A video game console is a machine that is used to play video games . A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or modified computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device ( a television , monitor , etc. ) to display a video game . The term `` video game console '' is used to distinguish a machine designed for consumers to buy and use solely for playing video games from a personal computer , which has many other functions , or arcade machines , which are designed for businesses that buy them and then charge others to play .