Comment by benbristow | Hacker News Reader

Comment by benbristow | Hacker News Reader

Don't really have the room for a gaming PC anymore after moving, I've got my old one but it needs some fixing up (RTX 3080). 1TB Xbox One Series X I got second hand for about $400 (also added a storage expansion for about $130) is doing me sound for any gaming needs (currency converted from GBP). All the games optimised, usually 60fps, no messing about with settings other than the quality/performance switches. Looks great on the TV with 4K/HDR. Laptop for the day to day workstation stuff. Lovely controller. Been enjoying Forza Horizon 6 and just started playing Star Wars Outlaws.

Used to be pretty 'PC Master Race' but then life got in the way.

I do miss stuff like modded Valve games and keyboard & mouse, but can run them somewhat on my laptop.

Is keeping an Xbox and its software updated easier than a Steam Machine?

Serious question.

I've only ever owned a Steam Deck so can't really comment. I used it a couple times intending to use it when travelling by train then sold it because it was too wide/big to really carry around with the carry case. Didn't really see the advantage over just playing mobile games (or doomscrolling social media etc) or playing more indie/basic games on the laptop.

Xbox is fine, it updates itself (firmware/OS updates only take about 5 mins) and the servers are fast enough. There's basically no maintenance. Can be annoying if it's a game you wanted to play at the moment updating but then Steam is the same.

Thanks - I believe Steam Deck is what I meant!

Yes. There are no launchers for games that need to be updated. Everything just automatically gets updated constantly.

The biggest value prop for me with console gaming is that it just works, every time. No GPU/launcher/mod/etc updates to deal with ever.

I've owned some gaming PCs and every time I've learned that I don't want a hobby of maintaining a gaming PC. I want to sit down, in my favorite comfy chair, with a controller (because I've already been on a keyboard all day), and just play.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com