VMU
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 four buttons.
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[edit] Mini-games
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.
[edit] Dreamcast titles that include VMU games and extra features
- Power Stone
- Power Stone 2
- Quake III Arena
- Sega GT Homologation Special (Japanese Version)
- Skies of Arcadia
- Sonic Adventure
- Sonic Adventure 2
- Soul Calibur (Japanese Version)
- Tech Romancer
- Time Stalkers
- TrickStyle
- Zombie Revenge
- Godzilla Generations (Japanese Version)
- Evolution 2 (12 Hour Clock)
- NFL 2K
- NFL 2K1
- NFL 2K2
- Marvel Vs Capcom 2
[edit] 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 (one of which being an obvious marijuana leaf) 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.
[edit] Technical specifications
- CPU: 8-bit (Sanyo LC8670 "Potato")
- Memory: 128 KB (200 blocks of 512 bytes each)
- 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)
[edit] Extra blocks
The VMU has 44 blocks of unused space meant for the system, with programs like Dream Explorer (aka VMU Tool) users are able to unlock the extra space increasing the overall capacity to 244 blocks. However it has been said that a handful of games might be unable to detect the memory card if this is done, although none has been reported apart from DreamKey/DreamPassport.
Dream Explorer official site
Dream Explorer 0.8.5 hosted image
[edit] 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 a 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]
[edit] See also
- The Sony PocketStation, a similar device for the Playstation.
[edit] External links
- Marcus Comstedt VMS - Marcus Comstedt's page on the structure of VMS filesystem.
- VMU Development Tools - John Maushammer's reverse-engineering of the CPU registers, BIOS, and communication protocol.
- Blue Swirl - VMU downloads such as Dreamcast VMU saves, minigames and icons. Also the home of Dream Explorer - VMU Tool.
- The (unofficial) VMU FAQ - answers to most important questions you might ask about the VMU.
