A light gun is a type of input device used primarily in video games. It resembles a firearm and detects light emitted from the screen when the player aims and pulls the trigger. This technology allows players to interact with games by shooting at targets displayed on the screen. Light guns work by using a photodetector to sense the light from the screen during a brief flash when the target is displayed. Popularized in the 1980s with arcade games like Duck Hunt, light guns have since been used in various gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis.