This right here is why I'm not a PC gamer. I really don't have the extra cash, nor the desire to bow to the requirements of spending a few hundred dollars every year or even every other year just so I can play the new game. Yes, I know they look far and away better, not to mention the modding community, but I don't want to have to ask; "Gee, this new game looks awesome! Can my computer run it, or do I need to spend more money to upgrade it before I buy the game?" If I buy a console, I know every game I buy for that console will be able to run....Well, except of course for Bethesda titles...
You do realize you don't need to do it every year, or even every other year to run minimum right?
Even medium settings you dont need to. And medium settings will be like on par, or greater than the system graphics at times. Of course, ultra would surpass.
PS3 and 360 have been able to run games for years without the techs being replaced to keep up. The graphics are just toned down, which you can do with the PC manually.
There are people who haven't changed their graphics card for 5+ years and can still play the current games. Just invest in a good quality card, and it'll last you.
Yes, you hear about people buying a new card annually But those are fanatics who have to have every game they ever play run on ultra without a single pixel out of place because of the graphics card. Alot of hardcoe gamers out there, but you can be casual with your PC and it'll still last you.