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I’ve been a gamer ever since I was a kid, favoring the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, and DS systems. Eventually, I switched to gaming on my Mac, playing titles like Tomb Raider with a trackpad. Now, I’ve upgraded my gaming setup to access different titles and other benefits across systems.
Rather than choosing to exclusively use a PC or console, here’s why I find value in owning both for gaming.
1I Can Stream From My Console When I Travel
Screenshot by Marissa Zupancic — no attribution
One of my favorite aspects of having a PlayStation 5 is streaming games remotely when I travel. As long as I have a PlayStation controller, a laptop (or my phone), and an internet connection, I can play games like Resident Evil 4 on the go.
I try to buy titles on PlayStation that I know will “travel well,” like smaller indie games (if available) or games I can quickly jump back into after a long hiatus.
2Access to PC and Console Exclusives
Another great aspect of owning multiple systems is the ability to play exclusive games only available on certain platforms. For example, Nintendo titles are only available on the Switch. It’s great to be able to purchase a Nintendo-exclusive game, like Luigi’s Mansion, and play it. At the same time, I can access games exclusive to Xbox with Xbox Game Pass on my PC. Also, I have access to Sony exclusives on my PlayStation.
If you’re still undecided on which system is best for you, check out our guide to determinewhether you should get a gaming PC, laptop, and/or console.
3I Can Game With Friends Who Own Different Systems
Gaming with friends is even more incentive to have multiple systems. If I want to play Helldivers 2 with some friends who are only on PlayStation, I can easily switch over to my console. If friends want to play multiplayer PC games like Phasmophobia, I can hop on Discord on my PC, too.
Nintendo Switch Online also allows me to play games like Mario Party and Animal Crossing with friends who are exclusively on Switch.
4Saving Across Systems
Some titles allow cross-saving, so I can switch which system I’m playing a certain game on at my convenience. For instance, I can play free-to-play games like Overwatch and Wuthering Waves across systems. If I want to switch from playing Wuthering Waves on my PC one day, to my phone the next, I can do so with ease. Meanwhile, games like Disney Dreamlight Valley allow cross-saving across PC and Switch too.
5The Ability to Switch Between Controllers or a Mouse and Keyboard
It’s great to have the ability to switch between console controllers and mouse and keyboard controls. There are games I prefer to buy on PlayStation or Switch because I prefer to use a controller, like with shooting games such as Resident Evil 4 or Fortnite. Point-and-click games that fall under the time management and hidden object genres work better with a traditional mouse and keyboard approach.
Even so, if I’m playing a PC game that I’d prefer to use a controller for, I can plug in my Xbox controller, which works with most PC games.
6Different Subscription Options
Across different systems, there are various subscription options available. PlayStation offersPlayStation Plussubscriptions with different tiers to access online play and a catalog of old and new PlayStation games. There are multiple gaming subscriptions available on PC, includingXbox Game PassandShockwave Unlimited, to name a few.
Finally, the Nintendo Switch offers anonline subscriptionto game with friends and access retro titles from the NES and Super NES like Super Mario 3.
7I Wanted to Learn How to Build a PC
While the primary reason I bought a PC was for gaming, I also wanted to learn how to build a PC. Throughout the process of researching parts, putting the PC together (and hoping it worked), and customizing the internal settings, I’ve learned a lot of useful skills.
There are also ways toturn your PC into a PC game consolewith some upgrades.
8My PC Isn’t Only For Gaming
Besides gaming, I can use my PC for work, too. I recently bought a webcam so I can join video calls for work or with friends. I also upgraded my setup with another monitor, making research and writing more efficient, on top of improving my gaming experience.
Over the past four years, I’ve slowly added to my gaming collection. I love having multiple systems to access different games and ways of playing, as well as the ability to game with friends and customize my gaming experience on any given day. Although my desk space is growing increasingly limited, having multiple systems has been a game changer.
