One of the most popular types of electronic entertainment in our current culture is video games, which are simply games that use visual devices that allow a player to interact with the game. In some instances, this means that the gaming device is hooked up to a television or the game runs on a computer and the computer monitor is transformed into a game component, or the game device has a monitor built right into the unit.

When video gaming was first introduced into the marketplace, the term "video" referred rather specifically to what was known as a raster display device. However, today the term "video game" simply means any kind of video display that is able to interact with the software games and correctly display the functions of the game.

There are several types of electric gaming systems that are widely available on the market and which are designed only for the purpose of running video games. These various systems are considered separate platforms and three of the best selling platforms are the Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo brands.

These dedicated game platforms usually are attached to a standard television set which becomes the screen for the games. There are also handheld versions of some of these gaming platforms and these units will have a small video screen built into the unit. Some of these games will also run on a Pocket PC device which is another good option for portability and convenience.

In addition to the dedicated gaming platforms, there are also many software games that will run on Microsoft Windows and Macintosh computers. This means that anyone with a computer can also enjoy playing games with a variety of computer software gaming options and without having to buy a separate, dedicated video game platform.

Usually, there is a much wider variety of software games that run on computers than the number of games available for the dedicated boxes. But at the same time, video gaming enthusiasts often prefer the video game platforms because the games are more interesting, intense and challenging.

Another aspect to consider is that the dedicated platform for a video game is designed more for multiple players and so that is often an advantage that is preferred. Also, games that run on computers are often considered more limiting because the size of the computer monitor is generally much smaller than the size of the television screen to which the dedicated game boxes are connected.

In many households, the computer is often used for homework, household management and business purposes, so therefore the computer is not as available for entertainment purposes. This is another reason that the dedicated platforms for games are popular because it avoids the fight over the use of the computer.

Video games are increasing in popularity every year and it is expected that this is a trend that will continue as the game developers constantly strive to outdo each other with new releases. At the same time, these video gaming systems are also constantly improving by including new technologies. These games are available for every age and skill level and promise to provide years of entertainment and challenges.