Topic: How do you decide what platform to buy games on?

Hey DF, huge congratulations on getting the website and forum up and running. It’s so fantastic to see some good things happening in gaming journalism for a change!

Anyway, I wanted to get people’s thoughts on how you juggle multiple different gaming devices and game libraries.

I currently have a PS5, Switch 2, gaming PC and Steam Deck as my main devices. Each platform has its own pros and cons, and some games are a better natural fit for some genres - like the Switch seems better for older JRPGs, while the PC is better for online shooters or RTS games. But there’s also a bit of overlap too, and many console style games could just run on the PC too.

Remembering which games are where is kind of a pain, and I end up with games half way through where I wish I could move the save game to a different platform (eg I’m playing Ys IX on PS5, but I wish I could move my save to my Steam Deck for the extra flexibility).

Also, I’m a visual person so not being able to see all my games together means I end up forgetting about them. I almost wish I just had just one platform (which is probably PC). With the new Steam Machines coming soon I’m finding myself more and more tempted to just focus on that platform for all future games.

So if you have multiple systems, how do you decide what platform to use for each game?

I always prioritize the PS5, I like having the games and trophies there.
But my main decision is based on whether there is a physical version or not.

Frankly, performance doesn't bother me as much as it used to, it depends, I have exceptions.

Whether it's online or offline also matters.
For example, I bought Diablo 4 on PC.

I haven't bought Arc Raiders yet, and I don't know if I will. I don't have much patience for that kind of game, but this one looks really good.

But if I do, it'll be on PC.

I buy on PlayStation and will the buy an XBOX copy whenif it goes on sale. Both digital. I very rarely buy ANY game at launch.

It depends.

Regarding current systems, I have a good PC (9800X3D + 5090), Switch 2, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X.

If the game is best played on a mouse and keyboard, or is graphically intense, PC all the way. I do have a nice 32" OLED monitor and great headphones, but gaming on the chair is not as comfortable and I'd miss out on Atmos sound.

For the PS5 and XSX I mainly buy physical games (if available). Sometimes games are "as good" on consoles, so I pick PS5 or Xbox depending on mood. If it benefits from the Pro, I'll pick it up on that. And PS5 has more physical games available, anyway. Traditionally I favoured the Xbox because of Achievements, but I've tried to get away from that grind and don't like Microsoft policies (cancelled Game Pass when they raised the price). Also, if the game has great Dolby Atmos sound I'll pick it up on consoles as I like to enjoy it in the game room, which also has a 83" OLED display. Sometimes, Xbox Series X version is preferable because they're more collectible and usually keep their price a bit better. But I rarely, if ever, sell games so it doesn't really matter.

I generally don't use the Switch 2 as a handheld device, so I only buy exclusive games for the Switch 2. Why buy inferior versions to play on the dock? I've restrained from buying physical S2 games because the games run worse and the Game Key Card stuff is just ridiculous. So far I've only got three Switch 2 games (all digital) and the machine has been mainly collecting dust.

Generally if it's available on a portable like Switch / 2 or plays well on steamdeck I'll prioritize those devices. I really don't like being constrained to one point in the house for my gameplay sessions.

Ps5 for action rpg games on the coach. Switch oled for couch gaming with the kids and zelda.
Pc for m+k or when I don't want to pay the playstation store tax.

That said I have a good oled tv, and good oled pc monitor.
Before that it would have been " where I can use an oled screen". Most games will look way better at 1440p on an oled than at 4k on an lcd.

If it's a single-player game, I tend to play them on the PS5 Pro. Some on the Xbox Series X.

If it's multiplayer, I go wherever my friends are playing, which is typically on PC/Steam. My wife and I have a nice library of local multiplayer games on the Xbox too. We have played A LOT of Overcooked over the years.

I agree that some games seem to have a more natural fit. I tend to default to PS5 for most things, then PC is for mouse-heavy games (most recently the Anno 117 demo), and Switch is for Nintendo exclusives and the odd game which I think might benefit from being portable.

If a game I want to play is considerably cheaper on a certain platform then I might go for that one but it depends. I recently played Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light on PC using an Xbox controller because I got it for free ages ago but that definitely feels like more of a console game to me. I do have my PC hooked up to my TV for controller games but doing that is definitely more of a faff then just turning on a console!

It's pretty rare for me to buy a game on console. Maybe one or two a year. I think the only PS5 games I've purchased on my PSN account are SF6, Gran Turismo7, Avatar and Death Stranding2. And I ended up double dipping for SF6 and Avatar on my PC. I've got it all setup to stream through the house so can still kick back wherever I want to.

Something I've been enjoying lately though is the Switch Lite! I bought one on a whim a month or so ago because I wanted to have a physical copy of Final Fantasy Tactics. I've been really happy with how many sales the eShop has too. I've loaded up on all my indie favorites. It feels like a true handheld!

I pick PS5 for single player, due to the controller and the cool features it has over xbox.

Xbox is primarily just for multiplayer, its been a game pass with mates system for the last 8 years. As everyone had the same games. Times are now changing though.

Easy, if I want to "own" it -> Steam
If its on PC GamePass and I know I only play once -> Xbox PC App
If its a free givaway or Epic exclusive? -> Epic
For the kids? -> Nintendo

But Steam is always my preferable Store/Launcher.

So humble.....you have a "good PC"? Now I am curious what a really really really good one looks like.

I mostly try and support GOG when I can and I like checking out the more obscure PC releases there. I have my PC hooked up to both a desk monitor and TV so that gives me good flexibility for different genres.

I use Steam the rest of the time, particularly for stuff like platformers to play on the Steamdeck - I think the D-Pad on that is great for a portable system.

I wanted to support the original Switch more in terms of buying physical media but I don't find the form factor very comfortable. I also got the Pro Controller for docked use but was really disappointed by its D-Pad and unintentional inputs. I know there's third-party solutions but by the time I've invested in all that after already buying the official stuff, I feel like the Steamdeck is still a better solution for me currently.

If we got a Switch 2 revision and a reduction in key card releases, I'd go back to the Switch for platformer and arcade-style titles.

I've thought about getting a PS5 over the years but never found the controller that comfortable personally and starting another ecosystem of games is a little off putting since I tend to buy a lot on sale on GOG and Steam.

It's easy for me... PC first and on Steam, avoiding the Xbox app and Microsoft Store like the plague, then PS5 Pro and absolutely not on Xbox Series X (no point in buying any games for that disappointment of a console... sorry!).

if it is on games pass I just use series x, if not I would see if the ps5 pro version is good enough. As for switch 2, well... I buy nintendo games there, and multiplatform games are no longer a thing for me there since I buy them elsewhere, I don't have disposable income any more for double dip.

It depends on how I want to experience any game. I have a Series X hooked up with some similar games that I already have on PC. Most of those games I would rather experience on a much larger screen. Now I have gone through the whole lug the PC to the living room and play them that way, but after the 8th time I was sick of rolling it back and fourth. I really like my horror games and action games on a bigger screen. And I prefer your garden variety arcade, strategy, and FPS on PC instead.

I'll usually prioritize the PS5 Pro for the trophies, good deals on physical versions and overall just being extremely convenient to play in my living room. My PC is ancient at this point (I5 2500K + 970), but it can still handle some lighter indie fare, so I'll play stuff that hasn't been ported to consoles on it and the occasional emulated game (including Switch 1).