We often consider there only to be three main games console hardware companies; Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.
However, what makes a console? If a console is defined as a device that plays electronic games, then is a smartphone a console? What about regular computers? Laptops play games and you can plug in a xbox or PS4 controller to them for remote play or even to play games that are installed on them.
I would say that the modern definition of a games console is an electronic device that is used predominantly for games where the games software is provided by the same hardware company through either an online games store or physical storage device. Now this at first glance looks a little wordy but it serves to separate purely games machines from the more general purpose “getting used for games” devices.
The current generation of games consoles are therefore;
- Microsoft Xbox One (S)
- Sony Playstation 4 (Pro & Slim)
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo 3DS (2DS & XL)
A case could be made for the Nivdia Sheild but it is a streaming device with some Android game support.
Over the next few classes we are going to have a look at what makes one console different (better?) than another one.
