Before You Switch: PC vs Console Pros and Cons in 2026

LRB
May 30
3 min read

Considering the Switch From Console to PC?

Console gaming used to be the cheaper, simpler way to play. In 2026, that may no longer be true. For gamers who maintain a PlayStation Plus subscription year after year, the long-term cost difference between console and PC gaming is becoming smaller than many realize. Hardware prices are rising, subscription costs continue to increase, and many gamers are now asking whether it's time to make the switch from console to PC.

Check out the original launch prices of some consoles and subscriptions compared to their current price after the recent hikes:

PS5 (Disc Edition) $499.99 → $649.99 | Raised by $100 on April 2, 2026

PS5 (Digital Edition) $399.99 → $599.99 | Raised by $100 on April 2, 2026

PlayStation 5 Pro$749.99 → $899.99 | Raised by $150 on April 2, 2026

PlayStation Plus (Essential) $9.99/mo → $10.99/mo | Raised on May 20, 2026
*for new/lapsed subscribers

PlayStation Plus (Extra) $14.99/mo → $18.00/mo | Raised on May 20, 2026

PlayStation Plus (Premium)$17.99/mo → $20.00/mo | Raised on May 20, 2026

I currently have a PS5 with PlayStation Plus Premium. I was disappointed to hear about the price hike, but there's really no doubt I'll keep the subscription. While I think the game catalogue in its current state and the monthly game offerings could always be better, I would have a hard time without both and would greatly miss the ability to stream titles.

The Biggest Drawbacks of PC Gaming in 2026

I did also recently get a PC, and have had a hard time deciding which (console or PC) I actually like more. There are definitely some limitations to be aware of if you're looking to switch to a PC:

Unlike consoles, PCs require occasional maintenance. Driver updates, Windows updates, and software conflicts can sometimes create issues that gamers need to troubleshoot.
Understandably, you can't just buy any random upgraded part and plug it in. Certain PCs need different parts which can be harder to get, pricier to buy, or result in additional replacements being needed consecutively.
One thing I noticed almost immediately after starting to use my PC regularly was how much storage downloads consume. Popular games like Call of Duty and many open-world RPGs can take up hundreds of gigabytes, making storage upgrades feel inevitable for active gamers.

PC vs Console: Key Advantages of Each

Although I started my most hardcore gaming on Xbox 360, moved to a PS4, then briefly a XBOX One, then now a PS5, I've always understood why people go so hard for PC.

I grew up watching my dad spend countless hours playing games like Red Orchestra, Call of Duty (COD), and Battlefield on PC.

Because of that, I know there's an unmatched freedom tied to playing on something that puts such little limitation on your actions and reflexes, allowing you to reach a level of true skill without the potential constraints of a console. Of course consoles have their own benefits too, but here are a few of the core ones for each:

PC	Console
Free multiplayer: You never pay a monthly fee to play games online	Plug and play: Almost nothing to update, no graphic settings to tweak, and no hardware compatibility to research
Massive savings: Find deep discounts on storefronts like Steam + save hundreds annually (I've fallen in love with Steam)	Split-Screen gaming: Consoles still remain unmatched for co-op gameplay, allowing friends to play together on one screen easily just like we all remember
Compatibility & Emulation: Backwards compatibility is permanent without paid next-gen upgrades. You can also gain access to decades of games through retro emulation	Fewer cheaters: Closed operating systems make it harder for hackers to use popular cheats, creating what is known to be a fairer multiplayer experience than PC
Modding: Free mods can completely transform and extend some of the most popular games (Minecraft, Sims 4, Battlefront II - KYBER)	Even playing field: Every player online has the exact same hardware capabilities + frame rates, so no one gets a competitive advantage by buying a more expensive system

The 2026 Gaming Verdict: Stay, Switch, or Use Both?

After using both platforms it's easy to realize there can't be a universal winner. PCs offer unmatched freedom, performance, and long-term value, while consoles continue to deliver simplicity and convenience. With rising console prices and increasingly expensive PC hardware, the real question is no longer which platform is cheaper, but it's actually which platform best fits how you play.