games console: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, leaning towards informal; common in everyday and marketing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “games console” mean?
A specialized electronic device designed primarily for playing video games, typically connected to a television or monitor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized electronic device designed primarily for playing video games, typically connected to a television or monitor.
A computing system dedicated to interactive entertainment, comprising hardware, a specialized operating system, and a controlled software ecosystem, often serving as a multimedia hub for streaming services and social connectivity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'games console' is the standard, dominant term. In American English, 'game console' (singular) is equally or more common, and 'gaming console' is a frequent alternative.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning. 'Gaming console' can sound slightly more marketing-oriented or technical.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with the plural 'games' form being markedly more British.
Grammar
How to Use “games console” in a Sentence
play on a [games console]connect the [games console] to the TVbuy a new [games console]the latest model of [games console]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussing market trends, sales figures, or product launches in the consumer electronics industry.
Academic
Rare, but may appear in media studies, sociology of technology, or human-computer interaction research.
Everyday
Talking about hobbies, gifts, entertainment, or family life.
Technical
Specifying hardware capabilities (e.g., processing power, graphics) within gaming or tech reviews.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “games console”
- Using 'PlayStation' as a generic term for all consoles (proprietary eponym).
- Misspelling as 'game's console' (incorrect apostrophe).
- Confusing with a 'handheld' device like the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used and understood in American English, but 'game console' or 'gaming console' are more frequent alternatives in the US.
A games console is a standardized, dedicated device with fixed hardware, while a gaming PC is a customizable computer. Consoles typically offer simpler setup and uniform performance for games designed for that system.
Yes. 'Console' can mean a control panel (e.g., aircraft console), a freestanding unit for audio equipment, or to comfort someone (verb). Context is key.
Both are correct. 'Games console' is more traditional (UK). 'Gaming console' is modern and emphasizes the activity. For general use, they are interchangeable.
A specialized electronic device designed primarily for playing video games, typically connected to a television or monitor.
Games console is usually neutral, leaning towards informal; common in everyday and marketing contexts. in register.
Games console: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪmz ˌkɒn.səʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡeɪmz ˌkɑːn.soʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONSOLE as a CONtrol centre for SOLitary or social Entertainment – a Games CONSOLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY or PORTAL to other worlds (virtual environments).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common American English variant for 'games console'?