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But is it possible to replicate completely the ease of use of a dedicated console with things like wireless controllers and other peripherals and have it All Just Work ?


Simply put, no. This list of steps to game on either platform should point out why:

Game Console:
1. Buy one console from the store, some games, an extra controller or two.
2. Unbox products, plug into power, TV, and possibly internet.
3. Power on console, set the audio and video options, one time setup.
4. Put in a game disc, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, then play the game.
5. Repeat step 4 for any games. Buy a new console in 5-6 years when the next ones come out.

PC Gaming:
1. Decide on building a PC or buying a premade one
2. Shop around for the best price on components or complete systems. Read several hardware sites to find out what will work the best for the current games.
3. Assemble components to build a PC, or wait on a premade system to be built and shipped.
4. Install Windows if going the build it yourself route, otherwise boot windows on the premade system and strip out all the bundled crap.
5. Spend time upgrading the video drivers, Direct X, and sound drivers.
6. Buy a game, and insert the disc. Spend 15 minutes swapping CDs, since few games actually ship on a DVD.
7. Hunt down the newest update for the game on the vendors website, or hope the game has an autoupdate.
8. Plug in the game controller and start the game.
9. Spend more time configuring the game to use the controller instead of the keyboard and mouse. Also configure video options to run smoothly on the hardware you own.
10. Every month or two, spend time doing steps 5 & 7.
11. After a year or two, start looking into upgrades for the PC to keep it in top gaming condition, as the PC games are starting to demand more of the hardware then what you have.
12. Fork out enough money to buy a complete new system over the next 3 or so years, since the PC industry changes CPU sockets, memory interfaces, or graphics slots enough to change that simple upgrade into a major replacement of most parts.


PC gaming isn't all bad. But "just works" isn't a description I'd apply to it.