Health & Safety

Game Boy Advance Consumer Information and Precautions Booklet

Important Safety Information - Read the Following Warnings before You or your Child play Video Games

Seizure Warning
Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, such as while watching TV or playing video games, even if they have never had a seizure before.
Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition should consult a doctor before playing a video game.
Parents should watch when their children play video games. Stop playing immediately and consult a doctor if you or your child have any of the following symptoms:

Convulsions
Eye or muscle twitching
Loss of awareness
Altered vision
Involuntary movements
Disorientation


To reduce the likelihood of a seizure when playing video games:

  1. Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible.
  2. Play video games on the smallest available television screen.
  3. Do not play if you are tired or need sleep.
  4. Play in a well-lit room.
  5. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour.

Repetitive Motion Injuries
Playing video games can make your muscles, joints or skin hurt after a few hours. Follow these instructions to avoid problems such as Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or skin irritation:

  • Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don't think you need it.
  • If your hands, wrists or arms become tired or sore while playing, stop and rest them for several hours before playing again.
  • If you continue to have sore hands, wrists or arms during or after play, stop playing and see a doctor.

Battery Leakage
Leakage of battery acid can cause personal injury as well as damage to your Game Boy. If battery leakage occurs, thoroughly wash the affected skin and clothes. Keep battery acid away from your eyes and mouth. Leaking batteries may make popping sounds.

To avoid battery leakage:

  • Do not mix used and new batteries (replace all batteries at the same time).
  • Do not mix alkaline with any other type of battery (carbon zinc, nickel cadmium, etc).
  • Do not mix different brands of batteries.
  • Do not use nickel cadmium (nicad) batteries in your Game Boy, Game Boy pocket or Game Boy Color.
  • For Game Boy Advance use only alkaline batteries. Do not use nickel cadmium (nicad), nickel metal hydride (nimh), carbon zinc or any other non-alkaline batteries.
  • Do not leave used batteries in the Game Boy. When the batteries are losing their charge, the power light may become dim, the game sounds may become weak, or the display screen may be blank. When this happens, promptly replace all used batteries with new batteries.
  • Do not leave batteries in the Game Boy or accessory for long periods of non-use.
  • Do not leave the power switch on after the batteries have lost their charge. When you finish using the Game Boy, always slide the power switch OFF.
  • Do not recharge the batteries.
  • Do not put the batteries in backwards. Make sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) ends are facing in the correct directions. Insert the negative end first. When removing batteries, remove the positive end first.
  • Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.

Hardware Precautions / Maintenance

  1. Do not disassemble or try to repair the Game Boy or components. Doing so voids your warranty.
  2. Always slide the power switch of the Game Boy off before loading or removing a Game Pak. Insert the Game Pak completely without forcing either the Game Pak or the Game Boy.
  3. Do not store the Game Boy in a humid place, on the floor or in any location where it may collect dirt, dust, lint, etc.
  4. Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the Game Boy or components.
  5. Make sure all connections to the Game Boy are made carefully and inserted into the correct locations only. Hold plugs straight when inserting them into a socket.
  6. When disconnecting any plugs from the Game Boy or wall outlet, first turn the Game Boy OFF. Then carefully pull by the plug itself rather than by the cord. Do not step on, sharply pull or bend any wires or cables.
  7. Do not expose the Game Boy, Game Paks or any of the Game Boy components to extreme heat or cold. The liquid crystal display (LCD) may become slower or may not work when the temperature is low. The LCD will deteriorate at a high temperature. Take care not to expose the Game Boy to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
  8. The LCD may be damaged by sharp objects or pressure. Take great care to protect the display from scratches or stains.
  9. Connect ONLY special accessories designed for use with the Game Boy to the external power supply terminal or the extension connector.
  10. Do not spill liquids on the Game Boy, Game Paks or any other of the Game Boy components. To clean, use a soft slightly damp cloth. Allow the unit to dry completely before using again. (Use water only.)
  11. Do not rapidly turn the power switch ON and OFF, as this may shorten the life of the batteries and cause battery backed-up Game Paks to lose your stored game information.
  12. For the best game image, look directly at the Game Boy display from the front and operate only in a good light.
  13. To avoid dirt or dust from getting into the Game Boy, always leave a Game Pak loaded (with the power off), when not in use.
  14. When using an AC Adapter, always unplug it from the wall outlet when not in use.

Game Pak Precautions / Maintenance

  1. Avoid touching the connectors with your fingers. Do not blow on them or allow them to get wet or dirty. Doing so may damage the Game Pak and/or the Game Boy.
  2. The Game Pak is a high precision piece of electronics. Do not store it in places that are very hot or cold. Do not hit, drop or otherwise abuse it. Do not take it apart.
  3. Do not clean with benzene, paint thinner, alcohol or any other solvent.
  4. Always check the Game Pak edge connector for foreign material before inserting the Game Pak into the Game Boy.

Patent Information
United States Patent Numbers: 4,687,200; 4,932,904;5, 134,391; 5,184,830; 5,207,426; 5291,189; 5,327,158; 5337,069; 5,371,512; 5,400,052; 5,426,763; 5,483,257; 5,495,266; 5,509,663; 5,608,424; 5,708,457; D318,884; D319,823; D383,798; D416,291.
Canadian Patent Numbers: 1,226,605; 2,007,434; 2,007,435; 2,031,506; 2,037,909; 2,048,167; 2,049,899; 2,049,900; 2,049,914; 2,051,655; 2,055,718; 2,055,724; 66,173; 80,327; 88,569; 89,081.
United kingdom Patent Numbers: 2,144,582; 2,219,699; 2,226,768; D1,060,340 D2,008,138; D2,008,139; D2,084,336; D2,094,372; D2,094,373.
Germany Patent Numbers: 3,328,612; 69,028,419; 69,030,741; M89,02,667.5; D49,906,073.3.
French Patent Numbers: D894,168, D994,027.
Spanish Patent Numbers: D119,472.
Norwegian Patent Numbers: 178,127; D68,399; D68,411; D68,412
Swedish Patent Numbers: 378,386; D49,203; D49,204.
Australian Patent Numbers: 642,398; 647,378; 663,191; 671,132; D110,600; D115,478.
Taiwanese Patent Numbers: P40,865.
Korean Patent Numbers: 66,341; 127,299; 148,364; D254,816.
Chinese Patent Numbers: 90,100,211.9; 90,100,212.7; 92,112,894.0; ZL99,309,190.3.
Thai Patent Numbers: 7,250.
Other patents pending.

 
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