-bit

From Styleguide

-bit

Technical.

The basic unit of measurement of information and communication in digital computers.

Often used to classify generations of gaming systems by the throughput of their processors. Most commonly: 8-bit (Nintendo Entertainment System) , 16-bit (Super NES, Genesis). Use numerals rather than writing out the number in this case.

Note that having more bits does not necessarily mean a system has better performance or games.

Example: The Super NES is a 16-bit system.

Also see: memory.