I started playing with consoles. Mid 90's I had access to a computer that could only run the most basic games but had Internet. A few years later got my hands on a PC that didn't have a discrete GPU but would run some games. I remember playing Max Payne in that set up.
I later ordered my first custom PC from a store that actually allowed me to see how they build it and learn the basics. I didn't get a PC with a true discrete GPU until I was in college and got to play some of my fav games such as Battlefield 1942 and Rome: Total War. I did have a PS2 during those times and later got an Xbox for a gift. Most of my gaming was done in consoles because I could get the games second hand and most of the games I wanted to play (MGS2, MGS3, GTA, Yakuza, etc) either didn't have a PC port or it wasn't that good.
I had to get rid of my PC because I moved to another country and as soon as I had the chance built another one but pretty basic (couldn't afford more) but eventually a friend convinced me to get a GPU (A 4770 if I remember correctly) and never turned back. I still have Playstation consoles but whatever game is available multiplat I rather play it on PC because usually more comfortable for me to play everything from a single place with a lot of flexibility and games are usually cheaper. Also I don't have to worry a lot about BC. Right now I have a PSOne and a PS2 put away in boxes and some games (very few) but I could not play them without a lot of inconvenience (no HDMI interface, wired controllers, missing memory cards). With PC that's just not an issue. Yes, it might need a few hours of configurations to get it working but still, it's amazing that is possible.
Yes, there have been issues sometimes like the time I could not play Gears of War 3 after buying it because Windows update was crapping out or I could never play the Halo campaign because it just wouldn't work but the amount of hours the machine has given me and all the knowledge I have acquired thanks to it make it worth it to do a few hours of troubleshooting.
I can't deny the amazing value consoles have this gen, though. I just built a new PC with a 13600K CPU and a 3070 GPU and to be honest is not that big of a difference. It's nice to have stuff like DLSS and framerate is usually better on top of VR but I don't know if it's really worth the price difference. I paid $700 for my PS5 (no scalpers, just higher prices because of taxes and shitty exchange rate) but I spent close to 2,000 on parts for this build (1250 from CPU, Mobo, RAM, Cooler, PSU and SSD) and about 700 for the GPU a year ago (prices were still very high for GPU's).
No regrets but I'm not sure what my approach will be in the future.
. Love all my Consoles for their own great reasons.. But I just adore the feel, freedom & magical world of PC. It's really special.. Love the awesome community as well
.
