Abstract: A game console determines if a hard disk drive is authorized for use with the game console by analyzing an encrypted certificate. The encrypted certificate is stored in memory of the drive. Upon detection of the drive, the game console receives the encrypted certificate and decrypts it. The certificate contains parameters relating to the drive, such as the drives serial number, model number, memory capacity of the drive, and a trademark indicative of the drive's authenticity, for example. The game console also receives these parameters from the drive in unencrypted form. The parameters extracted from the encrypted certificate are compared with the parameters read from the hard disk drive's memory. If the parameters match, the drive is determined to be authentic. The certificate is encrypted with the private key of a public-private key pair and decrypted with the corresponding public key in accordance with well known public-key cryptographic techniques.

Abstract: An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. The cable connector is configured with asymmetrical guideposts to aid in aligning the electronic storage unit for rotational insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.

Abstract: An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The electronic storage unit includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. A flexible seal is located within the module and surrounding the cable connector to allow for the cable connector to float within the assembly in order to allow for radial insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.