A game cartridge is a removable storage device used to hold video games for consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System or Sega Genesis. These cartridges contain the game's software and are inserted into the console to play. They typically have a plastic casing and connect to the console's hardware through metal contacts. Game cartridges were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, allowing players to easily switch games. Unlike modern digital downloads, cartridges provide a physical medium that can be collected and traded. They often feature colorful artwork and labels that represent the game inside.