I've been gaming since before you were born. As a child in the 1980's, I remember video games always being a part of my life; even before my first console (a first generation Nintendo NES complete with a light zapper and ROB the video robot). Prior to my conversion to a PC only gamer, I was mainly a console peasant. I enjoyed Age of Empires and similar games on the PC, but had no idea that console quality gaming experiences (complete with controllers) were possible on the computer. Consoles were all I really knew. Through the years, I learned that others had abandoned consoles to game exclusively on the PC. I owned one of just about every generation of gaming consoles. I went from the NES to the Super NES. When Sony said I wasn't ready; I decided to try the first generation Playstation, quickly moving up to the PS2 as soon as it was available. Although I didn't chase the original XBox down as soon as it was released, I eventually added it to my entertainment center. That's when I began to consider PC gaming: all those games lost due to hardware changes; all that hardware; all those monthly subscription fees. I even bought a Playstation Portable in order to game on the go. When the XBox 360 and the PS3 were released, the initial high cost of the consoles kept me away. I finally broke down and purchased an XBox 360 to keep up with my favorite game series; Grand Theft Auto. When the XBox One and PS4 were announced, complete with ridiculous introductory prices, I resigned myself to forever be stuck in the gaming world of the seventh console generation. That's when I began to research PC gaming anew. I loved GTA 5 (and still do). I wanted to be a part of the new expansion packs that would only be coming to the 8th console generation, but I did not want to buy a new console. I had invested so much time and money in my 360 and all her games, I could not bear to start over again knowing that the cycle would again repeat in a few short years. I wanted a more permanent solution. There was a fear of being unable to troubleshoot finicky games as well as an unfamiliarity with computer functionality. I've always used computers to do academic and professional work, but I was always the type to call a "computer guy" at the first sign of trouble with my PC. That's when I decided to test myself. If I could get an older game to work with a controller on my laptop, I would begin the transition from console gaming to the glory of PC gaming. I started my Steam account and downloaded Manhunt, an old, controversial Rockstar title. I had no idea that I had picked a game that was notoriously hard to get working properly. I also purchased a PS4 controller. I had no idea that I had picked the hardest controller to get to operate correctly with a PC. About a week later, I was re-living the good times with Manhunt on a PS4 controller that I had many, many years ago on the PS2. Even on a laptop with integrated graphics, the difference in the quality of the visuals between my laptop screen and the game I remembered on the PS2 was vast. That's what finally sold me entirely on the concept of gaming on the PC exclusively. Since I had little to no familiarity with computer parts or construction, I committed a terrible error: I purchased my first gaming PC; a pre-built CyberPowerPC from Newegg. It had a $400 price tag. I didn't even know what I was buying; I only knew that the system specifications SHOULD be able to push GTA 5. Since the first next-gen update to GTA 5 was coming out in a few weeks, I bit the bullet and ordered the computer. A few days later, I received my new computer on my porch. It had an AMD fx-4300 CPU, 4 GB of RAM, an Nvidia GT 720 with 1 GB of dedicated memory, and a power supply just able to push the system. I didn't even have a monitor; I just hooked it up to my television like a console. After I downloaded the GTA 5 update and fired up the game, I have never looked back or regretted my decision. I gave away my XBox 360 to a friend who is stuck in the console trap. He looked at me like I had lost my mind when I handed it to him. Since that day, I have upgraded my RAM to a semi-respectable 16 GB. I replaced the Nvidia GT 720 with an Nvidia GTX 960 to improve my graphics capabilities. That's when I learned about power supplies. And power supply installation. I even brought mobile gaming back into my life and I'm not talking about Fruit Ninja on an iPhone. I purchased an Nvidia Shield tablet and controller, which was quickly followed by hunting down a used Shield portable. While I have always been a gamer, moving to PC really kicked the hobby into overdrive for me. I used to sort of pass the time with games; it's now a much more immersive and enjoyable hobby for me. When I got started, I had 2 games on my Steam account. Today, I purchased my 58th. My system came with a 1TB hard drive. I'm currently shopping for a 2 TB SSD, because I'm nearly out of space. I've purchased two new wireless XBox 360 controllers and a dongle so they'll work with the PC. My friend who received my gift of a used XBox 360 doesn't even use it anymore; he comes here to play NBA 2K16 every night. I don't miss consoles any more than I miss a wart. I've gained an immense amount of knowledge about computer troubleshooting and maintenance. If you're considering making the transition from consoles to PC, by all means, take the plunge and do so immediately. If you have a friend who is considering the change, have them read this. Game modifications will breathe new life into old titles. You, not the console manufacturer, will be in complete control of your input methods. You'll be in complete control of upgrades. You'll have your games forever instead of for the life of a console generation. If you decide to make the change, you'll never regret it. I surely don't. I wish I had done it sooner.
Submitted by PeepleRStoopid | #Specialdealer Special Offer Online Shopping Store 2016
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