Turning a gaming PC into an X-Box?

[Sterillium]

I quite like the idea of a decent gaming PC, for the extra games available and the potentially better graphics compared to X-Box.

Is it possible to set one up so it’s as simple to operate as an X-Box, including using X-Box controllers?

What I like about the X-Box is that you literally turn it on, press a button, and off you go. I’m too stupid to do anything more complex.

[Jinx]

Sterillium said:

I quite like the idea of a decent gaming PC, for the extra games available and the potentially better graphics compared to X-Box.

Is it possible to set one up so it’s as simple to operate as an X-Box, including using X-Box controllers?

What I like about the X-Box is that you literally turn it on, press a button, and off you go. I’m too stupid to do anything more complex.

Unfortunately the operating system (windows) is not designed for a simple gamer focused interface. If windows compatibility is a requirement (will be for a lot of online gaming) then having Steam start up in big picture mode when windows starts could give you a "console" like experience. If you are wanting a less "tacked-on" experience then getting Steam Deck OS working on a desktop ( https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-get-steamos-deskt...) could be the answer but probably not for the technically less able.
Of course you could just get a Steam Deck - have a dock for it connected to your TV and run it ( https://uk.pcmag.com/migrated-84555-gaming/143259/...) but wouldn't have the power you are wanting from a "true" PC.

Unfortunately Steam OS is not up to date as Valve focused instead on the steam deck OS. There are linux alternatives that could fit the bill but require a bit of effort to get working sometimes

[donkmeister]

I'd add that an Xbox is significantly cheaper - yes you can build a perfectly decent gaming PC on a budget, and spending more is definitely a "law of diminishing returns" exercise. However I think you would struggle to build anything for the £450 that an XBox Series X costs.

[Ekona]

In fairness to the poor PC, this is exactly how I use mine. I turn it on, double click Steam (or other 3rd party app), double click the game I want to play then grab my Xbox controller and play it exactly as I would my Series X. Sure, I get the occasional crash from it where something clearly isn’t happy, but for the most part it works in exactly the same way. I use the controller for text navigation, cursor movement once in the game etc, so literally the only time I need the keyboard is to type my password in on boot and my mouse to double click two icons.

So yes very doable, with the caveat that sometimes installing updates is nowhere near as easy (thinking driver updates more than anything!).

[Sterillium]

Ekona said:

In fairness to the poor PC, this is exactly how I use mine. I turn it on, double click Steam (or other 3rd party app), double click the game I want to play then grab my Xbox controller and play it exactly as I would my Series X. Sure, I get the occasional crash from it where something clearly isn’t happy, but for the most part it works in exactly the same way. I use the controller for text navigation, cursor movement once in the game etc, so literally the only time I need the keyboard is to type my password in on boot and my mouse to double click two icons.

So yes very doable, with the caveat that sometimes installing updates is nowhere near as easy (thinking driver updates more than anything!).

This kind of matches what I think I want - I'm just trying to work out how many games are only on PC that I would want to play.

[s p a c e m a n]

Yeah I basically use mine just as above too, steam opens on start up and I just have Xbox controllers and a mouse on the sofa. It wasn't just the availability of games for me, the sales are way better and with a VPN you sometimes have a touch with getting new games/gamepass cheaper.

[Ballistic]

My favourite game is FH5 and on my XBox X the loading times between different scenarios are really quick, although the graphics aren't quite as sharp as what can be achieved on a high end pc.

I've stopped playing FH5 on my pc because it takes ages to load the screens up.

Is it possible, and if so what will I need to do, to modify/upgrade my pc to get similar loading times on FH5 to the XBox X?

TIA,

[JimbobVFR]

Steam has a "big picture" mode which makes the interface more TV and controller friendly.
https://store.steampowered.com/bigpicture