Gaming your way – are you a console or PC gamer?
Article updated on 26 January 2026.
Console or PC? Some swear by PC gaming, others by consoles, and then there are those who play everything. In this article, we’ll explore different gaming options and explain the differences between PC and console gaming. By the end, you’ll know if you’re Team PC, Team Console, or Team anything-goes-as-long-as-I-can-play!
Setting board games aside for a moment, modern gaming is divided into mobile, console, and PC gaming. Since everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, mobile games are accessible to all. Console and PC gaming, however, require more consideration as neither option is free. So, what makes a good gaming machine? The simple answer: one that brings you joy. Even an affordable gaming setup can be great if the player enjoys using it.
We’ll cover various consoles and gaming PCs, and if you’re wondering whether to choose a console or a PC, you’ll find the answer at the end of this article.
Gaming consoles – home console or handheld?
The Finnish console market is currently dominated by Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s Switch consoles. The PlayStation 5 is a pure home console, while the Switch works both connected to a TV at home and as a handheld on the go. Microsoft hasn't released a new Xbox console in years, unlike its competitors. Furthermore, from July 1, 2025, the older Series consoles will only be sold in four European countries, excluding Finland. Xbox fans might find comfort in the fact that former Xbox exclusives have recently started appearing on PlayStation. Alongside the established giants, handheld consoles from well-known PC manufacturers have also recently entered the market.
Ultimately, it’s not just about choosing between a home or handheld console; the games themselves are the biggest factor. Both Nintendo and PlayStation have their own exclusives, though many titles are available on both. Being completely unbiased, we naturally recommend both—because you can never have too much gaming gear.
PlayStation – a Finnish favorite
The PlayStation 5 is currently the only pure home console sold at Verkkokauppa.com, excluding retro consoles. "Finland has always had a very strong PlayStation user base, and that trend continues with the new generation," says our gaming expert Sami Teelahti. Since almost all PlayStation 4 games work on the PlayStation 5, upgrading to the new generation feels like a natural step.
The PS5 is currently available as a standard "Slim" version or a Pro version. The PS5 Pro offers more storage, better Wi-Fi, superior image quality, and more power. However, the "Slim" model already provides a significant performance boost over the PS4, making it more than enough for players whose TVs can't fully utilize the Pro's features or who aren't as concerned with every graphical detail. It's worth noting that not all new games support PS5 Pro features yet, so the benefits of the Pro console depend entirely on the game.
The standard PS5 comes in both disc and digital versions, while the PS5 Pro is digital-only. The disc version serves those who prefer physical games or want to use their old physical PS4 games on the new console. For the digital version, games are purchased from the PlayStation Store. If you change your mind later and want to play physical games, you can buy a separate disc drive for both the PS5 and PS5 Pro. The same disc drive works for both consoles.
PlayStation has its own handheld console – PS Portal
With the growing popularity of handheld consoles, Sony has also launched its own handheld, the PlayStation Portal. However, its operating logic differs significantly from the Nintendo Switch, as it requires a home console to function. The Portal connects to a PlayStation 5 console, which must be in rest mode or powered on and connected to a Wi-Fi network for you to play on the Portal.
