I recently bought Forza Horizon 4 because it was going to be removed from digital stores, even though I don’t own an Xbox or gaming PC. I felt it was a smart move to secure the game for future play. Realizing I could also play it now, I decided to explore gaming opportunities. My laptop has the necessary specs for gaming, and I plan to try Windows 11 and Xbox. My experience with the Microsoft Store was frustrating, as it took a long time to install Forza Horizon 4. In contrast, buying and installing Tales of Vesperia on Steam was much easier. I’m currently testing the waters with PC gaming and would love to hear your thoughts on the best gaming platforms.
In light of recent trends, buying digital games has become a hot topic among gamers. For instance, I recently bought Forza Horizon 4 just before it was set to be delisted from all digital storefronts. Interestingly, I made this purchase even though I don’t own an Xbox or a gaming PC. The desire to avoid missing out on one of the top racing games of the past decade drove my decision. Plus, it was on sale, making it an affordable gamble to ensure I could play the game in the future.
After securing my copy, I had a realization: “Why wait to play?” With a stable job and a good income, I felt I could carve out a little budget for gaming. Nowadays, gaming doesn’t necessarily require an expensive setup either. Many great options are available for various budgets.
The gaming landscape today offers an abundance of choices—everything from consoles to gaming handhelds. I plan to explore different platforms throughout 2025, considering whether to settle on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch for my primary gaming experience.
Initially, I’m focusing on Windows 11 and Xbox since I have a decent laptop equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i9 and an NVIDIA RTX 3060. This setup can certainly handle my preferred game types. While my laptop can serve as a gaming machine, I’m cautious about using it for extended sessions. If I stick with PC gaming, I might invest in a dedicated gaming desktop later.
When deciding where to purchase my games, I want to streamline my library to one or two digital stores. Since I already own Forza Horizon 4, I decided to try out the Microsoft Store first. Unfortunately, my experience was rocky. The download process was slow, the initial installation failed, and I had to manually install additional content. After several frustrating hours, I finally got the game running, and it was enjoyable to play in a beautifully crafted LEGO version of the UK.
In contrast, when I turned to Steam to purchase Tales of Vesperia, the experience was night and day. In a fraction of the time, I installed the game, set up a save file, and dove right into gameplay. This fluidity made me lean towards Steam for future purchases, given my desire to keep things simple.
As I continue my gaming journey, I’m curious about your thoughts on PC vs. Xbox gaming. Which platform do you prefer, and what do you enjoy about it? If you have tips for a novice gamer like me or experiences with the Microsoft Store, I’d love to hear from you on social media. Your insights could greatly shape my future as I navigate this exciting new world of gaming.
Tags: Forza Horizon 4, gaming platforms, Microsoft Store, Steam, Windows 11, Xbox gaming, PC gaming, gaming experience, digital games
What should I choose: PC, Xbox, or PS5?
If you want the best graphics and more gaming options, go for a PC. If you like exclusives or simple set-up, Xbox or PS5 are great choices.
What’s the price difference between PC, Xbox, and PS5?
A good gaming PC can be expensive, often over a thousand dollars. Xbox and PS5 usually cost around 500 dollars, but prices can change based on special bundles.
Can I upgrade my gaming PC later?
Yes, one of the best things about PCs is that you can upgrade parts like the graphics card or RAM. This can keep your PC game-ready for longer.
Which option has better games?
Both Xbox and PS5 have great exclusive games. Xbox is known for titles like Halo, while PS5 has popular games like Spider-Man. PCs have access to a huge variety of games, including many indie ones.
What about online gaming experience?
All three platforms offer online gaming. Xbox has Xbox Live, which is often praised for its speed. PS5 has PlayStation Network, which is also solid. PC has options like Steam and Epic Games, letting you connect with different communities.