Patent ID: 8248367

Claim:
A handheld gaming device for amusing or entertaining a game participant playing a game in which a computer-generated play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects, said handheld gaming device comprising: a body having an internal cavity sized and configured to receive one or more batteries and associated circuitry configured to power and operate a handheld gaming device; non-volatile memory storing at least one unique identifier for uniquely identifying said handheld gaming device; a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured and adapted to provide medium-range two-way wireless communication with a first wireless-compatible device, said first RF transceiver having a wireless communication range of at least 10 feet; a second RF transceiver configured and adapted to provide short-range two-way wireless communication with a second wireless-compatible device, said second RF transceiver having a wireless communication range of at least 1 cm, wherein said short-range two-way communication is facilitated at least in part through inductive coupling between said second RF transceiver and said second wireless-compatible device; and motion- or position-sensitive circuitry configured and adapted to enable said handheld gaming device to be operated at least in part by moving the entire body of said handheld gaming device in one or more particular motions to activate or control one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects.