A video game accessory is a separate piece of hardware that is required to use a video game console, or one that enriches the video game's play experience. Essentially, video game accessories are everything except the console itself, such as controllers, memory, and AC and audio/visual cables. Most video game consoles come with the accessories required to play games out of the box (minus software): one A/V cable, one AC cable, and a controller. Memory is usually the most required acessory outside of these, as game data can not be saved to compact disks. The companies that manufacture video game consoles also make these accessories and more, for replacement purposes (AC cords and A/V cables) as well as improving the overall experience (extra controllers for more players, or unique devices like light guns and dance pads). There is an entire industry of companies that create accessories for consoles as well, called third-party companies, usually at prices lower than those made by the maker of the console (first-party) achieved by way of avoiding licensing.

Computer and video game hardware