The debate has always been between loyal PC users and those who swore by their consoles. Each would argue that their chosen platform gave the best experience, and forums could be found where the conversations got more than just a little heated. Fast forward to 2024, and the debate has changed. While in the early days mobile gaming wasn’t taken seriously, advancements in technology have seen a real change. This means that gamers are now seriously considering whether mobile gaming will ever surpass that on a PC.
Why the Interest in Mobile Gaming?
There’s no escaping the fact that PC gaming offers an experience that’s like no other. With specialist gaming monitors, keyboards and a library of games that caters to all tastes, there’s little surprise that the PC is so popular with gamers. There is a downside here though: a PC leaves players chained to their desks.
Smartphones now support more impressive graphics, better sound quality and, with the evolution of app stores, have seen an explosion in the number of games available. A smartphone slips into your pocket, meaning you can now play no matter where you are without needing a separate gaming console.
The range of games that can be played on mobile devices continues to grow. While these were once limited to basics such as less than impressive versions of Tetris, now gamers can enjoy so much more. There are releases such as League of Legends, Raid: Shadow Legends and Slay the Spire. Then there are online casinos and UK poker sites. These have ensured that they are mobile-optimised so that players are able to enjoy the same experience as those who access the desktop versions. Several sites also provide downloadable apps, so that players aren’t restricted to using their mobile browser.
What Do Mobile Games Have to Compete with?
When you look back to the early mobile games, there have been clear improvements in recent years. Thanks to HTML5 technology, games now transition to mobile much more effectively. This means that the graphics now fit perfectly on the smaller screen, the colours are retained, and much is kept in terms of gameplay. However, there are areas where a PC still has the edge.
Looking at just the display, PCs offer a far superior experience. With 4K screens available, refresh rates have also increased, providing a smoother gaming experience. Then there’s the control that a PC offers. A gaming keyboard is designed to allow ease of control and a comfortable experience. With smartphones, a touchscreen doesn’t cut it. While various mobile gaming accessories are coming to market, including controllers, these still don’t match what a gaming keyboard can offer.
PC vs Mobile – Which is Most Popular?
Overall, there’s no escaping the fact that PCs are still the go-to when it comes to gaming. In the UK during 2023, the PC gaming industry was worth a staggering $7 billion. That’s not to say that the mobile gaming industry isn’t performing well. The truth is that its’ value is on the up. During 2024, it’s estimated that it will be worth an impressive $1.37 billion.
Will Mobiles Ever Be the Dominant Force in Gaming?
There’s no doubting the fact that mobile gaming is a big business, and there’s no doubt that it will continue to grow. The truth is that these platforms offer something different and should be looked at as complementary rather than competing. With additional controllers, a mobile could well match the likes of the Nintendo Switch, but exceeding what a PC can offer seems a long way off.
