Arcade and console platform games, while sharing core mechanics of running and jumping, were fundamentally shaped by their environments. Arcade platformers were designed for short, intense bursts of gameplay to maximize coin revenue. They featured extreme difficulty, repetitive loops, and simple, immediate controls to hook players quickly. In contrast, console platformers were products for home consumption. With a one-time purchase, developers could craft longer, narrative-driven experiences. Games evolved from pure challenge to exploratory adventures with save features, evolving characters, and complex worlds. The controller itself dictated design; a dedicated joystick and buttons versus a multi-button console pad allowed for nuanced moves like analog control and context-sensitive actions. Ultimately, the arcade platformer was a public test of skill, while the console platformer became a private, expansive journey.