Hello all,

Since FFXIV is a PC and Console MMO, we have players on both systems. Some people are likely curious about how the game runs on each. I have the game on both Windows 10 on a PC with a AMD Radeon RX480 - not amazing by today's standards, but 60 FPS/1080, and a PS4 Pro connected to a 43" Sony 4K TV. I also have the game installed for my daughter's account on a standard PS4 in the living room.

So what is the gaming experience like? How do they compare now that Shadowbringers is out? Here are my observations.

First off, my older gaming PC with a Core i7, 16 gb RAM and the AMD 480 plays the game very smoothly, as would be expected. The frame rates are steady and it seems like the textures are just a tad better, which you would want since you're sitting closer to the monitor.

The PS4 Pro runs the game remarkably well. You are given the choice of higher resolution, or better performance. I always choose better performance and see solid frame rates, even in fates with many people and effects going off. As for inputs, I'm not a controller guy with MMOs, so I use a gaming lapboard with mechanical keys and a Razer Naga mouse with the 12-key pad on the side. It plays identically to PC as far as input is concerned. Since I sit back further from the TV, the possibly lower textures aren't that noticeable, even on a 4K display.

The living room standard PS4 definitely runs at a lower frame rate. It appears to be capped at no higher than 30 FPS, but I'm no expert there. But comparing it to PC and PS4 Pro, it certainly isn't quite on par, but it works and my daughter is fine with it.

What I ultimately take away from this is that if you are on a budget and FFXIV is the only MMORPG you play, and you are considering spending big on a gaming PC, give the PS4 Pro some serious consideration. You can find them for $350 USD on sale these days, which is half the price of a Nvidia RTX 2080 by itself.

I'm not against PC gaming, but my point is that a PS4 Pro is a wonderful FFXIV box for those who don't have a lot to spend, but want a good enough experience.