Abandonware
is software that is no longer actively sold or supported by its owner. The informal term has no special legal status, and copyright usually remains in effect unless the rights holder has explicitly released the software. Arcade
refers to a video game originally designed for a coin-operated public amusement machine, typically controlled using a joystick, buttons, steering wheel, or light gun. The term is also used for fast games emphasizing immediate play and high scores. BIOS
is basic system software stored in a device's memory. It initializes the hardware and provides fundamental services to other programs. Some emulators require a copy of the original console BIOS in order to run games correctly. Cartridge
is a removable memory medium, usually containing ROM integrated circuits and a connector for attachment to a computer or console. Cartridges were a common means of distributing video games and sometimes contained additional hardware. Demo version
is a free sample version of a game or program that provides only part of the content, a limited number of levels or features, or a restricted period of use. Its purpose is to introduce users to the full commercial version. Emulator
is software that imitates the operation of another computer, console, or operating system. It allows programs and games created for a different platform to run, for example directly in a web browser. Freeware
is software made available for use without a monetary charge. The author usually retains copyright, and the license may restrict modification, redistribution, or commercial use. Gamepad
is a game controller held in both hands, equipped with a directional control, buttons, and often analog sticks. It is used primarily to control video games on consoles and computers. Homebrew
is unofficial software or a video game created by independent developers for a closed or commercially discontinued platform. Homebrew games are often released many years after production of the original console or computer has ended. Joystick
is an input device with a stick whose movement determines the direction or intensity of an object's motion on the screen. Gaming joysticks usually include buttons and are often used for arcade games and flight simulators. Light gun
is a gun-shaped video game controller that allows the player to aim directly at the screen. Traditional light guns rely on the properties of CRT televisions and therefore usually do not work with modern LCD or OLED displays without special hardware or emulation. Paddle
is a video game controller with a rotating wheel and one or more buttons. The wheel usually provides continuous control of a player-operated object along one axis of the screen. PAL / NTSC
are television standards also used by older computers and consoles. PAL was common mainly in Europe and typically operates at 50 Hz, while NTSC, used especially in North America and Japan, operates at approximately 60 Hz. Regional versions may therefore differ in speed, resolution, and picture output. Port
is a version of a game or program adapted for a different hardware or software platform. Differences in performance, controls, or display capabilities can lead to changes in graphics, sound, or gameplay. Remake / remaster
are two forms of modernized releases of an older game. A remake recreates the game, often using a new engine and substantially revised graphics or gameplay. A remaster largely preserves the original game while improving resolution, visuals, audio, and compatibility. ROM
stands for Read-Only Memory. It is non-volatile electronic memory that retains data without power. In older consoles and computers it was used, for example, for system software and for storing games in cartridges. ROM image / ROM dump
is a file containing a digital copy of data read from a ROM chip, such as one found in a game cartridge or arcade board. The file can be used by an emulator. Owning a physical game does not automatically grant the right to distribute its ROM image. Save state
is a file created by an emulator that captures the complete state of the emulated system at a particular moment. It allows play to resume from exactly the same point even in games that did not originally support saving. It is often specific to an emulator and sometimes to a particular version. Shareware
is software that may be freely distributed and evaluated for a limited period or with restricted features. Continued use, removal of limitations, or access to the full version generally requires payment or registration. Sprite
is an independent two-dimensional graphic object displayed over a game's background, such as a character, enemy, projectile, or item. On older systems, sprites were often handled directly by graphics hardware and were limited in number, size, and color. Video game
is an electronic game in which the player uses a controller or another user interface to influence events displayed on a screen. Video games can run on consoles, computers, mobile devices, and arcade machines. Video game console
is an electronic device designed primarily for playing video games. The picture is displayed on a television, monitor, or the built-in screen of a handheld console. Games are distributed on cartridges, optical discs, or digitally. Warez
is an informal term for software, games, films, or other digital content distributed without the permission of the copyright holder. Unlike freeware, it does not represent a license for free use and generally refers to an unauthorized copy of copyrighted material. | 