The gaming world today has certainly evolved and is still evolving. Various technologies are now available in the market. Along with all of these evolution and availability, the barriers and limitations of gaming world have been conquered with the rise of different computing technologies and the Internet. From vector displays to LAN- based games to game consoles to online games to cloud gaming, playing games has truly reached its height of advancement. In line with this, it is truly advantageous for an end-user and/or end-gamer to be knowledgeable with the highlights, features and drawbacks of the different gaming technologies accessible these days. Two of the most famous technologies are the all-time favourite Game Console and the rising Cloud Gaming.
Game Consoles
The term “game console” is used to differentiate a type of computer used primarily by people for playing video games from a personal computer. A game console is a type of interactive entertainment computer that generates a video display signal. A television or monitor can be used as a display device for game consoles. The games are housed in different media such as cards, magnetic media and optical media. Aside from these media, software for gaming is also downloadable in the Internet. Examples of game consoles are PlayStation 1, 2 and 3, Sega, Xbox, etc. Personally, I find game consoles easier to use as it can work with about any TV set. Along with that, newer versions of game consoles are now more portable, which makes it simpler to carry anywhere and play anytime.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a kind of online gaming which allows direct and on-demand streaming of games on a computer with the use of a thin client. The real game is kept or stored on the game company’s server, and streamed directly to computers accessing the server through the client. This type of gaming is also known as gaming on demand. With this type of online gaming, the user or gamer doesn’t need a console to access games. Also, the capability of the user’s computer is insignificant as the server is the one that runs the processing needs. But despite of these wonderful news, cloud gaming has limitations. One limiting factor is the bandwidth, as it affects the quality of the video stream. Another thing is the network quality, as this affects the response time and latency. To combat network quality issues, choosing ISPs (Internet Service Providers) must be highly considered.
Game Consoles or Cloud Gaming?
No matter how advanced, realistic and sophisticated the technologies in the gaming world are right now, the choice is still solely up to you – as it depends on your needs, preferences, allocated budget and comfort zone. One can ask for recommendations, and even read reviews online or written materials to be able to make a wiser and better alternative. A certain gaming environment may be convenient and easier to use for some end-gamers and end-users. It’s the same way that there would be some technologies unsuitable for some users and a bit beyond their budget.
