This article explains the latest game genres and hardware (gaming consoles).
It compiles information about each hardware’s overview, target age group, recommended audience, summaries of various genres, representative games, gaming terminology, and more.
● Those wanting to know about available hardware
● Those interested in the features of each hardware
● Those seeking information about different game genres
● Those looking to find which hardware/genre suits them
● Those who have been away from gaming for a while and want recent information
About Hardware (Gaming Consoles)
This is an explanation about the currently predominant hardware (6 types) as of 2023.
Each hardware has its own characteristics, so it’s crucial to choose a hardware that suits your play style for long-term use.
It would be a loss if you’ve spent a considerable amount of money but stopped using it because it didn’t match your play style…
The most important thing is to play the games you want, so it might be good to choose a hardware based on those games.
PlayStation4, PlayStation5
PlayStation5
The “PlayStation5” was released by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) in November 2020, serving as the successor to the PlayStation4.
PS5 faced difficulties in availability for nearly two years due to semiconductor shortages and scalpers affecting resale, but those issues have now been resolved, ensuring stable supply.
It stands out among home gaming consoles with high hardware performance, featuring the following functionalities:
● Enhanced immersion using adaptive triggers and haptic feedback
● Up to 8K resolution
● Compatibility with 3D audio (PlayStation’s proprietary technology)
● Game processing speed and stunning graphics
● Realism in audio
PlayStation5 Slim
The “PlayStation5 Slim,” released in November 2023, is a newly launched model, downsizing the current PS5.
While there are no changes in CPU or GPU performance, alterations include weight reduction, removable disk drives (1TB), and increased internal SSD storage.
PlayStation4
The “PlayStation4,” released in November 2013, remains an active model as of 2023, having sold over 100 million units worldwide and gaining global recognition.
In November 2016, a high-end model called the “PS4 Pro” was released, boasting enhancements in internal performance (CPU, GPU, etc.) and graphics (4K resolution).
Although it’s still a viable option, due to “performance concerns” and the “increase in PS5 exclusive titles,” transitioning from PS4 to PS5 is recommended.
Other Details
Both “PS5” and “PS4” offer a wide range of playable game software across genres. Almost all major titles are released for the “PlayStation” platform, ensuring that you’ll likely find the games you want to play.
For more details about PS5, please refer to the following article:
https://nekozawa-game.com/ps5-info/
For recommended games on PS4 and PS5, please refer to the following articles:
Target Age Group for Playing
The age group engaging in gaming on “PlayStation” tends to range from late teens to people in their 20s and 30s.
Due to complexities in game systems, gameplay mechanics, and mature content (such as stories), titles often cater to a slightly older audience.
Services Related to “PlayStation”
Under the umbrella of “PlayStation” services, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) operates the “PS Store,” offering various services.
Subscribing to services like “PS Plus” provides free games for play and unlimited access to select games, among other subscription-based benefits.
Recommended Audience for “PlayStation”
This platform is recommended for individuals who fall into the following categories:
● Those seeking immersive story experiences
● Those desiring challenging gameplay
● Those who prioritize game processing speed (e.g., loading times)
● Those emphasizing graphics and frame rates
● Those interested in services like “PS Plus” or “PS Now”
Nintendo Switch、Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch
The “Nintendo Switch” was released by Nintendo in 2017.
With sales surpassing 100 million units worldwide, it has become a globally renowned console.
The console’s concept revolves around “changing shapes to go anywhere” and “play anytime, anywhere, with anyone,” providing a platform that allows everyone to enjoy games, featuring portability and game software targeting all ages.
While it offers solo play games, its strength lies in multiplayer titles such as Mario Party and Splatoon.
Even after five years since its launch in 2017, it remains highly popular, consistently selling around 30,000 units weekly.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model
In July 2021, the “Nintendo Switch OLED” model was released.
There are no changes in performance (CPU, memory, graphics), but this model has an OLED display, supports wired LAN, and features updated functionalities like revised speakers.
Similar to the PlayStation5, there were shortages due to semiconductor constraints and scalpers initially, but this issue has been resolved, ensuring stable availability.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The “Nintendo Switch Lite” is a handheld hardware released by Nintendo in July 2019.
Functionally akin to the “Nintendo Switch,” the “Lite” version is specifically designed for portability, with a focus on being lightweight and portable. Hence, it’s slightly more compact in size and weight compared to the “Nintendo Switch.”
Using the “Nintendo Online” save data cloud service allows data sharing between the “Nintendo Switch” and its Lite version.
This means you can play on the “Nintendo Switch” at home and continue playing on the “Nintendo Switch Lite” when on the move.
Other Details
For recommended games on the “Nintendo Switch,” please refer to the following article:
Target Age Group for Playing
The age range for playing games on the Nintendo Switch spans from children to adults.
With relatively straightforward game systems and controls, there are plenty of games suitable for young children, such as Super Mario and Pokémon, making it enjoyable for all age groups.
Services Related to “Nintendo Switch”
Nintendo offers the “Nintendo Online” service, providing access to titles from the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 libraries for a monthly fee.
Periodic events also allow unlimited access to selected games for a limited time.
Recommended Audience for “Nintendo Switch”
This platform is recommended for individuals who fall into the following categories:
● Those interested in Nintendo titles like Mario or Pokémon
● Those wanting to engage in multiplayer with family or friends
● Those desiring games involving physical movement
● Those wanting to play games outside of their homes
● Those interested in services like “Nintendo Online”
Xbox Series X、Xbox Series S
Overview
The “Xbox Series X/S” was released by Microsoft in November 2020.
The “Xbox Series X/S” serves as the successor to the “Xbox One,” which was released in 2014.
Primarily stronger in overseas markets due to Microsoft’s development and sales, it has relatively less demand and lower sales figures within Japan.
The hardware performance of the “Xbox Series X” matches that of the “PlayStation5,” supporting up to 8K resolution and boasting a higher GPU performance for video processing compared to the “PlayStation5.”
The “Xbox Series S” offers similar functionality to the “Xbox Series X” but features slightly reduced storage capacity, GPU performance, and game resolution.
On Xbox, there are “Xbox exclusive titles” released by Microsoft Studios, such as the Halo series and Forza Horizon, which are only playable on this platform. Conversely, there might be some major titles popular within Japan that are not available on Xbox.
While often compared due to overlapping release times and performance with the PlayStation5, Xbox maintains its strong popularity in Japan due to interesting games exclusive to the platform.
Target Age Group for Playing
The age group for playing games on Xbox tends to be in the 20s and 30s.
Due to complexities in game systems, controls, and mature content in titles (such as storylines), as well as the unavailability of some popular titles in Japan, the user base for Xbox remains relatively lower.
Services Related to “Xbox”
Among Xbox services, Microsoft operates “Xbox Game Pass,” offering various services.
For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to over 100 titles from Microsoft Studios, EA Play, Ubisoft, Capcom, and more, available for unlimited play.
Recommended Audience for “Xbox Series X/S”
This platform is recommended for individuals who fall into the following categories:
● Those confident in their gaming skills
● Those seeking challenging gameplay
● Those emphasizing game processing speed (e.g., loading times)
● Those prioritizing graphics and frame rates
● Those wanting to utilize the “Xbox Game Pass” service
Gaming PC
Overview
A “gaming PC” refers to a computer system with high-performance specifications designed for gameplay on a personal computer.
It might be an unfamiliar gaming environment for those who usually play games, but compared to home gaming consoles, a PC offers significantly higher performance in terms of CPU, GPU, memory, and versatility, making it the most superior platform for gaming.
Game software is typically purchased as downloadable versions from specialized gaming sites such as Steam or EPIC Games.
Compared to home gaming consoles, there is an extensive variety of game software available, with Steam alone offering over 30,000 titles, ranging from major titles to indie games.
During Summer and Winter sales, a substantial number of games become available at discounted prices.
“Gaming PCs” are not limited to desktops; there are also notebook-style models that offer the advantage of portability.
By using tools known as MODs, which modify a game’s program, players can alter in-game characters or even modify the game system itself. (Please note that using MODs is at your own risk.)
In games that allow MODs, the original state of the game without any modifications is sometimes referred to as “vanilla.”
Gameplay is conducted using a controller, keyboard, or mouse. Depending on the game, using a keyboard and mouse may offer advantages, especially in Player vs. Player (PvP) games.
Since it’s a computer, it can be used for purposes other than gaming.
However, as it’s not a gaming-dedicated hardware like home consoles, there might be occasional issues such as crashes during gameplay or difficulties launching games.
As purchasing a gaming PC involves buying the system itself, the price tends to be relatively high, and some knowledge about computers might be necessary.
Regarding performance, gaming PCs offer several times the specs of home gaming consoles, making them ideal for individuals who prioritize processing speed (loading games, load times, etc.), graphics, and refresh rates.
Target Age Group for Gameplay
The age group that tends to engage in gaming on gaming PCs is primarily in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Due to the necessity of purchasing a computer and knowledge about it, the age group for gaming on PCs tends to be slightly older.
Services Associated with “Gaming PC”
There are various PC gaming sites such as Steam, EPIC Games, and EA Play.
Generally, users can use these sites to purchase and download games, as well as view review ratings.
EPIC Games offers a service where simply creating an account allows users to receive certain games for free (limited-time offers).
Price
The pricing of gaming PCs varies among manufacturers. Here are some approximate price ranges:
● Low-spec models: Several tens of thousands to around 100,000 yen
● Middle-spec models: Around 100,000 to 300,000 yen
● High-spec models: Around 300,000 to 1,000,000 yen
Recommended Users for “Gaming PC”
This platform is recommended for individuals who fit the following criteria:
● Individuals who prioritize processing speed, graphics, and refresh rates
● Those who want to play various games, including major titles and indie games
● People who prefer playing games using a keyboard and mouse
● Those interested in introducing MODs for unique gameplay experiences
Mobile（App Game）
Overview
Mobile (App) gaming involves playing games using applications on smartphones.
Represented by games such as social games (free-to-play with in-game purchases), these apps differ in content from games played on gaming consoles.
As long as you have a smartphone or tablet, it’s the most convenient way to start gaming without the need for dedicated hardware.
Apart from social games, past titles released on home gaming consoles (such as Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Minecraft, etc.) have also been re-released as app versions (ports).
While it might not be possible to play recently released games, there are exclusive games available only for smartphones and tablets.
Above all, the ability to play a little during spare moments is its biggest allure.
However, the user experience might not be as great. While games developed specifically for smartphones and social gaming present no issues due to their smartphone-exclusive user interfaces, games (apps) transplanted from home gaming consoles can have somewhat cumbersome controls.
For certain games, it’s possible to connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller via Bluetooth for gameplay.
Due to dependency on the performance of smartphones or tablets, some games might not withstand high loads and might crash.
Target Age Group for Gameplay
It’s open to all age groups who own smartphones.
While game systems and difficulty levels vary across games, they generally aren’t overly difficult, allowing for easy entry into gaming.
Services Associated with “Mobile (App)” Gaming
Apps are available on the App Store or Google Play, so generally, you’d use one of these services.
Free apps are instantly playable upon installation, while paid apps involve a payment process before installation, after which they become playable.
Both the App Store and Google Play offer subscription services for app games. Games under the subscription service can be played limitlessly.
Recommended Users for “Mobile (App)” Gaming
This platform is recommended for individuals who fit the following criteria:
● Individuals who want to play games quickly during spare moments
● People interested in playing games exclusive to smartphone apps
About Genres and Types
The world of gaming encompasses a wide array of genres.
Twenty to thirty years ago, action, RPG, and adventure games were prevalent, but nowadays, gaming genres have diversified significantly.
※ Please note that specifications and criteria can vary for each game.
Traditional Gaming Genres
RPG
Overview
“RPG” stands for “Role-Playing Game,” involving progressing through the game while following events and stories, battling enemies, developing characters, and collecting items.
Typically, following the main storyline ensures a steady progression and clear completion without getting stuck in the game.
Representative games like “Dragon Quest” and “Final Fantasy,” released for consoles like NES and SNES, feature encounter-based, turn-based battle systems.
In recent years, the genre has expanded into “Action RPGs,” integrating action elements into map exploration and battle systems.
Representative Games
▶ “Dragon Quest” series
▶ “Final Fantasy” series
▶ “Monster” series
Action
Overview
“Action” games involve intuitively controlling characters in the game to progress through stages and stories.
Unlike genres like RPGs or tactics, which require strategic thinking, these games are generally enjoyable for both kids and adults with controller-based gameplay.
Some games set higher difficulty levels, attracting players seeking a sense of achievement upon completion.
Graphics have evolved from 2D to 3D, allowing freedom of movement in all directions, and recent games incorporate the concept of “open-world,” creating a new blend of action and open-world gameplay.
Representative Games
▶ “Super Mario” series
▶ “Super Smash Bros.” series
▶ “Kirby” series
Adventure
Overview
“Adventure games” involve story progression through interactions/dialogue with a computer.
Players make choices from presented information (choices), and the story’s progress changes depending on the chosen answers, shaping the narrative.
Though this dialogue-based method is present in other genres, games combine adventure elements with action, creating action-adventure games.
While standalone adventure games have diminished, the approach remains evident in modern games.
Representative Games
▶ “Ace Attorney” series
▶ “Kamaitachi no Yoru”
▶ “Professor Layton” series
Tactics
Overview
“Tactics” games involve turn-based strategy battles between enemy and ally factions on a field resembling a chess or shogi board.
Character movement is determined by individual traits, making it crucial to strategize when and how each piece advances during battle.
The battle system offers diverse attack methods and patterns, providing the pleasure of strategic planning in how to conquer.
Victory typically involves defeating all enemy characters or achieving specific quest conditions.
These games offer a slow-paced gameplay experience, suitable for those who enjoy chess or shogi.
Representative Games
▶ “Fire Emblem” series
▶ “Final Fantasy Tactics”
▶ “Tactics Ogre”
Sports
Overview
“Sports genre” games incorporate elements of popular sports like baseball, soccer, or tennis with competitive or managerial aspects.
With intuitive controls, these games lean more towards action elements.
Despite being games, they reflect real sports movements and rules.
Offering tutorials, these games are enjoyable for both experienced and novice players.
Within the sports genre, games split into “action” or “simulation” forms, where players either take the role of athletes or manage teams.
Representative Games
▶ “Power Pro” series
▶ “FIFA” series
▶ “Everybody’s Golf”
Racing
Overview
“Racing games” involve racing cars or carts competitively for speed.
Games vary in style from comical character-themed ones to realistic depictions of actual cars.
Primarily, they’re divided into competitive racing or time attack races.
Multiplayer gameplay over the internet has become dominant, allowing global competition.
Some games offer customization and design features to create personalized vehicles.
Representative Games
▶ “Gran Turismo” series
▶ “FORZA HORIZON” series
▶ “Mario Kart” series
Recent Game Genres
Free-to-Play
Overview
The term “Free-to-Play” refers to games where the installation and gameplay are provided for free, with in-game purchases available.
Though different from traditional game genres, it has become one of the most prominent gaming fields.
These games boast high overall quality that doesn’t feel compromised despite being free-to-play, providing sufficient content without requiring in-game purchases.
In-game purchases might be necessary if players want to progress faster, acquire character additions, character skins, or items, or differentiate themselves from others based on appearance.
Regular updates and the addition of new elements and features ensure that players remain engaged for extended periods without getting bored.
Representative Games
▶ Apex Legends
▶ Fortnite
▶ Genshin Impact
PvP (Player versus Player)
Overview
“PvP” refers to games played online in a player versus player format.
(Internet connectivity is required to play online)
Using the internet, players can compete not only with family and friends but also with people worldwide.
Depending on the game’s system, various PvP formats like individual battles, team battles, or group battles exist.
Coordinating with teammates involves using “voice chat” or “preset messages/actions,” but it’s not mandatory, so players need not feel overly concerned about it.
Matching opponents often involves different ranking tiers or matching players based on their levels, preventing low-level players from encountering high-level opponents immediately.
Victories or defeats result in gaining points for ranking up or acquiring weapons/items.
Representative Games
▶ Apex Legends
▶ Dead By Daylight
▶ The “Battlefield” Series
Open World
Overview
“Open World” refers to games where players can freely explore and move within the game’s field or map.
There are no loading screens between field transitions or entering dungeons, creating a seamless experience across the entire world.
While main quests offer a specific route (storyline), players are generally free to decide where to go and in what order to tackle challenges.
The game world includes not only main quests but also side quests, exploration points, and various events scattered throughout. Completing all events requires a substantial amount of time.
Fast travel involves loading screens but minimizes wait times during gameplay, enhancing immersion.
Representative Games
▶ Cyberpunk 2077
▶ Ghost of Tsushima
▶ ELDEN RING
Souls-like
Overview
“Souls-like” isn’t a traditional genre like RPG or Action, but a genre that emerged around 6-7 years ago and refers to games known for their high difficulty level compared to regular games.
Players overcome challenges by learning enemy movements through repeated game overs or reconsidering equipment and skills. Despite the high difficulty, these games offer a structured path to completion.
A distinct feature includes losing accumulated experience points (or similar currency) and money upon game over, requiring players to restart from save points.
While some question the motivation to continue despite multiple defeats, others find a profound sense of satisfaction in “boss victories” or “achieving game completion,” garnering significant support among specific user bases.
It’s also known as the “die-and-retry” genre.
Representative Games
▶ Demon’s Souls
▶ Dark Souls Series
▶ Bloodborne
MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online)
Overview
“MMO” stands for “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game,” indicating a genre where multiple players interact within the same game environment.
MMOs require internet connectivity for gameplay, as players use consoles or PCs to connect to online servers and share the gaming environment with others.
While players share the game environment, it’s possible to progress through solo play without issues.
Utilizing the advantages of multiplayer, players can embark on adventures together, cooperate to defeat bosses, and enjoy a high degree of freedom in gameplay.
※ While solo play is generally possible, certain events or defeating high-difficulty bosses might require multiplayer cooperation.
Representative Games
▶ Final Fantasy XIV
▶ Black Desert Online
▶ EVE Online
Crafting
Overview
“Crafting genre” refers to games that incorporate elements beyond RPGs or actions, adding the creation of bases, necessary items for game progression, weapons, armor, and more.
“Minecraft” is a representative game in this genre, where players gather materials to construct bases, tools like pickaxes or shovels, daily-use items like beds or chests, and items essential for adventure.
Games that combine crafting with other genres such as adventure RPGs or survival games tend to be addictive and popular due to their innovative blend.
Some games offer a specific focus on crafting (creative) mode, appealing to families playing together from a creative perspective.
Representative Games
▶ Minecraft
▶ Dragon Quest Builders
▶ Terraria
Survival
Overview
The “Survival genre” refers to games where players utilize resources, supplies, and other items prepared within the game’s setting to progress through in-game life and story conquest.
As gathering resources, supplies, and items is one of the game’s objectives, many of these games unfold within the progression of main stories or quests, intertwining with the gameplay.
However, some players may feel a sense of labor or become weary due to extensive material gathering, causing a division between those who find it engaging and those who do not.
By combining with other genres such as “Open World Survival Craft” or “Survival Horror,” games have expanded their breadth and depth of content.
Representative Games
▶ RUST
▶ ARK
▶ The “Fallout” Series
Strategy
Overview
“Strategy” refers to games that involve utilizing strategies and tactics on a field or map to defeat enemies and progress through the story. While it shares similarities with the Tactics genre from a strategic and tactical perspective, it features a high degree of versatility in terms of overall scale, range of actions, skills, and tactics.
The battle system can be divided into turn-based, where enemies and allies take turns to act, and real-time, where both sides act simultaneously. Players familiar with these types of games can handle either battle system, but newcomers might find turn-based systems more conducive to thoughtful play.
As managing the progress and positioning of enemies and allies across the entire board is essential, those who enjoy such games might become engrossed in this genre.
Representative Games
▶ Sid Meier’s Civilization
▶ “Three Kingdoms” series
▶ Crusader Kings
Metroidvania
Overview
“Metroidvania” is not an official genre name but a term derived from game titles. It combines “Metroid” from the Metroid series by Nintendo and “Castlevania” (English title: Castlevania) by KONAMI.
It involves a game system that explores 2D side-scrolling stages, utilizing action and character skills. Multiple areas are intricately connected, where some locations inaccessible in the early stages become reachable by leveling up and unlocking skills.
Bosses are positioned in each area, and defeating them allows progression into new areas, a common game system within this genre.
Representative Games
▶ ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights
▶ Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
▶ Hollow Knight
Roguelike
Overview
“Roguelike” refers to games where the structure of areas/stages and enemy placement changes randomly each time you play. Additionally, a prominent feature is that all equipment and skills reset to the beginning upon game over.
Due to the ever-changing nature of areas and stages, there’s a strong addictive quality to exploration, leading players to engage in multiple plays. Some are drawn to the challenging nature of these games, while others might find it frustrating to restart after a game over.
Representative Games
▶ HADES
▶ Dead Cells
▶ Noita
Simulation
Overview
“Simulation” refers to games where players can experience virtual lives or engage in activities such as driving or work in a realistic game environment. These games avoid elements like magic or special skills, focusing on realistic gameplay.
There’s a wide range of simulation types, allowing players to experience various aspects, from leading a life as the main character to being a pilot or truck driver exploring the world. It’s a game system where players can experience worlds and experiences they may not know about through gaming.
Representative Games
▶ Cities: Skylines
▶ Stardew Valley
▶ Farming Simulator
Various Gaming Terms
In recent years, there has been an increase in specialized terms related to gaming. Particularly for those engaging in multiplayer, it might be helpful to keep some of these terms in mind.
Crossplay
“Crossplay” is a term used in competitive games such as PvP (Player vs. Player).
Some games are released on multiple platforms, allowing players using different hardware to compete against each other, which is referred to as crossplay. However, be aware that some games might restrict gameplay to specific hardware.
Cheating (Cheater)
“Cheating” refers to players who manipulate the game system in an unauthorized manner to play the game.
This behavior is often observed in PvP or competitive gaming. Despite developers implementing measures to prevent cheating, it remains a persistent issue.
Solo (Random Matchmaking)
“Solo” refers to joining multiplayer games alone when forming a party is not feasible.
While teaming up with friends or acquaintances is ideal, it’s common to participate alone when that’s not possible. Although there might be communication issues, playing solo offers the advantage of casual gameplay.
Coop
“Coop” refers to collaborative gameplay in multiplayer games.
Players form parties of 3 to 4 individuals and progress through the game together. Due to improved internet connectivity, such multiplayer games have become more prevalent.
Friendly Fire
“Friendly Fire” in multiplayer games refers to accidentally hitting allies with one’s attacks.
Being hit by friendly fire inflicts damage similar to enemy attacks. Depending on the game, there might be options to enable or disable friendly fire.
Early Access
“Early Access” refers to games that are in the testing phase.
In the past, when games were sold as packaged versions, updates after the release were not possible. With the advent of internet-connected consoles, games can receive updates via the internet. Instead of releasing a fully completed version, developers now often release games for early access, integrating user feedback, updates, and bug fixes before the official release.
Wipe
“Wipe” means to reset the progress in a game entirely.
In PvP games, after updates or modifications, the game is reset to start anew. This allows both new and existing users to restart from the same starting line, although existing players might have an advantage due to their gameplay experience.
Gaming-Related Services
Subscription
For information on subscriptions available on each hardware, please refer to the following article:
