I'm talking about RPG mechanics, specifically about items which are commonly called powerups in arcade games.
Once your character picks up these special usable items, they don't go in the inventory slot, but instead are immediately used.
A notable example is the Prince of Persia potions which, when drunk, give your prince more hearts (permanently increases total health).
How are these items called? Does "powerups" suffice? How about the negative items? "powerdowns?"
Best Answer
These items are usually known as power-ups or buffs, depending on the situation.
In many arcade and older style games they are known as power-ups and are usually picked up during play, but in other game spaces(MMOs and the like) they are known as buffs, and are used with item or ability.
Negatives effects are pretty much the opposite naming. Power-downs (used very rarely and only in arcade and old games) and debuffs used everywhere else.