Gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X are extremely popular among the younger generation due to their affordability. However, as someone who has bought every major PlayStation console since the PS One, I'd argue that a mini PC with decent specs is a better investment, especially if you can afford it.

Right now, I own a high-end gaming PC and a PlayStation 5, but I rarely even use the latter; the last time I booted it was to play Marvel's Spider-Man 2 in 2023, since that was a console exclusive at launch. I've used my desktop PC for every other game since then. If you're a console gamer, a mini PC is a fantastic way to transition into PC gaming. Let me explain why.

5 Mini PCs are tiny

They're smaller than your console

Unlike traditional PCs that take up so much space on a desk, mini PCs are typically smaller than modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. In fact, they're comparable in size to a Mac mini. You can hook it up to your TV and use it as an entertainment center or connect it to a monitor for the standard desktop experience.

Despite the fact they're so compact, mini PCs typically pack hardware that is similar to that of laptops. You don't have to worry about their performance being compromised by size. In fact, the small size is quite an asset, as they're so portable that you can put one in your backpack and travel with it. That way, you'll be able to connect it to a TV in your hotel room and play games when you're on vacation. I don't think a PS5 or an Xbox Series X would actually fit inside my backpack.

4 Free online multiplayer

Why pay a monthly fee to play online?

There's no doubt that gaming consoles are generally more affordable, but the subscription costs for you to play online add up in the long run. For instance, PlayStation Plus Essential and Xbox Game Pass Core, which unlock online multiplayer on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, cost $9.99 monthly. Unless you opt to save money with the annual plan, this adds up to roughly $120 in a single year. Sure, you could say you don't have to pay to play some popular free-to-play games online, like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, etc., but my point still stands.

With a mini PC or pretty much any PC in general, you don't have to pay at all to play online, except for a few MMO games like World of Warcraft, which can require a subscription to play characters above level 20. So, while a mini PC might seem like a more expensive purchase at first, the subscription fees you save over three or four years will make your investment worthwhile.

3 Incredibly versatile

You can do more than just game with it

Gaming consoles are purely for playing games, and while you can use them to watch TV shows on Netflix or Disney+ and stream music using Spotify or Apple Music, their versatility is pretty limited to media consumption. For instance, the PS5 doesn't even have a dedicated web browser. On the other hand, a mini PC is a computer, after all, and you can do pretty much anything with it — even install a second operating system like Linux if you want to. You can browse the internet, check emails, access your work documents, code, and more.

More importantly, you can run multiple apps simultaneously on a mini PC. For instance, you can play your favorite game while watching a YouTube video or reading an interesting article on XDA with your Discord chat open all at once. At the end of the day, a gaming console is an entertainment device, whereas a mini PC is suitable for work, school, and personal use. Would you rather have a device that does one thing, or get something that adapts to your various needs?

2 Upgradability

You don't have to be stuck with outdated hardware

Console makers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo release new consoles every six to seven years. So, once you get a new gaming console, you're stuck with its hardware for years. However, manufacturers have addressed this concern in the last decade with mid-cycle hardware refreshes like the PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and PS5 Pro. However, that's essentially buying a whole new console all over again. For instance, if you bought a PS5 for $500 in 2020 and now you want a more powerful console, you'll have to shell out another $700 for the PS5 Pro.

This is not an issue with most mini PCs, though. If your computer is aging, you can swap out some of its components for better hardware; you don't have to pay full price for a new mini PC. For instance, most mini PCs let you add more RAM, while some high-end models even support external GPUs via Thunderbolt ports if you need extra horsepower. Sure, the CPU usually can't be upgraded, but other components can. While modern consoles like the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 allow you to swap SSDs for more storage, you're still stuck with their max performance, unlike a mini PC.

1 Better peripheral support

Keyboard, mouse, or any controller you like

Although gaming consoles support keyboard and mouse input, many console games don't support it natively and will still force you to use a controller. Also, you can't use an Xbox controller with a PS5 and vice versa. With a mini PC, you won't face issues like these. If you don't fancy the Xbox controller, you can connect and use PS5's DualSense controller with your PC effortlessly to enjoy your favorite games. Most PC games also support both keyboard/mouse and controller input.

Additionally, some high-end mini PCs, like the Asus ROG NUC, are compatible with popular VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, HTC Vive Pro 2, and Valve Index. If you buy a PS5, you're limited to Sony's PlayStation VR2 for a seamless virtual reality experience. Xbox Series X|S, on the other hand, doesn't even support VR headsets.

Mini PCs are worth the initial investment

Sure, gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X are still cheaper than most mini PCs. However, for that extra money you'll pay, you get a compact machine that's more powerful for gaming, upgradable in the long run, and suitable for work use. You don't have to pay a subscription fee for online gaming, and you'll find amazing game deals on platforms like Steam and Epic Games. Over the course of a few years, that initial investment in a mini PC will totally be worth it.