A collection of various classic video game consoles at a game show in 2010
Video games
Platforms
Arcade video game
Console game
Game console
Home console
Handheld console
Electronic game
Audio game
Electronic handheld
Online game
Browser game
Social-network game
Mobile game
PC game
Linux
Mac
Virtual reality game
Genres
Action
Beat 'em up
Hack and slash
Fighting
Platform
Shooter
Survival
Battle royale
Action-adventure
Stealth
Adventure
Interactive fiction
Interactive movie
Visual novel
Gacha
Horror
Survival horror
Licensed
Masocore
Massively multiplayer online
Role-playing
Action role-playing
Tactical role-playing
Sci-fi
Simulation
Construction and management
Life simulation
Sports
Vehicle
Strategy
4X
Auto battler
Multiplayer online battle arena
Real-time strategy
Real-time tactics
Tower defense
Turn-based strategy
Turn-based tactics
Cozy game
Lists
Arcade games
highest-grossing
Best-selling games
franchises
Longest-running franchises
Most-played mobile games
Games considered the best
Game of the Year
soundtracks
Negative reception
Cancelled games
Development
Game AI
Game design
Video game design
Interaction
Programming
Art
Graphics
Music
v
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A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home consoles, which are generally placed in a permanent location connected to a television or other display devices and controlled with a separate game controller, or handheld consoles, which include their own display unit and controller functions built into the unit and which can be played anywhere. Hybrid consoles combine elements of both home and handheld consoles.
Video game consoles are a specialized form of a home computer geared towards video game playing, designed with affordability and accessibility to the general public in mind, but lacking in raw computing power and customization. Simplicity is achieved in part through the use of game cartridges or other simplified methods of distribution, easing the effort of launching a game. However, this leads to ubiquitous proprietary formats that create competition for market share.[1] More recent consoles have shown further confluence with home computers, making it easy for developers to release games on multiple platforms. Further, modern consoles can serve as replacements for media players with capabilities to play films and music from optical media or streaming media services.
Video game consoles are usually sold on a 5–7 year cycle called a generation, with consoles made with similar technical capabilities or made around the same time period grouped into one generation. The industry has developed a razor and blades model: manufacturers often sell consoles at low prices, sometimes at a loss, while primarily making a profit from the licensing fees for each game sold. Planned obsolescence then draws consumers into buying the next console generation. While numerous manufacturers have come and gone in the history of the console market, there have always been two or three dominant leaders in the market, with the current market led by Sony (with their PlayStation brand), Microsoft (with their Xbox brand), and Nintendo (currently producing the Switch console). Previous console developers include Sega, Atari, Coleco, Mattel, NEC, SNK, Fujitsu, and 3D0.
^"The Big Fight". Next Generation. No. 24. Imagine Media. December 1996. pp. 38–41.
and 27 Related for: Video game console information
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