Video Game Platforms

Video and computer games can be played on a number of 'platforms' (for example; handheld devices, PCs or consoles), each one providing the player with a slightly different experience. However, the distinctions between each type are not always clear and there may be many devices that bridge one or more platform.

A handheld video game console is a self-contained portable electronic device that includes its own monitor, and can be held in a user's hands. The earliest of these devices was released in 1979: the Microvision by Milton Bradley. Current popular handhelds include the Nintendo DS Lite and Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), with the latter also enabling users to watch films, listen to music and connect to the Internet through the device.

A video game console is typically a specialised single-purpose gaming device that connects to a standard television set or composite video monitor. However, nowadays, consoles such as Sony PLAYSTATION 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 and can offer additional functionality, such as the ability to play films, music or connect to the Internet for web browsing.

Computers may also be used for gaming, in which the game is played on a personal computer connected to a high-resolution video monitor. Early computers such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum became massively popular in the early 80's, and introduced computer programming to a whole generation.

In addition to PCs and consoles, games may also be played on other devices that combine gaming with other functions, such as mobile phones (for example, the Nokia N-Gage), PDAs and watches.

In this section, you'll find a complete guide to over 100 gaming devices from around the world; from the early computers, consoles and handhelds back in the 1970s, to the powerful, high-spec machines of today.