Chiptune
A style of synthesized electronic music made using the programmable sound generator (PSG) sound chips or synthesizers in vintage arcade machines, computers, and video game consoles. The term is commonly used to refer to tracker format music that intentionally sounds like older PSG-created music (the original meaning of the term), as well as music that combines PSG sounds with modern musical styles.
It has been described as an interpretation of many genres, because any existing song can be arranged in a chiptune style—defined more by choice of instrument and timbre than specific stylistic elements. The earliest commercial chiptune records produced entirely from sampling arcade game sounds have existed since the mid-1980s. FM synthesis and SID music composition have allowed artists not only to produce and release their own chiptone recordings but to engage in live performances. 1978– .