VMU
Encyclopedia
The VMU, or Visual Memory Unit is a memory card
peripheral for the Dreamcast. Its official name was changed by Sega for each of the three key regions:-
The name was changed from VMS to VMU for the NA market as the name VMS was already owned and in use by the Digital Equipment Corporation
for their VMS
operating system. It is not known why the name was changed again to VM for the European market, however the name VMU was commonly used in the UK.
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, four buttons
and the ability to download additional games. Initially only available in white, colors were expanded to transparent Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black and many other color variations.
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, where upon they could upload their improved Chao back into the Dreamcast game. In Resident Evil 2
, Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica
, it can display the current health condition without having to go to the Weapon Screen.
Upon initial use the player is prompted to select from a group of simple bitmap images 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. Without battery power, the VMU still works as a memory card and auxiliary display, but cannot play downloaded mini-games. Additionally, a VMU without battery power will beep when the Dreamcast is powered on (if the VMU is inserted into a connected Dreamcast controller).
of flash memory, however by default 28KB is reserved for system use. In recent years homebrew programs like Dream Explorer (aka VMU Tool) have allowed users to unlock an extra 44 blocks (22KB) of this reserved space increasing the overall VMU capacity to 244 blocks. However, a handful of games might be unable to detect the memory card if this is done, although none have been reported apart from DreamKey/DreamPassport and Metropolis Street Racer
.
The Dreamcast can only access a memory card with up to 128KB of flash memory (The size of a standard VMU) The 4x memory card overcame this limitation by splitting 512KB (4 megabit) of flash memory into four 'pages' each page having 200 blocks of storage. Each of the four pages can be selected using a button on the top right of the card, and one of four orange LEDs will light to indicate which page is currently selected. Some games released before the introduction of the 4x Memory Card were incompatible with it, and Sega released a list of incompatible games.
A limited edition Phantasy Star Online
4x Memory Card was also released in Japan to coincide with the games release. It was coloured blue and featured the Phantasy Star Online logo printed onto the casing.
Since the 4x Memory Card was released very late in the Dreamcast's lifespan, it did not make it to retail in Europe despite a planned release (along with the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter
which was also unreleased in Europe).
/ 512 kilobytes) but lacks an LCD screen. The card is divided into 4 pages each with 200 blocks, each page can be selected using a button on the top left of the card. The Nexus Memory Card is slightly larger than the normal VMU and can be connected to a personal computer
by USB, Parallel
or Serial
cable. A 3200 block (16 megabit
/ 2 megabytes) version of the Nexus is also available, but this model has been known to be unstable.
Hyperpak was a basic memory card without the screen and VMU buttons. However, it was four times the size of a normal memory unit and also had a switch that would switch the device from memory mode to rumble mode. It was larger than a standard VMU but had no way to connect to a personal computer.
memory card, but much larger. Performance also released a "Mega Memory Card", which was a 4X Memory Card, carrying up to 800 blocks in total. The card was divided into 4 Slots of 200 Block cards, which could be changed by moving a switch on the back of the card, each slot being labeled 1-4. However, unlike the official 4X Memory Card and other 3rd party 4X memory cards, the user must remove the memory card, flip the switch to a new slot, and then insert it back in, in order for the Dreamcast to recognize a New Memory Card slot.
Memory card
A memory card or flash card is an electronic flash memory data storage device used for storing digital information. They are commonly used in many electronic devices, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers, MP3 players, and video game consoles...
peripheral for the Dreamcast. Its official name was changed by Sega for each of the three key regions:-
- Japan = Visual Memory System (VMS)
- North America = Visual Memory Unit (VMU)
- Europe = Visual Memory (VM)
The name was changed from VMS to VMU for the NA market as the name VMS was already owned and in use by the Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation was a major American company in the computer industry and a leading vendor of computer systems, software and peripherals from the 1960s to the 1990s...
for their VMS
OpenVMS
OpenVMS , previously known as VAX-11/VMS, VAX/VMS or VMS, is a computer server operating system that runs on VAX, Alpha and Itanium-based families of computers. Contrary to what its name suggests, OpenVMS is not open source software; however, the source listings are available for purchase...
operating system. It is not known why the name was changed again to VM for the European market, however the name VMU was commonly used in the UK.
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
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
. Console-like features of the VMU include a small black and white screen, speaker, directional pad, four buttons
Button (control)
A push-button or simply button is a simple switch mechanism for controlling some aspect of a machine or a process. Buttons are typically made out of hard material, usually plastic or metal. The surface is usually flat or shaped to accommodate the human finger or hand, so as to be easily depressed...
and the ability to download additional games. Initially only available in white, colors were expanded to transparent Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Black and many other color variations.
Mini-games
Several titles for the Dreamcast included mini-games that could be downloaded onto a VMU. The Sonic AdventureSonic Adventure
is a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG...
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, where upon they could upload their improved Chao back into the Dreamcast game. In Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2, known as in Japan, is a survival horror video game originally released for the PlayStation in 1998. Developed by Capcom as the second installment in the Resident Evil series, its story takes place two months after the events of the first game, Resident Evil...
, Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Resident Evil Code: Veronica, released in Japan as , is the fourth installment in Capcom's Resident Evil survival horror series, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000...
, it can display the current health condition without having to go to the Weapon Screen.
Dreamcast titles that include VMU games and extra features
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Tomoyo no Video Daisakusen
- Demolition Racer: No ExitDemolition Racer: No ExitDemolition Racer: No Exit is a racing game developed for the Dreamcast. It was produced by Infogrames and Pitbull Syndicate. It is an enhanced port of Demolition Racer for PlayStation....
- Dino CrisisDino Crisisis a survival horror video game by Capcom, originally released in 1999 for the PlayStation and later ported to Microsoft Windows and Dreamcast in 2000...
- Evolution 2: Far Off PromiseEvolution 2: Far Off PromiseEvolution 2: Far Off Promise is a console role-playing game for the Dreamcast console. It is a sequel to Evolution: The World of Sacred Device. It was developed by Sting and published by Ubisoft in North America...
(12 Hour Clock) - Godzilla GenerationsGodzilla GenerationsGodzilla Generations is a Godzilla video game released only in Japan for the Dreamcast home console. It is one of the four launch titles for the Dreamcast in Japan...
(Japanese Version) - Grand Theft Auto 2Grand Theft Auto 2Grand Theft Auto 2 is a video game that was released worldwide on October 25, 1999, by developer DMA Design , initially for the Windows operating system and the PlayStation console. The game was later ported to the Dreamcast console and the Game Boy Color. It is the sequel to 1997 hit Grand Theft...
- Jet Set RadioJet Set Radiois a video game for the Dreamcast, developed by Smilebit and published by Sega on June 29, 2000. A 2D version of the game was later released for Game Boy Advance; this version was developed by Vicarious Visions and published by THQ. Its sequel, Jet Set Radio Future was released 2 years later for...
/ Jet Grind RadioJet Set Radiois a video game for the Dreamcast, developed by Smilebit and published by Sega on June 29, 2000. A 2D version of the game was later released for Game Boy Advance; this version was developed by Vicarious Visions and published by THQ. Its sequel, Jet Set Radio Future was released 2 years later for...
[USA] - Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of HeroesMarvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroesis a fighting game, developed and published by Capcom. It is the fourth game in the Marvel vs. Capcom series. With the fourth installment of this series, Capcom simplified the controls to make the gameplay more accessible for casual players. The button configuration was trimmed down to 4 main...
- Namco MuseumNamco MuseumNamco Museum refers to the series of video game compilations released by Namco for various 32-bit and above consoles, containing releases of their games from the 1980s and early 1990s...
- NFL 2K
- NFL 2K1
- NFL 2K2
- Power StonePower StonePower Stone is a fully 3D arena fighting game series made by Capcom. Power Stone was initially released on the Sega NAOMI hardware and later ported to the Dreamcast...
- Power Stone 2Power Stone 2Power Stone 2 is a multiplayer fighting game that built on the innovative gameplay introduced by its predecessor, Power Stone. Power Stone 2 allows up to four players to choose from multiple characters and utilize items such as tables, chairs, and rocks in battle.Power Stone 2 originated as an...
- Quake III ArenaQuake III ArenaQuake III Arena , is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game released on December 2, 1999. The game was developed by id Software and featured music composed by Sonic Mayhem and Front Line Assembly...
- Resident Evil 2Resident Evil 2Resident Evil 2, known as in Japan, is a survival horror video game originally released for the PlayStation in 1998. Developed by Capcom as the second installment in the Resident Evil series, its story takes place two months after the events of the first game, Resident Evil...
- Resident Evil 3: NemesisResident Evil 3: NemesisResident Evil 3: Nemesis, released in Japan as is a survival horror video game and the sequel to Resident Evil 2, developed and published by Capcom. The game was released for the PlayStation, and was subsequently ported to the Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo GameCube...
- Sega GTSega GTSega GT, released as "Sega GT Homologation Special" in Japan, February 17 2000, is a semi-simulation oriented racing game for the Dreamcast. This game was secretly designed by Sega to become the Dreamcast system's very own Gran Turismo and compete with the announced but not yet released "Gran...
- Sega Rally 2Sega Rally 2is a sequel to Sega Rally and is an arcade game developed and released by Sega in 1998 for the Sega Model 3 arcade board. It was ported in the following year to the Dreamcast console and later to PC systems.-Gameplay:...
(Stats and Records) - ShenmueShenmueis a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player...
- Silent ScopeSilent ScopeSilent Scope is an arcade game that puts the player in the shoes of a sniper during a series of terrorist incidents. Unlike most first person shooters, the gun for this game is mounted to the machine, requiring players to physically alter their position to shoot...
- Skies of ArcadiaSkies of ArcadiaSkies of Arcadia, released in Japan as , is a console role-playing game developed by Overworks for the Dreamcast and published by Sega in 2000. Skies of Arcadia Legends, a port, was released for the GameCube in 2002. Legends was also in development for the PlayStation 2; however, the PS2 version...
- Sonic AdventureSonic Adventureis a 1999 platform video game developed by Sonic Team and released on December 23, 1998, in Japan by Sega for the Dreamcast. One of its development titles was Sonic RPG...
- Sonic Adventure 2Sonic Adventure 2Sonic Adventure 2 is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast video game console. It was released in North America on June 19, 2001 and in Japan on June 23, 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. It is the sequel...
- Soulcalibur (Japanese Version)
- Sword of the Berserk: Guts' RageSword of the Berserk: Guts' RageSword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage, released in Japan as , is a hack & slash action video game for the Dreamcast based on the popular Berserk manga by Kentarō Miura. It takes place anywhere between volumes 22 and volume 23 of the Berserk manga; right after Guts and Puck depart for Elfhelm with Casca,...
- Tech RomancerTech Romanceris a 1998 3D fighting arcade game by Capcom that draws heavily from the various sub-genres of Mecha anime. It has been ported to the Dreamcast console. The player controls a giant robot which is used to fight another robot in one-on-one combat...
- Time StalkersTime StalkersTime Stalkers is a Dreamcast console role-playing game featuring appearances of worlds from several of Climax Entertainment's earlier games in crossover fashion. The player initially takes the role of Sword, a character caught in a world made of many worlds...
- Tokyo Bus Guide
- TrickStyleTrickStyleTrickStyle is a video game released on September 9, 1999 for the Dreamcast and PC, developed by Criterion Games and published by Acclaim. The game is set in the future and based around the sport of Hoverboarding...
- Virtua TennisVirtua TennisVirtua Tennis is a 1999 tennis arcade game created by Sega-AM3. The player competes through tennis tournaments and various arcade modes. For the home console market the game was expanded with the introduction of the campaign mode. It was later ported to Dreamcast in 2000, and for Microsoft Windows...
- Zombie RevengeZombie RevengeZombie Revenge is an arcade and Dreamcast video game released in 1999, a beat 'em up game. Armed with their fists, feet, and whatever weapons they should find along the way, players are tasked with ridding an unnamed city of zombies....
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 from a group of simple bitmap images 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
Lithium battery
Lithium batteries are disposable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. Depending on the design and chemical compounds used, lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V to about 3.7 V, over twice the voltage of an ordinary zinc–carbon battery or alkaline battery...
which are inserted into the rear of the VMU under a screw-secured lid. Without battery power, the VMU still works as a memory card and auxiliary display, but cannot play downloaded mini-games. Additionally, a VMU without battery power will beep when the Dreamcast is powered on (if the VMU is inserted into a connected Dreamcast controller).
Technical specifications
- CPU: 8-bit (Sanyo LC8670 "Potato")
- Memory: 128KBKilobyteThe kilobyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. Although the prefix kilo- means 1000, the term kilobyte and symbol KB have historically been used to refer to either 1024 bytes or 1000 bytes, dependent upon context, in the fields of computer science and information...
flash memory. 28KB is reserved for system use leaving 100KB for data storage, which is divided into 200 'blocks' - 1 block equaling 512 bytes. - 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)
Extra blocks
The VMU has 128KBKilobyte
The kilobyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information. Although the prefix kilo- means 1000, the term kilobyte and symbol KB have historically been used to refer to either 1024 bytes or 1000 bytes, dependent upon context, in the fields of computer science and information...
of flash memory, however by default 28KB is reserved for system use. In recent years homebrew programs like Dream Explorer (aka VMU Tool) have allowed users to unlock an extra 44 blocks (22KB) of this reserved space increasing the overall VMU capacity to 244 blocks. However, a handful of games might be unable to detect the memory card if this is done, although none have been reported apart from DreamKey/DreamPassport and Metropolis Street Racer
Metropolis Street Racer
Metropolis Street Racer or MSR is a racing game for the Dreamcast. It was developed by Bizarre Creations, and published by Sega. The game was originally intended to be a Dreamcast launch title in Europe and North America, however, due to numerous delays it was not released in Europe until November...
.
Official 4x Memory Card
Late in the Dreamcasts lifespan Sega released an official 4x Memory Card which offered four times the data storage of a standard VMU, with 800 blocks. It was released in Japan on December 14, 2000 as "Memory Card 4X", and in the USA as "4x Memory Card" However this memory card is designed only for data storage and lacked a screen, speaker, buttons, clock, or a menu system, making it incompatible with VMU mini games, and other VMU features.The Dreamcast can only access a memory card with up to 128KB of flash memory (The size of a standard VMU) The 4x memory card overcame this limitation by splitting 512KB (4 megabit) of flash memory into four 'pages' each page having 200 blocks of storage. Each of the four pages can be selected using a button on the top right of the card, and one of four orange LEDs will light to indicate which page is currently selected. Some games released before the introduction of the 4x Memory Card were incompatible with it, and Sega released a list of incompatible games.
A limited edition Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online
Phantasy Star Online is an online multiplayer action RPG title, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000, bundled with a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. Another edition, entitled Phantasy Star Online ver.2, was released for Dreamcast the following year...
4x Memory Card was also released in Japan to coincide with the games release. It was coloured blue and featured the Phantasy Star Online logo printed onto the casing.
Since the 4x Memory Card was released very late in the Dreamcast's lifespan, it did not make it to retail in Europe despite a planned release (along with the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter
Dreamcast Broadband Adapter
The Dreamcast Broadband Adapter is an accessory that was released for the Dreamcast. The console originally came equipped with a 56 or 33.6K modem for use with dial-up Internet access but the release of the broadband adapter on January 10, 2001 allowed the Dreamcast to utilize broadband...
which was also unreleased in Europe).
Third-party equivalents
The majority of third party cards did not feature a screen, buttons, speaker, clock, or menu system, making them incompatible with VMU mini games. However, many third party memory cards offered larger storage capacities than the standard VMU, often using a button or switch to select between different banks/pages of 200 blocks (Due to the Dreamcast's 128KB memory card limit)Nexus Memory Card
The Nexus Memory Card is a third party version of the Visual Memory Unit that features four times the memory of a stock VMU with 800 blocks (4 megabitMegabit
The megabit is a multiple of the unit bit for digital information or computer storage. The prefix mega is defined in the International System of Units as a multiplier of 106 , and therefore...
/ 512 kilobytes) but lacks an LCD screen. The card is divided into 4 pages each with 200 blocks, each page can be selected using a button on the top left of the card. The Nexus Memory Card is slightly larger than the normal VMU and can be connected to a personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
by USB, Parallel
D-subminiature
The D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smaller connectors used on computer systems....
or Serial
D-subminiature
The D-subminiature or D-sub is a common type of electrical connector. They are named for their characteristic D-shaped metal shield. When they were introduced, D-subs were among the smaller connectors used on computer systems....
cable. A 3200 block (16 megabit
Megabit
The megabit is a multiple of the unit bit for digital information or computer storage. The prefix mega is defined in the International System of Units as a multiplier of 106 , and therefore...
/ 2 megabytes) version of the Nexus is also available, but this model has been known to be unstable.
Nyko Hyperpak
The NykoNyko
Nyko is a manufacturer of third-party accessories for various gaming consoles.-Wand:The Nyko "Wand" is a 3rd-party replacement for the Wii Remote. It was announced at CES 2009. The Wand features Trans-Port technology, which allows specially designed attachments to pass through key buttons to the...
Hyperpak was a basic memory card without the screen and VMU buttons. However, it was four times the size of a normal memory unit and also had a switch that would switch the device from memory mode to rumble mode. It was larger than a standard VMU but had no way to connect to a personal computer.
PERFORMANCE Memory Card
The Performance Memory Card was a third-party basic memory card. Although it lacked a screen and buttons, it carried up to 200 blocks of memory. It was much lighter than the standard VMU, but didn't hold VMU game data without deleting its progress first. It is almost exactly the same as a PlayStationPlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
memory card, but much larger. Performance also released a "Mega Memory Card", which was a 4X Memory Card, carrying up to 800 blocks in total. The card was divided into 4 Slots of 200 Block cards, which could be changed by moving a switch on the back of the card, each slot being labeled 1-4. However, unlike the official 4X Memory Card and other 3rd party 4X memory cards, the user must remove the memory card, flip the switch to a new slot, and then insert it back in, in order for the Dreamcast to recognize a New Memory Card slot.