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VMU

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Sega Dreamcast VMU

The VMU, initialism of Visual Memory Unit (called Visual Memory System in Japan), is a memory card peripheral for the Sega Dreamcast. While its most basic function is as a removable storage device the VMU may also serve as an auxiliary display during normal gameplay and, through use of additional software, act as a handheld game console. Console-like features of the VMU include a small black and white screen, speaker, directional pad, and two buttons.

Mini-games

Sega Dreamcast VMU with third-party memory card (left).

Several titles for the Dreamcast included mini-games that could be downloaded onto a VMU. The Sonic Adventure series, for instance, included the Chao Adventure mini-game. In the game players could transfer Chao eggs to the VMU and play to increase the stats of their hatched Chao, whereupon they could upload their improved Chao back into the Dreamcast game.

Dreamcast titles that include VMU games and extra features

Hardware

The VMU is plugged directly into one of two slots on a Dreamcast controller. Two VMUs may be plugged in each controller. When operated independently of the Dreamcast console, the VMU acts as a file manager with limited game console functionality. VMUs may also connect to each other directly to facilitate file transfer or multiplayer gaming.

Upon initial use the player is prompted to select a simple bitmap image to serve as the default background for the VMU. This image is displayed while the Dreamcast console is in the operating system menu; it is usually replaced by a simplified logo during regular gameplay. Some titles display custom animations on the VMU's screen during gameplay, while some titles also offer new background images for the unit.

The VMU runs on two CR-2032 lithium batteries which are inserted into the rear of the VMU under a screw-secured lid. When the batteries are dead or no batteries are inserted, the VMU remains fully functional as long as it is connected to the Dreamcast console.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: 8-bit (Sanyo LC8670 "Potato")
  • Memory: 128 KB (200 blocks)
  • Display: 48 dot width × 32 dot height, LCD
  • Display size (width×height): 37 mm × 26 mm (1.46 in × 1.02 in)
  • Case dimensions (width×height×depth): 47 mm × 80 mm × 16 mm (1.85 in × 3.15 in × 0.63 in)
  • Power source: 2 × CR2032 batteries with auto-off function
  • Sound: 1-channel PWM sound source
  • Weight: 45 g (1.6 oz)

Memory

The VMU has 50 bytes of unused space meant for the system, with programs like VMU explorer users are able to unlock the extra space increasing the overall capacity to 250 blocks. However a handful of games will be unable to detect the memory card if this is done. [1]

Nexus Memory Card

The Nexus Memory Card is a third party version of the Visual Memory Unit that features four times the memory (4 Megabytes / 800 Blocks). The Nexus Memory Card is physically larger than the normal VMU and can be connected to a personal computer via an USB cable. A 16 Megabyte (3200 Block) version of the Nexus is also available, but this model has been known to be unstable.[citation needed]

See also

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