Gaming on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets has become commonplace, although many gamers still prefer desktop computers.
Both platforms offer unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, making it tough to determine which is better for gaming. To determine whether apps or desktops reign supreme for gaming, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each.
Pros And Cons Of Gaming On Mobile
Mobile apps offer convenience, portability, and accessibility, but also come with downsides.
Pros
Mobile games are primarily casual games, although there are some versions of popular desktop and console games available as apps. The iGaming industry has taken to mobile apps, as can be seen by the list of top casino apps from PokerStrategy. These apps allow players to gamble on the go and have the casino experience in their pocket. Many game developers have realized the value of mobile apps, creating simpler versions of their PC titles, like Fallout Shelter, GTA Trilogy, and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. This has resulted in a wide variety of mobile games for casual and serious players.
These apps can be enjoyed on the go, while commuting, on holiday, or when simply taking a lunch break at work. This accessibility and convenience are one of the biggest benefits of apps. There’s no need to wait to get home and sit at the desk, making a spontaneous gaming session possible.
Phones and tablets are more affordable than desktop setups. There is thus a lower barrier to entry for mobile games. Many games are also free to download or very cheap, since they’re supported by in-app purchases and ads. This makes them more accessible to a wider income class of players.
Interestingly, the touch interface of mobile games is another advantage. There’s no learning curve to get started, and games are controlled by simple gestures. Titles like Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga show exactly how beneficial these touch interfaces are, directly on the mobile device’s screen.
Cons
Mobile games are developed to function on various devices, each with different hardware capabilities. This means the graphics and game performance might not be the best, to meet the abilities of slower or less advanced devices. Mobiles have less processing power than desktops, and can take longer to render screens, especially in multi-player games. The battery power of phones also limits how detailed a game can be. Games that require more processing power will quickly drain the battery and also potentially cause overheating.
The screen size of mobiles also impacts the quality of the game. Smaller screens limit how much information can be displayed, although developers have worked hard to simplify interfaces and ensure players can still be immersed in the game.
Although many mobile games are free to download, in-app purchases may be used to progress the game, which can add up and make the game costly to play.
Pros And Cons Of Gaming On Desktop
Desktop setups have long been the go-to for gamers, but even these advanced PCs have downsides.
Pros
Desktop computers have powerful processors that allow games to run with better graphics and higher frame rates. PCs also offer more control through the keyboard and mouse, making in-game movements highly accurate.
There tends to be a wider game selection for desktops, with games ranging across genres, from massive open-world explorers to first-person shooting games. Most of these games require a one-time purchase fee without any further in-game costs, making them more affordable in the long run.
The large monitors often used for gaming allow for immersion and the ability to see all parts of the game at the same time, including the highly detailed graphics.
Cons
The largest downside of desktop games is that they must be played in a dedicated location, like a desk at home. This limits how often the game can be enjoyed; however, it also cuts out distractions.
High-performing desktop hardware can be expensive, which should be weighed against the benefits that the better capabilities will offer. This often creates a higher barrier to entry and can put off casual gamers.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
There are big differences between gaming on apps and on desktops. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages, and determining which is better comes down to individual player preferences.
Mobile apps are accessible, convenient, and easy to get into. Desktops are more expensive but offer better graphics and performance.
Mobile games are likely a better pick for casual gamers or those with busy lives who want to game during their downtime. Desktop games will suit gamers who want an immersive experience, highly advanced graphics, and to play at home or in a dedicated location.
Which is best comes down to player lifestyles, budgets, and desires. Many opt for both, preferring apps while in bed but playing on desktop or console when they have more time to dedicate to a complex game.
