FIFA 19 was released on PC (Origin), Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and the old-gen consoles. Which console is the best for you? We help you make the decision by listing the differences and similarities of the platforms.
Many FIFA players have their preferred platform for years and will not switch out of habit. However, it can be worthwhile to take a look at other consoles. Depending on your preferred game mode, there are better and worse devices for FIFA 19.
We have already presented the difference between the “Legacy Edition” for PS3 and Xbox 360 and the current consoles. Below is the comparison between PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
Ultimate Team Comparison
PC (Origin): In general, players are stronger than on consoles, but top players predominantly play on Xbox or PS4 – primarily due to the FIFA eWorld Cup. Therefore, it’s easier to get into the top 100 in Weekend League, but it is harder to achieve good ranks at Gold level.
Fewer players on the platform also lead to higher market prices; some cards are worth twice as much as on consoles, while some special cards are even cheaper. Rare, coveted silver or bronze cards are harder to find.
Nintendo Switch: The Weekend League and Squad Battles were missing in FIFA 18. In addition to the lack of game modes, the Switch also has fewer players, resulting in a more expensive market.
Xbox One & PS4: Due to the large number of average players, it is easier to achieve elite ranks, but harder to get into the top 100.
Market differences are small; the PS4 has more players, but prices on Xbox One are slightly lower. At the end of the season, you can find better players for online matches compared to PC and Switch.
Career Mode Comparison
PC (Origin): With more computing power, you experience shorter loading times than on consoles. Mods can also be easily installed.
Nintendo Switch: The Career Mode is present but trimmed down. In FIFA 18, new features such as negotiation sequences were missing. How Career Mode looks in FIFA 19 is still unknown.
Xbox One & PS4: The new-gen consoles have menu lags and long loading times, especially in careers with multiple seasons.
Pro Clubs Comparison
PC (Origin): There are fewer players than on Xbox and PS4.
Nintendo Switch: In FIFA 18, this mode did not even exist; nothing is known for FIFA 19.
Xbox One & PS4: There are more players than on PC.
Gameplay/Controls Comparison
PC (Origin): Xbox controllers connect easily; PS4 controllers are a bit more complicated. Additionally, gameplay flows slightly smoother than on consoles.
Nintendo Switch: You can share Joy-Con controllers while on the go. This way, you can play FIFA 19 well on the go, both online and offline. However, the gameplay is trimmed down; for example, the “Active Touch System” will be missing. The new finishing timing is expected to be integrated.
Xbox One & PS4: Like on PC, all gameplay mechanics are integrated, and gameplay flows smoothly – but does not quite reach the PC level.
Graphics Comparison
PC (Origin): With the Frostbite Engine and an average gaming PC, you can set up outstanding graphics – either on the monitor or via HDMI on the TV.
Nintendo Switch: FIFA 19 will also be available on the Switch without Frostbite but with a custom engine. Overall, the graphics are improved but do not reach the levels of other platforms.
Xbox One & PS4: On the new-gen consoles, graphics look great due to the Frostbite Engine, though slight compromises compared to PC must be made.
General
PC (Origin): FIFA on PC often gets criticized for having many hackers. This isn’t entirely true. While there are more than on consoles, if you play from Germany, it takes several hundred matches to encounter one.
A simultaneous advantage and disadvantage is “Alt-Tab”. This allows you to minimize the game quickly in the menu and check something on Futbin, Futhead, or Mein-MMO. However, if you lose focus during a match due to a program that opens in the foreground, you automatically lose the game.
Nintendo Switch: Not only Pro Clubs are missing on the Switch; the Story Mode “The Journey” and the new Kick-off mode with stat tracking are also absent. The Champions and Europa League, however, are fully integrated as on other platforms.
Xbox One & PS4: The major advantage of well-established consoles is their reach – especially in this country, countless households have a PS4 or Xbox One with FIFA. Since there is no crossplay for FIFA 19, you can still play online against many friends here, unlike on Switch or PC, since most people play FIFA on Xbox or PS4. Couch gaming is also the easiest – console on, controller in hand, and off you go.
Price
PC (Origin): Sure, a PC is more expensive to purchase than consoles. However, you can play online for free, and the computer has a significantly longer lifespan. If you purchased a PC for approximately €900 six years ago, you can still play the current FIFA with it today.
Nintendo Switch: The Switch is priced a bit over €300, and the controllers cost roughly the same as those on other platforms.
Xbox One & PS4: The Xbox is about €250, and the PS4 is about €300. However, it always depends on the chosen version. There are also monthly costs for online access.
Conclusion – On Which Platform Should I Play FIFA 19?
Which console is best suited for you? Each platform has its pros and cons, and ultimately everyone must decide what is most important to them. However, we can give a rough recommendation.
You are a PC FIFA player if you:
- Want to play Ultimate Team, can handle the high prices, and do not mind occasionally competing against pros in the Weekend League
- Primarily play Career Mode and/or value mods
- Do not place much importance on playing online against your friends
- Can handle the price or already own a PC
- Value graphics highly
FIFA 19 for PC – The system requirements are known
You are a Nintendo Switch FIFA player if you:
- Do not care much about graphics
- Play Ultimate Team only a little
- Do not miss The Journey, Pro Clubs, and stat tracking
- Want to play both on the go or especially on the go
You are a PS4 or Xbox One FIFA player if you:
- Want to play against your friends online
- Primarily play Ultimate Team and take this mode very seriously
- Mainly play Pro Clubs
- Often play couch co-op with friends
On which platform will you play FIFA 19?
