Quick definition:A dedicated electronic machine designed mainly for playing video games, usually connected to a television and controlled with a handheld controller, as opposed to a general-purpose computer.
Meaning
A console is built for gaming. Unlike a computer, its hardware is fixed for the life of each model, so developers can tune their games for one specification and players need not worry about compatibility, drivers or upgrades when they buy a new title.
Consoles are normally controlled with a gamepad and connect to a television, though handheld and hybrid versions blur the line. Most offer online stores, subscriptions, friend lists and cloud saves, and they receive regular software updates that add features, improve performance and fix faults found after launch.
The market works in generations. Every few years, manufacturers release more powerful models, and the earlier ones gradually lose attention. Some games are exclusive to one console, which has led to long-running rivalries among fans, though many titles are now released on several platforms at once.
Origin:Console originally meant a panel or cabinet holding controls, and it was applied to dedicated game machines when they reached homes in the 1970s. The exact reason it caught on is unclear. It became the standard name for home gaming hardware and now also covers handheld devices.
Example:Anita unpacks a new console on Saturday morning, plugs it into her television and connects the controller. The machine updates itself, then asks her to sign in to an account. By lunchtime she has downloaded a racing game, and her brother, who prefers computers, is complaining that she has beaten his lap time. Did you know?Consoles are traditionally sold at a small profit or even a loss, with money made from games and subscriptions. The market is divided into generations, each lasting several years, when new machines arrive and older games may stop receiving support.
