spelcartridges

A spelcartridge, often shortened to cartridge, is a removable module containing ROM (Read-Only Memory) that stores software for a video game console. These cartridges were the primary method of distributing video games for early to mid-generation consoles, from the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System up through the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn. The cartridge typically housed the game's program code, graphics, sound data, and other essential information.

The physical design of cartridges varied across different consoles, but they generally consisted of a plastic casing with a connector that plugged into a corresponding slot on the console. This design allowed for easy swapping of games, offering players a vast library of interactive experiences. The use of cartridges offered advantages such as durability, ease of use, and protection of the internal circuitry from dust and damage. However, they also had limitations, including higher manufacturing costs compared to optical media and a finite storage capacity. The transition to optical media like CD-ROMs and later DVDs and Blu-rays marked the decline of the cartridge as the dominant game distribution format, though some modern consoles have seen a resurgence of physical game media in different forms.