Abstract: A computer game system comprises a computer game control apparatus for connection between a game computer having a microprocessor and a computer game program carrier via corresponding signal communication buses. The computer game control apparatus comprises an address decoder, a data comparator, an address-and-data mapping device, a multiplexer and a storage assembly for saving and restoring the computer game status.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for producing control signals for use in controlling equipment which includes a rotatable cylinder having on the surface thereof grooves which act with one or more gears to directly translate the rotation or sliding movements of the cylinder to encoders. In other embodiments, switches are activated by pressure on certain elements of the mechanism.

Abstract: A trackball (10) is rotatably mounted on rollers (12, 14). The rollers are connected with rotational encoders (16, 18) for producing a series of pulses. Up/down counters (20, 22) convert the pulses into an indication of translation along two axes. Downward, non-rotational pressure on the trackball causes a transducer (B) to output an electrical signal which is recognizable as a selection signal. In some embodiments, the transducer is a strain gauge or other transducer (50) which provides an output whose magnitude varies with the amount of force. A comparitor (54) compares the output of the transducer with a selectable threshold to indicate whether a selection signal is to be issued. In other embodiments, the transducer has two states, e.g. a mechanical switch (70). The transducer changes states in response to the force on the trackball exceeding a preselected minimum.

Abstract: An electronic game controller enables a game player to play a fishing game and to control an electronic game device. The electronic game controller resembles an actual rod and reel. The reel includes an electronic circuit for sensing pushbutton switches which are depressed by the game player during game play and for sensing position sensing switches which are activated by the position in which the game controller is held. The reel also includes a crank which controls the switching of an optical switch. These features provide an electronic game controller which responds to actual fishing movements typically made during an actual fishing episode such as casting the line and reeling in the line in various directions to avoid natural obstacles.

Abstract: A variable resistance joystick (20) configured for computer control is provided. A stepper motor (34) turns threaded screws (30) to move a system of springs (26) up and down on the joystick thus varying the lever arm on which the springs impart force. Thus computer commands (113) to the stepper motor may change the force required by a user to move the joystick. A similar system controls the resistance to movement of a button (108) in the joystick handle (42).

Abstract: A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body witha battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.

Abstract: Game apparatus for use with a hand-holdable video game device of the type having a video display screen, at least one depressible control button, and at least one multi-position operating control operative to "play" the video game. The game apparatus includes a housing adapted for support on a generally horizontal support surface and having a recess to receive the video game in predetermined relation. A magnifying lens overlies and magnifies the display screen on the video game. The game apparatus has depressible control knobs and an upstanding joystick operative to selectively actuate the control buttons and multi-position control on the video game, thereby enabling two-handed play of the video game in a manner simulating play of large-scale video games.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a desired response in accordance with an external applied force. The apparatus includes a member which is responsive to the applied force, an actuator coupled to the member for exerting a torque on the member, a force sensor for detecting the applied force, and a torque sensor for detecting the torque exerted by the actuator. Signals from the force sensor are used to determine the system response based upon a desired relation. The force sensor signals also are used to determine the actual system response based upon the physical characteristics of the apparatus. The detected torque is compared with the desired and the actual system response, and as a result of the comparison the torque exerted by the actuator onto the member is adjusted accordingly so that the member performs the desired system response. The actuator is preferably an electric motor so that the apparatus can simulate any desired response, notwithstanding the physical characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A game controller board holder for holding a game controller board of the type having a housing and a cord extending from the housing is disclosed herein. The holder includes a platform for supporting the game controller board placed on the platform. The platform has a first surface for engaging the game controller board housing, and retainers releasably secure the housing to the platform.

Abstract: This is an invention for a universal support for a hand operated device such as a video game control, radio control transmitter or a computer/word processor keyboard. A platform holding the device and a base are pivotally locked to a connector. Angular adjustment of the platform and the base allows the support and the device to be adapted for standing, sitting and kneeling use.

Abstract: A controller for a game machine includes a flat shaped housing. A direction designating operator is formed on the left side of upper surface of housing, and operation designating operator is formed on the right side. An operation designating operator is provided on a front side surface of the housing. The operation designating operator includes a key switch formed on the left side of a front side surface of housing, and a key switch formed on the right side. Left and right ends of the controller for a game machine are held between left and right palms to be used. While holding controller for a game machine, a player operates direction designating operator by his left thumb, operates operation designating operator by his right thumb. Further, player operates key switch by his left index finger or middle finger placed on the front side surface of housing, and operates key switch by his right index finger or middle finger.

Abstract: A television game console has a central processing unit and an electronic control device for controlling the allowable playing time of the television game console. The electronic control device includes a timer control device which interfaces the central processing unit with a game cartridge read only memory unit. The timer control device has a current time clock output and receives a presettable allowable playing time range input from the central processing unit. The timer control device electrically connects the game cartridge read only memory unit and the central processing unit only when the current time clock output is within the allowable playing time range.

Abstract: A device for causing the steering wheel of a video-based vehicle simulator to selectively vibrate during predetermined periods of the video sequence includes a frame which is rigidly attached to the steering wheel. A cylindrical electrical motor is mounted on the frame, and a first shaft is attached to one base of the motor and extends outwardly from the motor. Also, a second shaft is attached to and extends outwardly from the other base of the motor, and the second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft. The two shafts can be rotated by the rotor of the motor. Each shaft has a weight attached to the shaft. These weights are attached to their respective shafts radially asymmetrically with respect to the axis of the shafts. One weight is attached to its shaft on one side of the axis of the shafts, and the other weight is attached to its shaft on the side of the axis which is opposite from the first weight.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the movement of an electronic image on a video display includes a base member, a seat for an operator, a support assembly for mounting the seat on the base member in facing relation to the video display, such that the seat can be tilted relative to the base member. Two handles project upwardly from the base member, adjacent respective opposed sides of the seat for being grasped by the operator in the seat to impart tilting movement thereto by shifting the weight of the operator in a direction corresponding to a desired directional movement of the image. A plurality of electrical switches are provided for sensing the tilting movement of the seat and for generating an electrical signal indicative thereof. Video game control circuitry is responsive to the discrete electrical signal for moving the electronic image in response to the tilting movement of the seat.

Abstract: A font cartridge extrender into which a commerically available font cartridge can be plugged and which plugs into the font cartridge receptacle of a computer printer. The extender includes a novel latching mechnism which attaches the font cartridge to the extender so that the assembly can be conveniently plugged into, and unplugged from, the printer as a unit. The font cartridge is secured to the extender by a spring hook mechanism, which resides in a chute molded into the inside of the top portion of the casing of the extender. The spring hook mechanism is supported in the chute by braces and a pin molded inside the case which is inserted through an aperture in the spring hook mechanism. The spring hook mechanism is actuated by finger pressure on a contact surface.

Abstract: An omnidirectional input device comprising a circuit board and switches arranged in a directional pattern, each switch having an open and closed position. Each switch further having conductive switch components mounted in directional pattern on a surface of the circuit board and a conductive actuator operably connectable to the switch components to place the switch in either the open or closed position. The omnidirectional input device also includes a plurality of output signal lines coupled to the circuit board and a decoding matrix connected between the conductive switch components and the output signal lines. The decoding matrix determines which of the switches is in the closed position and couples the conductive switch components of a switch in the closed position to one or more of the output signal lines.

Abstract: A re-winder box for an electronic game box wherein a pair of electrical cables are each connected between the game box and a respective player manipulative controller. The re-winder box is dimensioned to support the electronic game box on the top thereof, and is provided with a pair of wind-up spools for the controller connected cables, and a pair of recesses in the front wall thereof for storing the controllers when not in use. The re-winder box provides a neat and uncluttered appearance to the game box and surrounding area when the game box is not in use.

Abstract: A compact, portable combined light and magnifier apparatus and method for use with portable computer, such as a portable, hand-held video game, having a video screen, such apparatus comprises a body composed of a plurality of panels which define an open space generally the size of the video screen and a battery compartment to supply power and lighting means within the body to provide indirect lighting to the video screen, the body and the battery compartment containing ridges which provide for the body to be releasably secured to the computer with the video screen. The apparatus includes a cover to fit over the open viewing space of the body and pivotable between a closed, compact position adjacent the face side of the body and an open, use position extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from the face side of the body.

Abstract: A joystick controller employs differential pairs of electronic sensors to detect the direction of displacement of the joystick shaft and a single electronic sensor to detect the magnitude of the displacement. The differential pairs of sensors output signals representative of the direction of the displacement of the joystick shaft from a datum. The single sensor outputs signals having a magnitude representative of the magnitude of the displacement. A controller uses the output signals to control a dependent device. In one embodiment, the controller compares the sensor output signals to predetermined threshold values and ignores movements of the shaft which cause the sensors to generate output signals having magnitudes below the threshold values.

Abstract: An electronic dart game system including, in combination, an electronic dartboard, a programmable electronic controller system, and a display monitor for displaying score totals and related data. Preferably, the electronic dartboard is of the type commonly found in stand-alone modern electronic dart games constructed of molded plastic and having a plurality of holes formed therein which correspond in diameter to that of a flexible plastic dart tip. The programmable electronic controller system is preferably a home video game controller, such as a Nintendo.RTM. control deck, capable of receiving program cartridges containing a variety of game programs, and the display means is preferably a conventional television set.

Abstract: A computer mouse has a unique push-button configuration which enhances button assignment flexibility while remaining user friendly. Three buttons are provided with a middle button having a smaller but raised surface area when compared to the other two buttons.

Abstract: A memory cartridge system having a compact memory cartridge and an adapter which mounts a compact memory cartridge within a reproducing apparatus designed for a standard memory cartridge of a larger size. The adapter with the compact memory cartridge being mounted thereon is substantially the same shape and size as the standard memory cartridge. According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter has a connector for electrical connection with the compact memory cartridge and a connector to be coupled to the reproducing apparatus. The compact memory cartridge is connected electrically to the reproducing apparatus via the adapter. The compact memory cartridge is guided to a predetermined mounting position by guide grooves and projections, and is held at that position. A suitable combination of shapes and lengths of the guide protrusions and grooves prevents the compact memory cartridge with incorrect settings of its top and bottom surfaces or its right and left sides from being mounted on the adapter.

Abstract: A foot pedal mechanism for controlling input to a computer. The mechanism is particularly useful in computer video simulation programs. The mechanism offers realistic foot pedal action for rudder control, braking, speed control, or the like. The mechanism includes a housing placeable upon the floor; a pair of spring biased foot pedals pivotally engaging the housing in a side by side relationship for parallel vertical movement relative to one another; a potentiometer mounted within the housing and having an input into a computer, the potentiometer provided with an elongated shaft; and a cable having opposing ends affixed to the pedals and a central portion engaging the potentiometer shaft. Pivotal movement of the pedals rotate the shaft for controlling potentiometer input into the computer. Arms, radially extending from the potentiometer shaft and connected to the cable, permit realistic movement of the pedals and prevent excessive rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A controller electrically interfaced to a video game computer or the like for the purpose of controlling a progression of the video game or the like is selectively actuated by discrete motions and forces the locations, magnitudes, and orientations of which are variably predetermined by the user. Pressure, or proximity, sensor units, normally four in number, are independently placeable upon any surface, and normally upon a floor. The signals produced by the arbitrarily located pressure or proximity sensors are received by a video game control unit and used to produce electrical signals suitable to be received by a conventional video game computer or the like for the purpose of controlling the progression of the video game. An adjustable sensor cartridge assembly for use with a video game controller allows a user to selectively position the sensor within the collar's cavity and relative to the human user.

Abstract: A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body with a battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.

Abstract: A squeezable cursor control device provides movement of moveable entities displayed on a computerized display. In one application the squeezable cursor control device provides scrolling of window contents as a function of cursor position relative to the window. The cursor positioned within the window provides short range scrolling upon squeezing of two opposed portions of the control device. The cursor positioned outside the window provides medium and long range scrolling upon squeezing of the control device. Graphical indicators such as directional indications and elevator bars aid selection and specification of medium and long range scrolling. A graphical indicator of a user generated path provides direction and amount of scrolling in short range scrolling.

Abstract: A compact, portable combined light and magnifier apparatus for use with portable computer, such as a portable, hand held video game, having a video screen, such apparatus comprises a body composed of a plurality of panels which define an open space generally the size of the video screen and a battery compartment to supply power and lighting means within the body to provide indirect lighting to the video screen, the body and the battery compartment containing ridges which provide for the body to be releasably secured tothe computer with the video screen. The apparatus includes a cover to fit over the open viewing space of the body an dpivotable between a closed, compact position adjacent the face side of the body and an open, use position extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from the face side of the body.

Abstract: A joystick control device having a lower U-shaped bracket, an upper U-shaped bracket, a handle attached to the upper U-shaped bracket, with the upper U-shaped bracket connected to the lower U-shaped bracket by a compliant joint allowing six degrees of freedom for the joystick. The compliant joint consists of at least one cable segment affixed between the lower U-shaped bracket and the upper U-shaped bracket. At least one input device is located between the lower U-shaped bracket and the upper U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A TV game machine includes connectors for detachably connecting a plurality of memory cartridges each having at least non-volatile memories containing a game program, picture data and sound data, a cartridge selecting circuit for selectively accessing one of the memory cartridges in cooperation with an externally controllable switch and the connectors, and a processor for executing the game program of the selected game cartridge while processing the picture data and sound data contained therein. A display panel is provided which is divided into a plurality of panel units each corresponding to the respective game cartridges for illuminating one segment at a time in response to a switch command.

Abstract: An interfacing device for connecting the processing unit of a computer games system to an external data storage medium has a user-operable selection unit for generating a user-selected address and user-selected data. The user-operable selection unit may comprise user-operable switches or electronic latches that are set by a program in response to selections made by the user by means of a joystick, keypad or any other input device. An address comparison unit compares the user-selected address with the addresses from the processing unit, and a data switching device causes the user-selected data to be substituted for data in the storage medium whenever the compared addresses are the same. Instead of a user-operable selection unit, preselected addresses and preselected data may be stored in a ROM, which in one embodiment changes the way the computer interprets external memory and in another changes the computer's internal memory itself.

Abstract: A method for remotely controlling a video game apparatus with two player systems for two rival players, in which the information transmitted by a first and a second transmitter are modulated by the same carrier frequency fc and transmitted to a receiver of the video game apparatus. The transmission of both transmitters are periodical groups of transmission cycles in which information is incorporated. In order to identify the source of each of the received transmission cycles, a transmitter-identifying code is incorporated in each transmission cycle. A transmission cycle is taken as invalid and rejected by the receiver if its span is overlapped by the span of any transmission cycle of the other transmitter, and is only taken as valid and accepted by the receiver, if its span is not overlapped by the span of any transmission cycle of the other transmitter.

Abstract: A block, as of molded plastic, having a recess in which is mounted the standard control of a TV game, that standard control having push buttons for controlling the game displayed on the TV screen. Levers are mounted in the block, and wheel manually rotated for rocking the levers; the levers repeatedly depress the push buttons.

Abstract: A controller for a remote toy vehicle includes a housing which is formed in the configuration of a control toy vehicle and a control assembly for controlling the operation of the remote toy vehicle. The control assembly includes a manually manipulatable direction control member which is directionally related to the control toy vehicle and manipulatable relative thereto for effecting corresponding movements in the remote toy vehicle.

Abstract: A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body with a battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.

Abstract: A conversion system is described for adapting a home-play electronic game to coin-operated play. The electronic game has at least one access port for communicating with a remote controller, the access port including DC level connections and a plurality of signal line connections. The game exhibits both Attract and Play modes, the Attract mode being operative when power is first applied to the game, but not when the Play mode is in progress. The conversion system comprises a replacement user control panel that includes a start indicator and game control signalling devices. A power supply and coin receipt indicator are also provided. A timer is responsive to a coin deposit to enable the operation of the start indicator for a predetermined time interval. A register is provided which is connected to the signal line ports of the game and provides thereto, signals from both the start indicator and game signalling devices.

Abstract: A controller electrically interfaced to a video game computer or the like for the purpose of controlling a progression of the video game or the like is selectively actuated by discrete motions and forces the locations, magnitudes, and orientations of which are variably predetermined by the user. Pressure, or proximity, sensor units, normally four in number, are independently placeable upon any surface, and normally upon a floor, in any desired pattern and over any desired area. An optional multi-channel hand-held remote control transmitter is affixed with a variable weight. The signals produced by the arbitrarily located pressure or proximity sensors, and by the optional hand-held transmitter, are received by a video game control unit and used to produce electrical signals suitable to be received by a conventional video game computer or the like for the purpose of controlling the progression of the video game.

Abstract: This device allows an individual to participate in a television program as a function of remotely loaded data. It includes a device for reception of date (R), a keyboard (8), a clock (10) and a device for processing data entered at the keyboard as a function of the remotely loaded data and for producing a result which is a function of the processing. A device for certification is coupled to the clock (10) in order to measure the elapsed time between a characteristic instant of the running of a scenario in the device (1) and the establishment of a certification link with a server (S). A certified result is supplied by a device for comparison when there is equality, to within a given tolerance, between the measured time and a reference time computed by the server.

Abstract: A joystick for moving a cursor on a display screen uses an infrared transmitter (34) radiating into a transparent handle (14). As the handle is moved by an operator, infra-red light is directed to one of four optical detectors (31) covering up, down, left and right directions respectively. The device can also detect movement at 45 degrees to any of these directions since light is then directed to two detectors (31). A further four optical detectors (31a) are provided, each arranged adjacent one of the first four detectors (31), so that further movement of the handle in the same direction can be detected. An additional optical detector (37) is arranged to detect downward movement of the handle (14) against a spring (24). The handle is translatably mounted, rather than pivotally mounted as in a stand joystick.

Abstract: A control device having a boxlike shaped enclosure that is held with both hands for tiling to produce corresponding tilt attitude control signals while the fingers of both hands are used to actuate switches symmetrically disposed on the top section of the enclosure to produce auxiliary control signals. The device is a non-joystick control box that provides easy reference to neutral and equally accommodates both left and right handed persons for rapid control of computers, video games, toys, vehicles, models, and machinery to which it is interfaced. The enclosuure can be contoured to represent the shape of the object being controlled.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a game machine according to the invention has a mechanism in which a steering wheel is rotated in accordance with the steering operation of the player and is automatically returned to the center. An end cam which always receives the elastic force of a compression coil spring sets the steering wheel to the neutral position, namely, the center by way of a guide roller. For instance, when the player operates the steering wheel to the right rotational direction, the guide roller rotates to the right together with the steering shaft. Thus, the end cam moves along the axial direction of the steering shaft in accordance with a rotational angle of the steering wheel. Then, when the steering wheel is released, the end cam receives the elastic force of the compression coil spring and allows the steering wheel to be returned to the center by way of the guide roller without performing the reversing operation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle for a game controller forms a pocket which receives the controller. The handle is made of a substantially moldable, pliable material which provides support and cushioning to the hands, fingers and thumbs while manipulating the controls for preventing cramping and stiffness. The handle wraps around the back and sides of the controller to retain the handle on the controller. The handle portion includes cushioning sides and a ridge around the front for supporting the base of the thumb. The face of the controller remains substantially open so that the thumb and fingers have free access to the controls. The rear of the handle has a cushioning shoulder forming a recess receiving the fingertips of fingers which wrap around the back of the handle. The shoulder and recess support the fingers in a natural holding position. In addition, a small peak portion for each hand extends down from the bottom of the handle for a lower finger of each hand to wrap around and rest against.

Abstract: A golf game comprises a base which is formed as a ramp covered with a carpet to simulate the green of a golf course. A ball is tethered by means of cord to the control stick of a joystick controller. A "pull-to-close" switch is incorporated in the cord so that data on the position of the control stick when the cord is taut can be fed to a computer in order to calculate the trajectory and distance of a drive. Putting practice can be obtained by use of a free ball which is putted into a hole formed in the base and provided with a microswitch which closes when the ball enters the hole. A computer program for game play or practice is described.

Abstract: An integrally formed joystick for a computer keyboard having a central hollow housing loosely fitted over a center key and capping the same, the stick having two or more spaced arms extending externally from the central housing and adapted to make contact by depression of an arm or arms with a key or keys adjacent to the center keys to effect a desired graphic display in a direction selected by the operator.

Abstract: A cursor control and command input device for use with cathode ray tube displays is disclosed. The apparatus includes two cursor positioning spheres that are rotatably mounted within the reach of a user's thumbs without the user having to move his fingers from their current home position of the input device. In addition, devices for sensing the rotation of the spheres and generating output signals based upon such rotation is also provided. Command keys are also provided which are used in conjuction with the cursor positioning spheres to select various options or turn on and off the cursor positioning spheres and operated by the thumbs of the user without requiring that the user change the location of his fingers.

Abstract: A joystick controller comprises a base to which an upright element is fixed, and a tubular joystick positioned around the fixed element and pivotally mounted to the base. Electrical contacts are carried by the joystick and make selectively with the fixed element depending on the direction in which the joystick is tilted. The base has a curved bottom to seat equally in the right or left and of the user, but has portions which can be hinged open to reveal a flat bottom which will sit on a desktop and be retained thereon by suction pads.

Abstract: A control mouse has two opposed outward facing digit-engaging portions on a flexible vertical wall and is sized and shaped to be grasped and moved by squeezing force applied by one hand of an operator with a digit engaging each of the digit-engaging portions. The mouse has a pressure operated switch installed so as to be switched to a first state by squeezing force below a threshold force applied between two digits positioned respectively at the digit-engaging portions and switched to a second state by squeezing force above the threshold force. The switch thus controlled by the operator is used to provide signals to the associated computer.

Abstract: A plug-in game cartridge, having a read-only-memory (ROM) that stores software of the game, also includes a security circuit that generates a signal which causes a host videographics console unit to accept it as authorized. The security circuit produces a replica of a reset signal that exists in the console unit and uses that replica to control the timing of pulses that form the authorizing signal. The cartridge with the security circuit can be used with a Nintendo brand videographics unit.

Abstract: An opto-electrical joystick switch having a hollow cylindrical (20) housing with a collared top (26) and a separated bottom (28). A resilient joystick shaft (36) is rigidly mounted onto the housing bottom and penetrates through an opening at the top of the collar. A pair of printed circuit boards (46) and (50) are juxtapositioned within the housing, each having at least four light emitting diodes (48) and opposed light sensing photodiodes (52) in communication with each other through a light beam. A light blocking commutator disc (54) is disposed upon the shaft between the boards such that when the shaft is manually forced in a given direction, the light is interrupted from the diodes. An external or optional internal power source energizes the diodes and provides a basis for an electronic circuit that processes a signal created by the blocked diodes when the 8-position switch is displaced from its neutral position.

Abstract: A cartridge for a gaming machine includes a case having tapered surface formed along a side edge of the rear face thereof which cooperates with a protrusion in the cartridge receiving tray in the gaming machine main unit to prevent an inverted insertion of the cartridge into the machine. A character ROM, a first semiconductor memory storing a program for determining authenticity of the cartridge and a first microcomputer for executing that program are mounted on a printed circuit board accommodated in the case. The gaming machine includes a picture processing unit generating an image signal based on data from the character ROM, a second semiconductor memory which stores the same program for determining authenticity of the cartridge as the program in the first semiconductor memory, and a second microcomputer identical to the first microcomputer for executing the program stored in the second semiconductor memory. The second microcomputer determines authenticity of the loaded or inserted cartridge.