen games.

Recently played Mass Effect 2 as well, and running at 4k 60fps, the game doesn't feel dated at all, whereas on my ps3, the game is honestly pretty rough to look at these days.

What are some of your experiences with this? What games in particular have you recently revisited on PC and been blown away at how the experience can hold up with high resolution and frame rate?

 

[Dystify]

I've been more into consoles all my life but when I got a decent gaming PC I started to play less on them. Nowadays I just buy exclusives on Nintendo's consoles or PS4, and most multiplatform games on PC. I stopped playing on Xbox systems though, as they didn't really offer anything to me anymore.

However, now with Nintendo Switch I like being able to play even multiplatform games on it. Playing anywhere you want is just so good. If an indie game releases on PC/Switch I'll very likely always buy the Switch version.

 

[Basketball]

Yep got a beast machine last year then both my consoles turned into dust magnets


I used to not care about frames that much now it's super important. IDK how the fuck anyone can justify playing on 30 fps now.


Playing for online, locked frames, low res

 

[nkarafo]

Same here. Can't stand 30fps unless the games are very slow paced. And even then i still usually try to at least use something in-between (my TV supports 50hz which is an awesome option to fix games that drop in the low-mid 50's. I use that frame rate for the Witcher 3 and RottR).

 

[DSix]

For me, last gen was obsolete since 2008. My PC was already running all of those games maxed out at a clean 1080p resolution.

I merely tolerated the PS360 because of the few exclusives they had that I liked. Thankfully many games made it to steam.

 

[StewboaT_]

Same experience for me. Greater resolution, fps, and no online paywall means my ps4 has been rendered useless. I tried hopping on the Alan Wake train but it absolutely bored me to death half way in.

 

[dcx4610]

I've always been a PC guy for FPS games and exclusives and consoles for everything else. That changed with the PS4 and mid-tier upgrades with the Pro and Scorpio.

When the Nvidia GTX 1070 and 1080 game out, I decided to make the change. I realized that 99% of all my non-exclusive console games I owned were on PC and almost always looked and ran better. I bought an Xbox Elite controller, re-purchased basically my entire library on PC and haven't looked back.

I'll still buy exclusives on consoles but everything else will be PC. For those intimidated, I can tell you that I've been through 20+ games in the past year and haven't had a single crash or trouble with controller support or anything of that nature. It's literally as easy and stable as playing a console game.

 

[SmokedMeat]

Once I started on PC I traded in my console games for their PC counterparts. Older Last gen games still look great in 4K, where (same situation) they're just blah on PS3/360.

 

[adamantypants]

I've circled all the way back to console gaming. I have a decent PC (4670k, 980ti, 16gb ram, on SSD) but barely use it anymore. At my laziness level, I'd prefer to sit on a couch and play on PS4 rather than get set up at my desk. These days, I play Switch constantly because I can watch TV and play video games at the same time on the couch. To be fair, all multiplat games are exclusively bought on my PC but these days I'm losing a lot of interest in non first party games.

 

[kuYuri]

For me, being able to play last gen games at 1440p/90+fps is still eye opening, while still having the option to go 4K/60fps with DSR if I choose to do so.

 

[Aselith]

It's last gen so it's obsolete by definition

 

[Hoo-doo]

PS4 for the exclusives. PC for everything else.

It's a great time to be a PC gamer for sure.

 

[MazeHaze]

I've circled all the way back to console gaming. I have a decent PC (4670k, 980ti, 16gb ram, on SSD) but barely use it anymore. At my laziness level, I'd prefer to sit on a couch and play on PS4 rather than get set up at my desk. These days, I play Switch constantly because I can watch TV and play video games at the same time on the couch.

It's funny because I play PC games on my couch and use a tablet to watch TV while I play less involved games.

 

[joeyjoejoe]

Opposite for me.

Been PC Gaming primarily all my life but recently console gaming is easier to jump into with friends for all the coop and multiplayer games. Especially with my life schedule and with game share which makes coop games almost an instant buy every time. When I get home know I turn on my xbox/ps4 and everything is updated and working and so are my friends consoles, no bullshitting around.

 

[yuraya]

The importance of releasing games on PC..they look so good in the long run. I replayed Dead Space 1+2 earlier this year @1440p and unlocked fps. It was so good and holds up so well. It felt like a current gen experience in many ways.

There are so many gems from last gen that look and play fantastic today. And most games released nowadays on PC will look so good in the future too @8k 120fps (or wtvr the standard is in 5-10 years).

 

[wedca]

I don't focus on graphics that much but I still prefer to purchase games for PC rather than for console whenever possible simply because of the longevity of the platform. Nearly every game in my Steam library will be playable for the foreseeable future but my PS3 games will go by the wayside once my PS3 dies as I will not be motivated to replace it (this doesn't speak to emulation which is an option in many cases but not one I would favor.)

 

[Hux1ey]

Yea I love going back and playing older games with new hardware / peripherals.

I just got a 1440p 165hz monitor so going back and playing games like Bioshock, Mass Effect and Dead Space at super high refresh rates and resolutions is awesome, changes the games honestly.

 

[Crayon]

I still use my ps3. The games are already purchased and the system itself is very reliable. If there is a game I'm very fond of that has a much better pc version then I'll rebuy it there. But for most, I'll just play them on the ps3. I also find it fun to poke around for cheap games lost in bargain bins at this stage in the console's (after)life.

Not just ps3, either. I hook up and old consoles regularly back to the sixteen bit vintage. They all have their charms and games worth revisiting.

 

[MazeHaze]

Yea I love going back and playing older games with new hardware / peripherals.

I just got a 1440p 165hz monitor so going back and playing games like Bioshock and Dead Space at super high refresh rates and resolutions is awesome, changes the games honestly.

Ohh Bioshock is another great example. I played infinite on ps3 and going back to it at 1440p on a big TV with my new sound system is like a completely different game.

Even some older stuff looks great still. Got a ps2 emulator and just pop my discs into the PC. Ps2 games in 4k is crazy.

 

[LQX]

Welcome to 2001 for me. It all started with Medal of Honor. I still play a lot of console games but PC is where I go get the most out of some games like the Witcher 3 or even Overwatch.

That said, consoles have come a long way. Just finished Horizon on PS4 and that game stacks up well to anything on PC. Moreover, games like the new Zelda are still a very fulfilling as it is probably the most bold open-word game I ever played on either console or PC. So yeah, I will be a console and PC gamer a long time.

 

[BennyBlanco]

Yeah. If you're an enthusiast PC is the best platform for sure.

 

[bananafactory]

Yeah it's why XB1 BC is almost entirely useless to me. Outside of the rare classic that never made it to PC (RDR) I have no desire to play 25fps 720 or lower games with screen tearing and input lag on my PS3 or 360 when the PC version is almost always infinitely more enjoyable.

Glad you see the light OP

 

[Tagyhag]

For me it's a bit different.

Some games still hold up and it's nice seeing them all in high resolution and framerates.

But actually playing them? I'm surprised at just how clunky they feel. Like, I remember the PS2 era having this general clunkiness but I was really surprised by some newer games still feeling wrong.

And that's not just because the PC was getting bad ports in the beginnings middle of the gen, even with a controller the controls and mechanics already feel archaic.

 

[Darryl M R]

It's funny because I play PC games on my couch and use a tablet to watch TV while I play less involved games.

Do you game on a regular TV? If so, any specific model of TV that works well for PC gaming (low input lag, etc.)?

 

[Fracas]

Played exclusively on consoles until I built a PC in 2015. Best gaming purchase. Sold my PS4 and XB1 later on and haven't really looked back. Both those platforms stagnated like crazy and PC has the vast majority of games that are objectively better (in terms of IQ and framerate). I always hated how terrible 30fps felt and I couldn't stand paying for PS Plus. Now even games from like a decade ago look pretty clean at 1080p and higher.

PC is straight amazing. I guess I see the ease of use that consoles offer but I feel even a low-budget steam machine you build yourself completely outclasses anything Sony and Microsoft are putting out there.

 

[dcx4610]

It's pretty amazing how many PS3/360 era games on PC support newer specs. Most of the older games I've been through recently all support at least 1440p and a lot at 144hz.

Games like Dead Space 2 and Assassin's Creed look and run fantastic. PC port quality starts to get dodgy if go back to the PS2 era (GTA3/VC/SA are awful and require mass tweaking) but anything 360/PS3 to PS4/XB1 are awesome and almost without fail look and perform way better than the console versions.

Once you get to play a game that was locked at 30fps or less on console at 60fps+ and at higher resolution on PC, there's no turning back.

 

[0ptimusPayne]

I think Ill be ready to jump in within the next year, especially If Xbox one exclusives are slowly becoming windows 10 compatible and I can use my XB1s controller since Im trash with the Keyboard. What kind of specs should I be looking for for something in the realm of 1080/1440p gaming @60fps?

 

[Hux1ey]

I think Ill be ready to jump in within the next year, especially If Xbox one exclusives are slowly becoming windows 10 compatible and I can use my XB1s controller since Im trash with the Keyboard. What kind of specs should I be looking for for something in the realm of 1080/1440p gaming @60fps?

RX580/GTX 1060 should do you fine, maybe a 1070 if you want to max every game, or if you get a higher refresh monitor.

Intel 7700k is the best processor to get for gaming atm IMO, though a bit pricey, it's totally worth it.

16GB DDR4 and you're set.

Ohh Bioshock is another great example. I played infinite on ps3 and going back to it at 1440p on a big TV with my new sound system is like a completely different game.

Even some older stuff looks great still. Got a ps2 emulator and just pop my discs into the PC. Ps2 games in 4k is crazy.

Damn the PS3 version couldn't even hold 30fps could it? Only heard stories, I played it on PC back then too.

 

[Valero]

PC for everything, Consoles for exclusives (If I have an interest).

 

[Sad Affleck]

Many last-gen games still look damn good on PC. I just finished Castlevania Lords of Shadow and the game looks great, lots of impressive vistas and set pieces.

 

[family_guy]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

 

[SirMossyBloke]

I'm the same way actually. Haven't used my ps4 or Xbox one in while.

However my reasoning isn't because of framerate or graphics or online, but simply the fact that there's no way I'm paying $80 for a brand new game when I can typically get it on PC for half the price. Console game prices are insane.

 

[Hux1ey]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

I have no idea what this means tbh lol.

 

[cleveridea]

PC gaming is awesome, especially since a lot of games are coming out on PC as well as the consoles, such as Destiny 2.

Playing a game like Dishonored (ie original not the sequel) looks amazing at higher resolution 60 fps at 1440p max-ed since the artstyle is painterly in style so it actually looks like a remaster. Remember Me also looks fantastic, as does Borderlands 2.

Everytime you upgrade your GPU and/or monitor its like getting your back library of games all having remasters. I was surprised that even such an old game as the original bioshock looks fantastic at 1440p/60.

I also look forward to 4K gaming once HDR gsync 4'Kmonitors come out at a decent price, at present I have 1080 Ti but non gsync monitor at 1440p. A lot of modern games support 4K (albeit with checkerboarding on PS4 Pro) so I look forward to going back to games like Mass Effect Andromeda with a 4K HDR.

But yeah if you have a high end PC, it makes the prior gen consoles look very obsolete. Its also tough going back to 30 fps once you have adapted to 60 fps on all titles.

 

[popsicle_sundays]

Man... OP, this thread showed up at the perfect timing, I had this exact thought the other day. I built a monster PC back in Dec-Jan (6700k, 2x 1080 SC) and I was playing a bunch of older games (Half Life 2, Max Payne 2) and it's amazing what resolution does to games.

I booted up Divinity Original Sin 2 and in 4k/60fps it's one of the most beautiful games I've seen. It really is quite jarring what a capable gaming PC does, and my PS4 Pro will be an exclusive machine going forward.

It's just hard to go back and I'm not an elitist by any means, I guess having options is always great 😊 I stopped driving myself insane and doing crazy tweaking via things like Nvidia Inspector and just enjoying the games, haven't had to go on at all. Sometimes have to change the SLI alternate rendering to get sli to work properly but other than that it just works.

 

[Nzyme32]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

This is a bizarre comment. So clicking a shortcut is bad / using a steam icon / BPM / it's listing is not good enough as these are "hollow" or "hideous", but some other UI is fine (I assume not a "PC" one but a "console" one? For whatever reason)...

 

[Hux1ey]

Man... OP, this thread showed up at the perfect timing, I had this exact thought the other day. I built a monster PC back in Dec-Jan (6700k, 2x 1080 SC) and I was playing a bunch of older games (Half Life 2, Max Payne 2) and it's amazing what resolution does to games.

I booted up Divinity Original Sin 2 and in 4k/60fps it's one of the most beautiful games I've seen. It really is quite jarring what a capable gaming PC does, and my PS4 Pro will be an exclusive machine going forward.

It's just hard to go back and I'm not an elitist by any means, I guess having options is always great �� I stopped driving myself insane and doing crazy tweaking via things like Nvidia Inspector and just enjoying the games, haven't had to go on at all. Sometimes have to change the SLI alternate rendering to get sli to work properly but other than that it just works.

There is nothing elitist about having higher standards. Many people say the same after upgrading to the Pro "I could never go back to regular PS4".

 

[Susurrus]

Honestly, I've tried but almost all of the games I play are console exclusive and/or I got free from PS+. Currently playing FF15. Other recent games were Metroid Prime Trilogy, Uncharted series, Family Guy: BttM, and Deadpool (latest one I found for like $20 on PS4, half of steams' price plus included the DLC...)

I do have a PC hooked up to my TV and play stuff here and there on it, like Dead Space which I got half way through before deciding I wasn't interested, Pacman 256 which is a great pick up and play, and RCT3.

I realize there are plenty of good games on all platforms, having a job and family I'm surprised I get as much gaming time in as I do.

If the PC has what you like, I will agree it is a great platform, though.

 

[JudgmentJay]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

That is strange.

 

[family_guy]

I have no idea what this means tbh lol.

Well on PS3 for example, it shows a video of thumbnail of the game as well as plays music before you actually launch it. On PS4 there are community features and more information you can get just by pressing down. A shortcut to a game on PC doesn't do any of that.

 

[nkarafo]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

You can use Kodi with the Advanced Launcher plugin to launch every game that supports a gamepad. With Kodi you can also use other things and plugins like media players, watch Youtube, use couch-friendly emulator frontends, etc, without the need to ever touch the keyboard or mouse.

Kodi supports all kinds of media and assets and you can make it as beautiful as you want.

Edit: fixed wrong quote, lol

 

[Hux1ey]

Well on PS3 for example, it shows a video of thumbnail of the game as well as plays music before you actually launch it. On PS4 there are community features and more information you can get just by pressing down. A shortcut to a game on PC doesn't do any of that.

I mean that's cool I guess, but I'd rather take ultra settings, better framerate/resolutions over a version with a little thumbnail playing a video before I launch the game, if I had to choose.

 

[dcx4610]

It might seem strange, but I really like a good user interface to unify it all. Just launching a game shortcut on the desktop feels hollow and Steam's Big Picture mode while functional, is hideous. I'd play on my PC more if not for this. Bring user themes to Steam please.

I do agree Steam is ugly but apparently it is being re-designed finally this year. It definitely would benefit from different themes but it's not very important to me.

 

[MazeHaze]

Do you game on a regular TV? If so, any specific model of TV that works well for PC gaming (low input lag, etc.)?

I use the Samsung KS8000 it's great, can't reccommend it enough. Supports all resolutions, and from TV viewing distance I find 1440p almost indistinguishable from 4k. Nice little trade off for super sharp image without compromising on settings or frame
rate.

 

[cleveridea]

Well on PS3 for example, it shows a video of thumbnail of the game as well as plays music before you actually launch it. On PS4 there are community features and more information you can get just by pressing down. A shortcut to a game on PC doesn't do any of that.

If only you could get community features and more information on the PC...

 

[Mihos]

Well on PS3 for example, it shows a video of thumbnail of the game as well as plays music before you actually launch it. On PS4 there are community features and more information you can get just by pressing down. A shortcut to a game on PC doesn't do any of that.

I have some PC based games I added to Hyperspin to have the attract mode stuff. Not something everyone would go through the trouble of doing though

 

[Sotha_Sil]

I've mostly been playing last gen games on my build from November, and yeah, it's incredible replaying all these games at 1080p/120-144fps with freesync. Skyrim at 95-110fps coming from the PS3 version was a completely different experience. Can't wait to replay New Vegas.

This is why I wish all games had eventual PC releases. For console exclusives, wait until the next generation releases then open them up. There's a lot of great games that require a 360 or a PS3 to play, and you're going to be stuck with shit loading times, sub-HD resolutions, and sub-30 framerate.

 

[Greedings]

Well on PS3 for example, it shows a video of thumbnail of the game as well as plays music before you actually launch it. On PS4 there are community features and more information you can get just by pressing down. A shortcut to a game on PC doesn't do any of that.

That stuff is the most useless crap.

To OP:
When I bought my current gen console, my old gen console became obsolete. It has like like 6 times.

 

[Lothars]

Yep got a beast machine last year then both my consoles turned into dust magnets


I used to not care about frames that much now it's super important. IDK how the fuck anyone can justify playing on 30 fps now.


Playing for online, locked frames, low res

Easy, the people I play with are on consoles. I've had good pc's for decades and enjoy playing pc games but I want to play with friends so I play with consoles.

Not hard at all. 30 FPS is not a big deal at all.

Opposite for me.

Been PC Gaming primarily all my life but recently console gaming is easier to jump into with friends for all the coop and multiplayer games. Especially with my life schedule and with game share which makes coop games almost an instant buy every time. When I get home know I turn on my xbox/ps4 and everything is updated and working and so are my friends consoles, no bullshitting around.

Exactly. I feel the same way even though I will be building a new pc this year. I just feel consoles are the way to go for me.

 

[sanhora]

Bring user themes to Steam please.

You mean skins like Air and Metro?