You can play games with better graphics than consoles — if you have a powerful gaming PC.

Xbox One graphics (left) versus PC graphics (right) on "The Witcher 3." Digital Foundry

This is one of the main arguments in favor of PC gaming, as the hardware inside a gaming PC can far outperform the parts in a console like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4. As a result, games on PC can play with graphics settings set to higher levels, as well as play at higher, smoother frame rates, than that on a console.

With that said, gaming PCs that outperform consoles can come at a high price. A great gaming PC for 1080p resolution screens — the same resolution that the PlayStation 4, original Xbox One, and Xbox One S — can cost anywhere north of $500. Compared to the $250 price tag of those aforementioned consoles, a gaming PC suddenly doesn't seem so tempting.

But, again, better graphics and smoother gameplay are available, if you're willing to pay. And, at the same time, you save money in the long run when you play on PC, as you'll see next.