Game programmed flash memory cartridge

Disclosed is a rewritable cartridge that is compatible with commercially available game systems to produce game cartridges at the point-of-sale location. It provides just-in-time delivery of the desired game. Retailers stock uniquely designed game blanks to meet consumer demand. A programming device loads digital content from computer storage to the rewritable game cartridge in an extremely short period of time. The cartridge employs reprogrammable flash memory (30, 32). The unique flash memory enables programming of the rewritable game cartridge in less than 10 seconds. The flash rewritable cartridge (18) contains identification hardware (38) that allows the programmer to verify it as proprietary to a particular manufacturer or authorized dealer. Only those cartridges that are correctly identified are programmed providing a high level of quality control of the manufacturing process. After a cartridge (18) is verified, the operator has the option to initialize the cartridge and input additional information such as store location and cartridge type into the flash memory. The game content can be erased from the cartridge when it is returned, new game content can be programmed and the cartridge can be reused.