The Digital Games Market: Why Now Is a Great Time to Switch to PC
Lennon Byatt
Gaming is becoming increasingly digital. Downloading a new release is now normal, subscription libraries continue to grow, and digital-only console models are becoming more prominent.
However, there is one major difference between buying digital games on a console and buying them on a PC: PC gamers are not restricted to one marketplace.
Instead of relying on a single console store, PC players can shop across multiple platforms, compare offers and build a game library using the services that provide the best value.
For anyone considering making the change, AWD-IT offers a wide selection of gaming PCs for different games, performance requirements and budgets.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
One PC, Multiple Game Stores
On a console, digital purchases are generally made through the marketplace operated by the console manufacturer. PC gaming gives you a much wider selection.
Some of the major PC gaming platforms include:
- Steam: A huge PC game library featuring everything from major releases to independent games, alongside frequent promotions, community features and mod support for compatible titles.
- Epic Games Store: Offers PC releases, regular sales and free game promotions.
- GOG: Focuses on DRM-free games and provides an optional launcher, giving players greater freedom over how they install and access supported titles.
- Xbox App and Microsoft Store: Provide access to purchased PC games and the PC Game Pass subscription library.
- EA App: Home to EA releases and the EA Play membership service.
- Ubisoft Connect: Provides access to Ubisoft games, rewards and Ubisoft+ subscriptions.
- Battle.net and Rockstar Games Launcher: Dedicated platforms for games from publishers such as Blizzard and Rockstar.
- itch.io: A popular destination for smaller, experimental and independent PC games.
Not every title is available from every store, and buying a game on one platform will not normally give you a copy on another. Some games may also require an additional publisher account or launcher.
Even with those limitations, PC players still have far more places to discover, purchase and play games.
PC gaming gives you a much wider selection
More Opportunities to Find a Discount
Having multiple marketplaces means PC gamers are not always forced to accept the price shown by one store.
Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG all run their own promotions, seasonal sales and publisher events. A game that is full price on one service may be discounted elsewhere or included in a bundle at another time.
FSR can be particularly useful when playing demanding games at 1440p or 4K
PC gamers can add games to wishlists, receive sale notifications and wait for the right offer. Over the lifetime of a gaming system, these additional opportunities to save can make building a large digital library considerably more affordable.
There is also an enormous selection of free-to-play games, demos and independent releases available across PC marketplaces.
The savings do not have to stop with games. PC players can also compare hardware and upgrade individual PC components when needed rather than replacing their entire system.
Subscription Gaming on PC
You do not always need to purchase every game individually. PC players can choose from several subscription services.
PC Game Pass
PC Game Pass provides access to a rotating library of PC games, including selected titles available from their release day.
EA Play
EA Play includes a collection of EA games, trials of selected new releases, member rewards and discounts on eligible EA digital purchases. EA Play is also included with PC Game Pass.
Ubisoft+
Ubisoft+ gives subscribers access to a selection of Ubisoft games through Ubisoft Connect, with the available content depending on the selected membership.
Subscriptions are particularly useful when you want to try several games without buying each one at full price. However, subscription libraries can change, and access normally ends when your membership expires.
The important difference is that PC gamers can choose which subscriptions suit them instead of depending on one marketplace or service.
Recommended Gaming Build
For an excellent gaming experience in 2026:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB NVMe SSD
|
Browse AWD-IT's latest:
- Gaming PCs
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-pc.html
- AMD Processors
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
- Graphics Cards
Consoles Are Moving Further Towards Digital Gaming
Physical console games have not disappeared, but the direction of the market is clear.
Digital-only console models are becoming increasingly common, while some premium consoles are now supplied without a disc drive as standard. This means more console owners are building libraries that are completely tied to their platform’s digital marketplace.
PC gaming is digital too, but it offers a crucial advantage: you choose the marketplace.
You can buy one game through Steam, claim another through Epic Games Store, use GOG for DRM-free releases and subscribe to PC Game Pass whenever its current library appeals to you.
You are not limited to purchasing everything through one digital storefront.
PC gaming is digital too, but it offers a crucial advantage: you choose the marketplace.
A Gaming PC Can Grow With You
A gaming PC offers more than access to a wider digital games market. It also gives you greater control over your hardware.
Instead of replacing the complete system when you want better performance, you may be able to upgrade individual parts such as your memory, storage or graphics card.
This means your gaming setup can continue to evolve as your favourite games become more demanding.
Many AWD-IT systems can also be configured before purchase, allowing you to select components that better suit your games, display resolution and budget.
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
More Than Just a Gaming Machine
A gaming PC can be used for much more than playing games. The same system can support:
- Work and studying
- Video editing and content creation
- Streaming and recording
- Everyday browsing
- Communication and social applications
- Music and entertainment
You can also choose how you want to play. Use a keyboard and mouse for competitive accuracy, connect a controller for a console-style experience, or add specialist accessories for racing and simulation games.
Players building a complete setup can explore AWD-IT’s range of gaming monitors and gaming peripherals.
You can also choose how you want to play
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
1440p Gaming
1440p provides a sharper image than 1080p but requires additional graphics power.
The AWD-IT Ares Ryzen 5 RX 9060 XT Gaming PC is a suitable option for players who want higher graphical settings, stronger frame rates and the ability to move into 1440p gaming.
Moving from a console to PC gaming may sound complicated, but you do not have to build a computer yourself
Switching to PC Does Not Have to Be Complicated
Moving from a console to PC gaming may sound complicated, but you do not have to build a computer yourself.
A prebuilt gaming PC arrives professionally assembled and tested, making it a straightforward option for first-time PC gamers.
AWD-IT also offers Windows 11 gaming PCs for players who want a modern operating system installed and ready for setup.
For anyone who also needs a display and accessories, a complete gaming PC bundle can provide a convenient way to purchase the main parts of a gaming setup together.
Prebuilt or Build Your Own?
Building a PC gives you control over every individual component, but it also requires additional research, assembly and troubleshooting.
A prebuilt gaming PC arrives assembled and tested, making it a more convenient option for many first-time buyers.
It also gives you one main point of contact if you require technical support or warranty assistance.
Which Radeon Gaming PC Should You Choose?
Before choosing, consider:
- The games you want to play
- Your target resolution
- The frame rates you expect
- Your monitor’s refresh rate
- How long you want the PC to last
An RX 9060 system can be a strong choice for 1080p gaming, while the RX 9060 XT provides more room for higher settings and 1440p. The RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT are better suited to demanding high-resolution gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my game stutter even with high FPS?
High average FPS doesn't guarantee smooth gameplay. Inconsistent frame times, background processes or hardware bottlenecks can all cause stuttering.
Can RAM cause stuttering?
Yes. Insufficient RAM or slow memory can lead to hitching, particularly in open-world games or when multitasking.
Will an SSD fix stuttering?
If stuttering is caused by slow asset streaming or a mechanical hard drive, upgrading to an NVMe SSD can help improve consistency.
Is Now the Right Time to Change to PC?
As console gaming moves further towards digital distribution, changing to PC makes increasing sense.
You still get the convenience of downloading games directly to your system, but you also gain access to:
- Multiple competing marketplaces
- Frequent seasonal promotions
- Free games and free-to-play releases
- Several optional subscription services
- Independent and experimental games
- Customisable graphics and performance settings
- Upgradeable hardware
- A system that can be used for gaming, work and entertainment
The biggest advantage is freedom.
You decide where to shop, which services to subscribe to, how you want to play and when you wish to upgrade.
Explore the latest AWD-IT gaming PCs and find a system suited to your games, performance goals and budget
