Abstract: A gaming system including handheld devices and console devices has variable functionality and processing performance as determined by the number of components in the system. Gaming components can be combined wirelessly, by wired connections (e.g., via a docking station), or a combination thereof. The processing capabilities and functionality of each gaming component in a combination are augmented by the processing capabilities and functionality of other gaming components in the combination. To take advantage of another gaming components processing capabilities and memory capacity, each gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component to process gaming applications. Further, each gaming component is capable of rendering audio and/or video information provided by another gaming component. Also, a gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component as an adjunct processor.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a gaming console, a multimedia console or a console that is both gaming and multimedia console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a multimedia console or a gaming console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.

Abstract: Communication between a game console having a communication port and a personal computer is facilitated by implementing a shared folder on the personal computer that can be accessed via the communication port. The game console and personal computer may communicate via a Server Message Block compatible code, a Universal Plug and Play networking protocol, and the like. To save memory, the SMB compatible code (or other code) may not support the full set of SMB protocol features (or other protocol features).

Abstract: Communication between a game console having a communication port and a portable device is facilitated by determining that a portable device has been directly connected to the communication port, determining the protocol associated with the portable device, and communicating with the portable device using a driver associated with the determined protocol. An ancillary application may handle the communication between the game console and the portable device while a game or entertainment application executes concurrently on the game console. The game application may execute in a reserved predetermined amount of hardware resources of the game console while the ancillary application may execute concurrently using the remaining hardware resources.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and a hard disk drive coupled to the processor. The hard disk drive stores various data associated with the device and includes a first partition and a second partition. Data stored in the first partition is cleared during a system reset operation. Data stored in the second partition is not cleared during the system reset operation. The first partition stores saved application data, device configuration information, and the like. The second partition stores a console application that implements a user interface to the device. The second partition also stores a reset application that implements a system reset operation.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and a hard disk drive coupled to the processor. The hard disk drive stores various data associated with the device and includes a first partition and a second partition. Data stored in the first partition is cleared during a system reset operation. Data stored in the second partition is not cleared during the system reset operation. The first partition stores saved application data, device configuration information, and the like. The second partition stores a console application that implements a user interface to the device. The second partition also stores a reset application that implements a system reset operation.

Abstract: An operating system architecture that provides a high level of system functionality in a multimedia console through the use of concurrent system applications, while reducing the lack of control that multimedia applications have while running on the console. At power ON, a predetermined amount of system resources are reserved within which the concurrent system applications execute. The multimedia applications are afforded control over the unreserved system resources and do not need to support system functionalities as the concurrent system applications provide system functionalities to end users.

Abstract: A system architecture within a multimedia console having a host application that provides information to a user related to a configuration of a controller of a multimedia application with which user is currently interacting A system application residing in the memory and running concurrently with a multimedia application receives a request to display the active controller configuration and displays a graphical representation of the active configuration. The configuration may be stored in a user profile and retrieved or applied to all similar types of applications.

Abstract: A system architecture within a multimedia console having a host application that provides information to a user related to a multimedia application with which user is currently interacting A system application residing in the memory and running concurrently with a multimedia application receives a request for help via an input device and retrieves context sensitive information to satisfy the request. The context sensitive information is provided from an external source to the multimedia application.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.