Gaming technology has advanced significantly over the past twenty years. Early computer games provided a simple experience with 2 color displays, simple graphics, and limited processing power. Modern games have realistic graphics, incredible user-immersion, and multiplayer options. Many types of technology ranging from displays tocomputer cases have evolved significantly.

The modern gaming console may be dying. Gaming consoles are specialized computers with high-end graphics cards. The run a proprietary operating system that allows for excellent graphics, memory management, and high reliability. Most modern gaming consoles are sold at a loss -- manufacturers recoup their cost when they sell high-price games.

The three most common consoles in the United States are the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii. These gaming consoles are at least 5 years old. Most industry insiders believe that Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo will release information about upcoming gaming consoles at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo. The Electronic Entertainment Expo provides an opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase their entertainment and gaming technology.

One of the newest advances in gaming is from a company called Onlive. Onlive provides cloud gaming services over an internet connection. This allows users to experience high-definition gaming graphics on low-end computers and specialized video receivers.

Onlive requires a broadband internet connection of at least 5 mpbs. The user doesn't store any games on his or her local computer. All data is stored on a central server. The gamer starts a local application on his or her computer that connects to Onlive's servers. A graphics relay in a central server streams high-definition graphics through a compressed video format. The user is able to interact with games, move a mouse cursor, and control characters on a screen over the internet. Controller inputs are transmitted over an internet connection to a central server, where the graphics relay processes the controller inputs. This allows for real-time gaming with minimal lag. It's possible to run a 2012 game on a computer from 2002.

Onlive also offers a small console for televisions and monitors. While most gaming consoles contain an optical drive, hard drive, and central processor, an Onlive Microconsole consists of a small device the size of a pack of playing cards. This device creates a connection to an Onlive server. All graphics rendering and processing takes place on a central server. This device is available for the fraction of a price of a new gaming console.

There are some downsides to cloud gaming technology. Cloud gaming technology requires an individual to have a broadband internet connection at all times. Dropouts in an internet connection can cause significant lag in a gaming session. In addition, many games will have a lag of 30-40 milliseconds between a controller input and action on a screen. While this delay is not noticeable to most people, it can make gaming challenging for first person shooters and other twitch-****games.

It's also challenging to understand ownership with cloud games. While it's possible to own a physical copy of a console game, it's impossible to claim ownership of a game running through Onlive. While Onlive promises to keep its service open for the known future, a change in ownership or bankruptcy could affect access to a user's games. In addition, many cloud gaming services require a dedicated internet connection. Concurrent use of an internet connection by several users can degrade the Onlive experience.

Cloud gaming provides an exciting future for many gamers and technology enthusiasts. It may be possible to experience the latest high-definition graphics on a device costing less than a tank of gas. While there are still some drawbacks, cloud gaming will make significant advances over the next few decades.