Platforms

In common usage a "PC game" refers to a game that is played on a personal computer connected to a high-resolution video monitor. A "console game" historically has referred to a specialized single purpose electronic device that connects to a standard television set or composite video monitor. A "hand-held" game is a self contained electronic device or miniature computer and monitor combination that is portable and can be held in a user's hands. "Arcade game" generally refers to an even more specialized type of electronic device that is typically designed to play only one game and is encased in a special cabinet. These distinctions are not always clear and there may be games that bridge one or more platform. There are also platforms that have non video game variations such as in the case of electro-mechanically based arcade games.

There are also devices with screens which have the ability to play games but are not dedicated video game machines. Examples are mobile phones, PDAs, graphing calculators, GPS receivers, MP3 players, digital cameras and watches. Increasing convergence of such devices is blurring the lines of distinction between these devices.

In general, a platform is a preferred distinct class of hardware, interfaces and user expectations are combined to provide a consistent experience to the user/player.