Console video game

A console game is a form of interactive multimedia used for entertainment.

The game consists of manipulable images (and usually sounds) generated by a video game console and displayed on a television or similar audio-video system. The game itself is usually controlled and manipulated using a handheld device connected to the console, called a controller. The controller generally contains a number of buttons and directional controls, (such as analogue joysticks), each of which has been assigned a purpose for interacting with and controlling the images on the screen. The display, speakers, console, and controls of a console can also be incorporated into one small object known as a handheld game.

Modern game multimedia usually comes in the form of an disc, which can be inserted into the game console. Recent advances have allowed games and game demos to be downloaded directly to the console via the Internet. Simpler consoles, however, may only have a fixed selection of games. Cartridges were previously common storage devices for video game data, but due to technological advances, most video games are now stored on CDs, higher capacity DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs used by the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Typically referred to as "cards", cartridges are used for game storage with the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Neo Geo X.

The differences between consoles create additional challenges and opportunities for game developers, as the console manufacturers (e.g. Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony) may provide extra incentives, support and marketing for console exclusive games. To aid development of games for consoles, manufacturers often create game development kits that developers can use for their work.

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