ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chiptunes

Hey kiddo! Do you like video games? Well, have you ever noticed how the music in those games sounds a little bit different than regular songs you hear on the radio? That sound is called chiptune!

So, before we go any further, let's talk about what a computer chip is. A computer chip is a tiny little thing that controls all the electronic parts inside your computer or phone or even a video game console. And chiptunes are songs made using these computer chips, specifically those found in old video game consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or Gameboy.

These computer chips can only make very simple sounds, and that's why chiptunes sound a bit different than regular songs. Instead of using fancy musical instruments like guitars or drums, chiptunes use the sounds that these old video game systems can make. Sometimes chiptunes even use the sounds of explosions or laser beams from the games themselves!

Now, just because chiptunes are made using these old video game systems doesn't mean they're not cool. In fact, many people still enjoy listening to and even making chiptunes today. It's kind of like making music with a cool, retro twist.

So, that's chiptunes in a nutshell – songs made using the computer chips of old video game systems. Pretty cool, huh? Maybe you'll make a chiptune of your own someday!