If by viable, you mean ****** like the Ps3, then yes.

It's not like the PC is going to lose functionality. Is going to run everything that it used too.

If you mean cutting edge, then no, you'll have to upgrade it some-something you can't do on a console.

Are console gamers really this ignorant?

What you need to understand is this:

- console: they are frozen in time for the duration of that 7 years. Thus, yes they run games, gut allways at the same sstandard of performance and graphical fidelity. Theres no way to see better textures, better post-processing effects, etc.

- PC: if you buy a just as capable machine, it will also b eusable for the same period. BUT, you will progressively have to use less post effects, as the games in the PC environment continues to evolve and push the limits everynew generation of hardware offers.

So what I am saying is, a PS3 game now will run in a quality that would be considered 'medium' by todays PC hardware. And thats fine, if the PC owner didnt chose to upgrade.

And Chosing here is the key.

You dont need to upgrade your PC machine, and if you chose not to, it will peform at "PS3" level of performance and graphical fidelity.

Take my PC.

I still use an E8400 CPU processor. Its just a Dual core. And, after 6, 7 years of use, it still delivers. I play whatever I want without complaints.

Now my GPU. I use a GTX 570. This GPU I bought like 3 years ago as an upgrade froma 9800gtx wich lasted 4 years then broke due a power outage.

So, my system is old if you compare it to the actual platforms.

But I still can play games like the recent released Tomb Rider at pretty much maximum. I play shooters near maximum as well, without complaints.

So far, my machine has not rejected any game I wished to play on it.

I could upgrade now if I wanted, porbably will do so next year by just gettign a new GPU/mobo/Ram, and using the old parts like GPU, case, HDD's, so it wont be a huge investment.

But I will uograde more out of a desire of having a new shinny than because I need to.

For the love of God, DONT buy a gamming laptop.

Just... dont.

They are overpriced stuff that will nto perform as well as a desktop with similar especifications.

The last time i read articles, it was said that the GPU gtx750Ti was a good alternative for a new PC capable of matching a PS4 performance. Its about $149 at new egg.

Assemble a system around it. It will probably come closer to $600, but a PC can do a lot more than gamming, so theres that.

Also, most parts will be still being able to be used at your next upgrade some years from now, so the cost of upgrading would be way lower then buying a new console when the time comes.

Where did you get those numbers? Firstly, $1,000 is a pretty large sum. By shopping smart and understanding what's really necessary for gaming performance, you can construct your own gaming PC that is superior to any next-gen console for significantly less than $1,000. Secondly, why would it not last as long?