The video game systems dictionary

Just like any technology-related field out there, the world of video games has its own lingo and phrases.  Let's take a look at some of the more common ones.

3DS A version of the Nintendo DS that features 3D screens and gameplay.

Atari The Atari was the original video game console back in the late '70s and early '80s. Lots of old-timers talk about the system affectionately.

cartridge A cartridge is what the actual video game comes on, even though it's not actually a cartridge. Back in the day, games came on plastic cassette-like cartridges. Now they come mostly on CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, but some people still refer to them as cartridges.

cloud gaming With cloud gaming, you can stream games as you play them instead of downloading them beforehand. Cloud gaming may also allow you to save your games in the cloud, thereby having access to your save files from anywhere with an internet connection.

console A console is the actual device that sits near a TV and runs the video game. Modern consoles include the Nintendo Wii, the Sony PlayStation 3, and the Microsoft Xbox 360.

console game A console game is a video game that can be played on a console as opposed to a desktop computer.

controller The controller is the device that you hold and play a video game with. Controllers come in many different wired or wireless varieties.

DLC Downloadable content. Some games can be connected to the internet to let you download extra gameplay content. DLC usually costs a few dollars to purchase.

DS The DS is a handheld video game system made by Nintendo. It has two screens, one of which is a touchscreen. You can find two models of DS, the original (often called the DS phat) and the smaller DS Lite.

DSi An upgrade on the DS, the DSi is similar in size to the DS Lite but is faster and includes two digital cameras (one facing inward and one facing outward).

DSxl A version of the DSi with a larger screen and wider controls, good for anyone with larger hands.

Gameboy A Gameboy is an old, handheld video game system manufactured by Nintendo that has been around since the late '80s. Some people still refer to any Nintendo handheld as a "gameboy."

handheld A handheld is a portable video game system. It's not as powerful as a console that hooks up to your TV, but they're still a lot of fun — especially for people who are always on the go.

Kinect An Xbox 360 accessory to be released in November 2010 that lets the Xbox track your movement and translate it into actions in the game.

motion control An accessory for various video game systems that lets you control your character by moving your body in different ways. The Wii has motion control capability out of the box, the Xbox has motion controls with the Kinect accessory, and the PlayStation 3 has motion controls with the Move accessory.

Nintendo Nintendo is a big gaming company that makes both handheld devices and video game consoles. Its two most popular items right now are the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS.

OnLive With the OnLive service, you can play many games on your TV or computer via streaming with your broadband internet connection.

PlayStation The PlayStation is a video game system designed by Sony. Its latest edition of the PlayStation, the PlayStation 3, is a major video game console.

PlayStation 1 The first PlayStation console, released by Sony in 1994, also called the PSOne or PS1.

PlayStation 2 The second PlayStation console, released by Sony in 2000, was tremendously popular and is still available for purchase in a new, slim model; also called the PS2.

PlayStation 3 The third and most recent PlayStation console, released by Sony in 2006.

PlayStation 3 Slim A variation of the PlayStation 3 that is smaller and more powerful than a normal PlayStation 3.

PlayStation Home A social media network, complete with 3D interactivity, which can be used on the PlayStation 3.

PlayStation Move A motion-sensing game controller for the PlayStation 3.

PlayStation Network An online service for the PlayStation 3 and PSP that allows for multiplayer gaming and DLC; also referred to as the PSN.

PlayStation Vita A handheld gaming device by Sony that includes touchscreen on the front and back of the device. It can connect to the internet via wifi and 3G.

PSP The PlayStation Portable is Sony's handheld gaming device.

Wii The Wii is a family-friendly video game console from Nintendo. It features easy-to-play systems, casual games, and a strong motion detection system.

Wii U The Wii U is Nintendo's as-yet-unreleased video game console. It features a large controller with a screen on it that can be used for gaming in new and exciting ways.

Xbox The Xbox is a video game system designed by Microsoft. Its latest edition, the Xbox 360, features some of the best multiplayer games available.

Xbox 360 The second and most recent Xbox console from Microsoft.

Xbox 360 Slim A version of the Xbox 360 that's smaller than its larger counterparts.

Xbox Live A service on the Xbox 360 that lets you play online games with other players, download games, and access some online services such as Twitter and Netflix.

XBLA Xbox Live Arcade. A section of the Xbox Live service that lets gamers download small, arcade-like games for around $5 to $20.

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