Abstract: A video game controller for a game console configured for playing an on-line game over a network. The video game controller includes a plurality of control elements suitable for receiving input from a user. An interface circuitry is used for communicating with at least one other game console through the game console over the network. A built-in microphone converts voice into an electrical signal output to be transmitted through the interface circuitry and the game console to at least one other game console. A built-in speaker converts an electrical signal output from at least one other game console received through the interface circuitry and the game console into an audible signal. The video game controller may also have a built-in video camera for taking video images and transmitting them through the interface circuitry. The video game controller may be coupled to the game console over a cable or over a wireless communication channel such as radio frequency channel or BLUETOOTH™.

Abstract: A method of using a portable handheld video game device with a separate output display includes providing a communication apparatus for a handheld portable video game device including a display; connecting the communication apparatus to the handheld portable video game device and the separate output display; imaging the display of the handheld portable video game device with the communication apparatus to produce an imaged display of the handheld portable video game device; and displaying the imaged display of the handheld portable video game device on the separate output display.