User:TavianCLirette/sandbox



A video game console is a standardized computing device tailored for video gaming. Video game consoles usually weigh between 2 and(-) on average, and their compact size allows them to be easily used in a variety of locations, making them portable. They are capable of playing multiple games, unlike dedicated machines that can only play a single game. Video game consoles may use one or more data storage device to store content, such as hard disk drives, optical discs, and memory cards.

A home video game console requires a computer monitor or television set as an output. Handheld controllers are commonly used as input devices. Sanders Associates engineer Ralph H. Baer along with company employees Bill Harrison and Bill Rusch licensed their television gaming technology to contemporary major TV manufacturer Magnavox. This resulted in the 1972 release of the Magnavox Odyssey —the first commercially available video game console.

A handheld game console is a lightweight device with a built-in screen, controls, speakers, and greater portability than a home video game console. The oldest handheld game console with interchangeable cartridges is the Milton Bradley Microvision from 1979. Nintendo is credited with popularizing the handheld console concept with the Game Boy's release in 1989 and continued to dominate the handheld console market into the early 2000s.

Virtual reality headsets are devices that are equipped to the user's head. They include a built-in screen that is positioned in front of the user’s eyes, as well as handheld controllers. Their use for virtual reality (VR) video games has been emphasized since they were first marketed. Standalone VR systems first became popular during the 9th generation. The concept was popularized by the Quest 2 released by Meta Platforms, which was a standalone unit intended primarily to play virtual reality games. More description goes here.

Dedicated consoles are a subset of game consoles that are only able to play built-in games. The number of video games included in dedicated consoles distinguishes them from other devices, such as Pong machines and handheld electronic games. Video game consoles in general are also described as "dedicated" in distinction from the more versatile personal computer and other consumer electronics.

Best-selling game consoles


The following table contains video game consoles that have sold at least 1 million units worldwide either through to consumers or inside retail channels. Each console include sales from every iteration unless otherwise noted. The years correspond to when the game console was first released (excluding test markets).


 * {{legend||size=50%|# Background shading indicates consoles currently on the market. }}