Most games are best on PC, but these 10 titles including Diablo III, Hades, and Final Fantasy XIV actually play better on consoles. Here’s why.

10 PC Games That Actually Play Better on Consoles

10 PC Games That Actually Play Better on Consoles

For decades, PC gaming has been the gold standard ultra-high frame rates, mods, customization, and endless upgrade potential. Even when a port ships with poor optimization, PC players can usually rely on patches, community fixes, or mods to make the experience smoother.

Yet, in a surprising twist, some PC-native titles actually shine brighter on consoles. From tactical shooters to looter-shooters, and even MMOs, these games feel more natural on a controller than behind a mouse and keyboard.

Here are 10 games that prove consoles sometimes deliver the definitive experience.

10. Diablo III

Since its debut in 1996, Diablo has defined the action RPG genre. While the first two entries thrived on PC’s click-heavy gameplay, Diablo III took a faster, flashier approach. Its console-centric design wasn’t without controversy but it worked.

On PC, you’re locked into mouse-and-keyboard controls and always-online requirements. That means a sudden disconnect can boot you out mid-battle frustrating when you’re fighting a boss.

On console, things feel smoother:

• Controller support makes dodging with the right thumbstick natural.
• You can play offline, which eliminates random disconnections.
• The simplified action mapping feels intuitive compared to PC’s sometimes clunky hotkeys.

If dungeon-crawling on a couch appeals to you, the console version might be your best bet.

9. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter

Before Ubisoft turned Ghost Recon into another open-world sandbox, Advanced Warfighter (GRAW) set a high bar for tactical shooters. Interestingly, the PC and console versions play like two completely different games.

• On PC: slower, first-person-only gameplay, open maps, and a very traditional Ghost Recon feel.
• On console: a hybrid of first- and third-person, a dynamic cover system, and surprisingly better graphics for the time.

The console versions strike a balance strategic but cinematic and their lighting effects made the Xbox 360 and PS3 ports look especially sharp.

8. Borderlands 3

Borderlands 3 is one of the most addictive looter-shooters ever made but let’s be honest, not everyone enjoys its humor. Many PC players mute the dialogue and rely on mods to fine-tune the experience.

Consoles, however, deliver a couch-friendly version that shines:

• Current-gen consoles run at a smooth 60 FPS, unlike older, stutter-prone builds.
• Split-screen works better on console than PC, where performance drops hard.
• Perfect as a podcast game mute the dialogue, lean back, and farm loot.

Sometimes, comfort trumps precision.

7. Tropico 6

City-builders rarely thrive on consoles. Complex menus, mod support, and micro-management usually demand a PC setup. Tropico 6, though, is different.

Instead of zoning districts, you act as El Presidente, ruling a small island nation. You manage laws, place individual buildings, and even assassinate or imprison citizens when necessary. Your choices ripple through politics, economy, and public opinion.

While PC fans might find it too simple compared to Cities: Skylines, the game’s controller-friendly design makes it feel tailor-made for console play.

6. Cave Story+

An indie classic that ignited the Metroidvania resurgence, Cave Story+ was long considered best on PC. That changed with its Nintendo Switch port in 2017.

The Switch version included:

• New co-op multiplayer mode
• An additional remixed soundtrack
• Further visual upgrades

With these extras missing from PC, the Switch release surprisingly became the definitive edition.

5. Neon White

A wild blend of FPS, platforming, card mechanics, and speedrunning, Neon White demands precision. At first glance, you’d assume PC with its mouse accuracy would dominate.

But consoles level the playing field:

• Aim assist and adjusted ranking requirements make speedrunning approachable.
• Switch and PS5 even add gyro controls for extra precision.
• Console players aren’t punished for using a controller.

Unless you’re a competitive speedrunner, the console version might feel smoother and more rewarding.

4. Hades

Widely hailed as one of the best roguelikes ever made, Hades combines fast combat with rich storytelling and replayability. While its PC version is flawless, it feels perfect on Nintendo Switch.

Why? Runs are short and controls are simple ideal for handheld sessions. Whether on a commute or lounging on the couch, Hades is one of the most satisfying pick-up-and-play games available.

3. Undertale

Toby Fox’s Undertale became a cult hit on PC, but the console ports refined the experience.

• Customizable screen borders add charm.
• Bullet-hell sections feel smoother on controller.
• Console-exclusive extras:

1. PS4/Vita: a quirky “dog shrine.”
2. Xbox: a casino with a slot machine minigame.
3. Switch: an exclusive boss fight using Joy-Con mechanics.

These additions make the console versions the most complete way to revisit the underground world.

2. Final Fantasy XIV

MMOs are usually keyboard territory. With dozens of abilities, chat functions, and menus, a controller seems impractical. Yet, Final Fantasy XIV proves otherwise.

Its ingenious control scheme uses trigger modifiers and submenus to map everything seamlessly to a controller. Pair that with:

• Cozy, couch-friendly play for long grinds.
• Practically instant load times on PS5/Xbox Series X.
• A game world full of both epic raids and relaxing side activities.

After hundreds (or thousands) of hours, the ability to play comfortably on a big screen makes the console version a surprising winner.

1. Split-Screen Games

Finally, let’s talk about split-screen multiplayer. Yes, PCs can support it—but the setup is often a nightmare. Random controller disconnects, missing features, and half-baked implementations ruin the fun.

On consoles, though, split-screen is effortless:

• Just turn on your controller, sit down, and start playing.
• No mods, third-party tools, or troubleshooting required.

Though split-screen gaming is sadly becoming rarer, the best experiences are still on consoles, where it just works.

Final Thoughts

PC gaming may dominate in raw power, flexibility, and modding. But every once in a while, consoles deliver the definitive experience whether it’s smoother controls, exclusive content, or simply the comfort of the couch.

So, the next time you dismiss a console port, remember: sometimes, it’s the best way to play.