1. Old gen consoles are not $400, not even new top of the lone models are $400. Honestly, I haven't seen a $400 PS3 or X360 since 2011.

2. I agree with most of this. It is harder to diagnose a console. Though like a PC, the solution is some sort of part replacementioned which you can do yourself. Easier to diagnose a PC. The most complex repairs on a console as well are probably more complex than PC. That said, upkeep is everything and a console is easier to upkeep.

3. You'be never scratched a PC CD? At least with Sony, they'be been using BrD for 10 years now...they are extremely resiliant. Plus not hard to buff a CD or a BrD. Also never heard of a game downloaded from PSN or XBLM that ruined a console.

5. It has always been more difficult to copy console games. The main point is though it's A LOT harder to trade in PC games. I don't think Gamestop for example has accepted them in over 5 years

6. Agreed about the vs. However still need to provide a kb/m with PC unless it comes with it. At least that first controller is always included.

7. I see it all the time still on console where a duplicate name shows up online with a -2 next to it (or similar, showing a second player). Plus you don't see all the split screen stuff if it's not online...it still happens. And people still use the old consoles too for it.

Dont think of Mark as one-sided. He is about as impartial as they come. Though he will push one side of the topic if that is what a thread is dedicated too.

Both offer their advantages and disadvantages, and both can offer anywhere from casual to hardcoe to elite competitive experiences. Pick what works best for you

Interesting thread! I've learned some things about consoles I didn't realize. Might just consider getting one once I'm done with school and working again. My wife loves "Ms. Pacman" and old games like that probably sell for $5 a dozen I guess

For $17, you can get the Namco collection for PS2 with a whole slew of 1980s arcade Pac Man, Galaga, Dig Dug and Pole position games. I think I spent about 80 bucks for four of these types of collections for PS2 (http://www.amazon.com/Namco-Museum-50th-Anniversary-Playstation-2/dp/B000A32O4W, http://www.amazon.com/Capcom-Classics-Collection-Playstation-2/dp/B0009UUQGE/ref=pd_bxgy_63_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=08C6YAF2Z5SDPJ96EEVP, http://www.amazon.com/Midway-Arcade-Treasures-PlayStation-2/dp/B0000AHOYR/ref=pd_bxgy_63_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=066J4QGFRE2T1Z41ZR4Yand http://www.amazon.com/Atari-Anthology-PlayStation-2/dp/B0002W5S0I/ref=pd_sim_63_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=61694M0MG5L&dpSrc=http://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1541066-why-console/sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=08C6YAF2Z5SDPJ96EEVP) a few years ago and got just about every 80s arcade game I ever remember playing as a kid.

Edit: Holy smokes, the price of the Atari collection has skyrocketed to $50. It was only $19.99 when I bought mine a few years ago. Guess I better take care of those discs.

On the NES? Ms. Pacman is very popular, but not rare, so it usually sells for around $30

Although you can find many versions of it on collection discs for PS2, Xbox 360, etc. And those are always cheap.

This is why I like the idea of a SteamOS console (aka Steam Machine). It's a nice bridge between PC's and Consoles. If anything it will force the "big three" console companies to either publish their exclusives on other platforms, or at least integrate an optional desktop environment into their OS's for the sake that their consoles are already essentially PC's.

I would be down with that. the Steam Machine has sadly not taken off yet, but if consoles had the option to replace a (licensed) video card or processor to upgrade it; to maybe use better settings in newer games since the console came out.

However in the long run... I just don't like the controllers. and that's my opinion. I feel like they're not precise enough, and I cant customize buttons, and theres not enough buttons... etc...etc... So i'dd never buy a console.

My friend hates keyboard and mouse and that's his opinion. So he would never play a PC game lol.

but...but...but.... I use a 360 controller on my pc, to play Skyrim & Oblivion... haven't gotten it to work right for The Witcher games , but that's cool to....must learn to use the mouse....

Here's my Husbands reason for playing on console... "Wait what...you can't use a controller? Na never mind, see if the game is on ps3 or ps4" ( the 360 was mine, but for exclusives he will use it) . Lord help me the number of times I have had to unlock our bank account cause he hit the wrong key to many times trying to type in the pass-word.