Tiger Electronics, Ltd.

Victor Ng

A hand-held video game system having a microprocessor controller with address and data buses for providing memory accesses during memory cycles to a plurality of cartridge slots for electrically connecting cartridges containing memory to the address and data buses. An output terminal of the microprocessor controller provides cartridge-select signal which identifies a first memory containing cartridge to be accessed during an initial memory cycle with the microprocessor controller controlling the output terminal to change the cartridge-select signal for transparently accessing a second memory containing cartridge for a subsequent memory cycle. The cartridge slot may also provide a port for transferring and receiving information over a bi-directional communication link in which a communication cartridge allows communication over the internet, and allows for interactive play of a video game.

Hand held video game

An apparatus and method for communicating between a hand-held electronic game apparatus and other electronic systems is described. Small hand-held electronic games, preprogrammed with a single game, may be linked together through a communications unit to engage in interactive gaming between two users. Alternatively, the communications unit can be connected via a special cable connected to the serial port of a personal computer to permit connection to a central processing unit on an Internet website. The website central processing unit can modify the preprogrammed game, provide upgrades to the game, unlock hidden features and simulate a second hand-held electronic game apparatus for interactive play with a user. Software is installed on the personal computer permits communication between the hand-held electronic game and the personal computer, between the PC and the Internet website and thus between the hand-held game and the Internet website. Data from the hand-held game can be communicated to the Internet website, for example, to register high scores, or to play the preprogrammed game with other game users connected to the website.

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Hong Kong, China

Victor Ng