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A video game console is a standardized computing device tailored for video gaming that requires a monitor or television set as an output. Handheld controllers are commonly used as input devices. Video game consoles may use one or more storage media like hard disk drives, optical discs, and memory cards for content. They weigh between 2 and 9 pounds on average, most are boxlike in shape, and their compact size allows them to be easily used in a variety of locations with an electrical outlet. Each are usually developed by a single business organization. Dedicated consoles can only play built-in games. Gaming consoles in general are also described as "dedicated" in distinction from the more versatile personal computer and other consumer electronics. Sanders Associates engineer Ralph H. Baer along with company employees Bill Harrison and Bill Rusch licensed their television gaming technology to contemporary major TV manufacturer Magnavox. This resulted in Magnavox Odyssey's 1972 release—the first commercially available video game console.
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A handheld game console is a lightweight device with a built-in screen, games controls, speakers, and has greater portability than a standard video game console. It is capable of playing multiple games unlike tabletop and handheld electronic game devices. Tabletop and handheld electronic game devices of the 1970s and 1980s are the precursors of handheld game consoles. Mattel introduced the first handheld electronic game with the 1977 release of Auto Race. Later, several companies—including Coleco and Milton Bradley—made their own single-game, lightweight tabletop or handheld electronic game devices. The oldest handheld game console with interchangeable cartridges is the Milton Bradley Microvision in 1979. Nintendo is credited with popularizing the handheld console concept with the Game Boy's release in 1989 and continues to dominate the handheld console market.
Best-selling game consoles
The following tables contain video game consoles and handheld game consoles that have sold at least 1 million units worldwide either through to consumers or inside retail channels. Each console include sales from every iteration unless otherwise noted. The years correspond to when the home or handheld game console was first released—excluding test markets. Each year links to the corresponding "year in video gaming".
Background shading indicates current generation consoles on the market. Dagger glyph indicates dedicated consoles.
Hardware firms labelled Atari , Microsoft , Nintendo , Sega or Sony have more than two consoles listed; those with a white background do not.
Best-selling game consoles by firm
Total amount of every console with at least 1 million units sold.