Visual Memory Unit
From Sega Retro
Visual Memory Unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Made for: Sega Dreamcast | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturer: Sega | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Visual Memory Unit (VMU), referred to as the Visual Memory(ビジュアルメモリ) or VM (and VMS) in Japan is the de facto "memory card" for the Sega Dreamcast. While its most basic function is as a removable storage device, the VMU can also serve as an auxiliary display during normal gameplay and, through the use of additional software, it can act as a console independent of the Dreamcast.
Contents
Hardware
The introduction of the VMU was considered quite radical in 1998, for as well as being a means of storing Dreamcast data, it acts as its own independent handheld "console", capitalising on a craze started by Bandai with its Tamagotchi device in late 1996. When plugged into a Dreamcast controller it can act as an extra screen (an idea that Nintendo would adopt with its Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance connectors, and eventually its Wii U console), but if removed it becomes a system with its own D-Pad, , MODE and SLEEP buttons.
In order to function on its own, a VMU requires two CR2032 batteries, which can lead to problems. It does not require batteries in order to function within a Dreamcast controller (when the controller is connected and the system is powered on), but if the VMU lacks power it will make a high pitched warning screech during the console's bootup to alert the user.
Two VMUs can be connected together (another idea copied from Bandai, this time in its 1997 Digital Monster range, opening up new possibilities such as transferring data or playing two-player games.
Like the controllers and console, there are many different flavours of VMU in terms of colours. The colours vary depending on the market - in Japan there were many novelty VMUs, often inspired by games. In North America, translucent coloured VMUs were released, while in Europe very few coloured VMUs were sold.
The VMU technically debuted four months before the Dreamcast console, with the release of the Atsumete Godzilla: Kaijuu Dai Shuugou VMU in July 1998. As well as being a self-contained game in itself, it can be treated as a Dreamcast memory card.
Criticism
While the VMU is considered an integral part of the Dreamcast console, the built-in screen and its arguably superfluous features led to a high price point when compared to memory cards of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64. Furthermore, initial shipments of Dreamcast consoles did not come with VMUs, and as the Dreamcast has no built-in memory (unlike the Sega Saturn), an extra purchase was required to save games.
Sega also did not offer an official non-screened memory card until December 2000, when the 4x Memory Card was released in Japan. The "4x" in this instance symbolises the 512kB of data available to users - standard VMUs only have 128kB, of which the widely publicised "VMU games" would usually take up most of it. In a practical sense, this meant anyone wanting to play, for example, Chao Adventure, a free VMU download in Dreamcast launch title Sonic Adventure would be better off reserving a VMU specifically for this purpose - the few remaining memory blocks after the download would not serve particularly useful for many games.
VMUs pre-date a period in video games where built-in lithium-ion rechargable batteries (seen in the Game Boy Advance SP and newer) were not the norm. This means batteries need to be replaced manually on a fairly regular basis. When a Dreamcast system is turned off, no signal is sent to the VMUs to shut down, and so operate on their own power source for a short period of time before automatically switching themselves off. If left unchecked, this can cause VMUs to drain power just by being plugged into a Dreamcast console.
Reading Save Data
When reading save data from the memory manager on the Sega Dreamcast BIOS, it will appear in this format.
Name | File Name | Comment | File Size |
---|---|---|---|
Name of the file. | Name of the file as it appears within the system. | Additional Information of File. | Number of Blocks Used. |
How each file is named and what the comments field represents depends on how the developer has written each descriptor. When reading other articles on Sonic Retro and Sega Retro, keep in mind these common symbols represented in the wiki to determine the text as these variables are likely to differ when viewing on the Memory Manager.
[##] - Number
[MM] - Month
[DD] - Day
Technical Specifications
- CPU: Sanyo LC86K87 (8-bit CPU, energy saving)[6]
- Memory: 128 KB (200 blocks)
- Power source: Two CR2032 batteries with auto-off function[6]
- Display: 48 dot Width x 32 dot Height resolution,[6] Monochrome
- Display size: 37 mm (1.46 inches) Width x 26 mm (1.02 inches) Height
- Sound: PWM sound chip,[6] 1-channel PWM sound source
- Mass: 45g (0.099 pounds)
List of VMUs
Japan
This article needs cleanup. This article needs to be edited to conform to a higher standard of article quality. After the article has been cleaned up, you may remove this message. For help, see the How to Edit a Page article. |
Code | Name | Box scans | Images | Region | Date | Price | Documentation | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HKT-7001 | Atsumete Godzilla: Kaijuu Dai Shuugou あつめてゴジラ〜怪獣大集合〜 |
1998-07-30 | 2,5002,500 | |||||
HKT-7002 | Visual Memory ビジュアルメモリ |
1998-11-27 | 2,5002,500 | Site: [1] | ||||
HKT-7005 | Mothra Dream Battle モスラドリームバトル |
1998-12-23 | HKT-7002 (with software) and figurine | |||||
HKT-7006 | Gamera Dream Battle ガメラドリームバトル |
1999-03-25 | HKT-7002 (with software) and figurine | |||||
HKT-7007-03 | Visual Memory Colour Version (Aqua Blue) ビジュアルメモリ・カラーバージョン (アクアブル) |
2000-03-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [2] | ||||
HKT-7007-04 | Visual Memory Colour Version (Lime Green) ビジュアルメモリ・カラーバージョン (ライムグリーン) |
2000-03-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [3] | ||||
HKT-7007-05 | Visual Memory Colour Version (Passion Pink) ビジュアルメモリ・カラーバージョン (パッションピンク) |
2000-03-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [4] | ||||
HKT-7007-06 | Visual Memory Colour Version (Smoke) ビジュアルメモリ・カラーバージョン (スモーク) |
2000-03-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [5] | ||||
HKT-7007-16 | Visual Memory Clear ビジュアルメモリ クリア |
2000-12-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [6] | ||||
HKT-7007-17 | Virtual Memory Sonic Team version ビジュアルメモリ ソニックチームバージョン |
2000-12-21 ? | ||||||
HKT-7007-18 | SGGG (Segagaga) Virtual Memory SGGG (セガガガ) ビジュアルメモリ |
2001-03-29 | See also Segagaga | |||||
HKT-7008-01 | Super Inventor Boy Kanipan Playing Kid DCDC 超発明BOYカニパン あそんでキッドDCDC(デシデシ) |
1999-04-22 | ||||||
HKT-7008-02 | Giant Channel ジャイアントチャネル |
1999-05-20 | ||||||
HKT-7009-01 | Visual Memory US Blue ビジュアルメモリ USレッド |
2001-11-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [7] | ||||
HKT-7009-02 | Visual Memory US Red ビジュアルメモリ USブルー |
2001-11-01 ? | 2,5002,500 | Site: [8] | ||||
DD | Visual Memory: Pearl White ビジュアルメモリ:パールホワイト |
2000-08-31 | 2,8002,800 | Site: Announcement | ||||
DD | Visual Memory: Pearl Blue ビジュアルメモリ:パールブルー |
2000-08-31 | 2,8002,800 | Site: Announcement. See also Special DC model Pearl Blue | ||||
DD | Visual Memory: Pearl Pink ビジュアルメモリ:パールピンク |
2000-08-31 | 2,8002,800 | Site: Announcement. See also Special DC model Pearl Pink | ||||
DD | Visual Memory: Pure Black ビジュアルメモリ:ピュアブラック |
2000-12-21 | 2,8002,800 | Site: Announcement 1, 2. See also Special DC model Pure Black | ||||
DD | Visual Memory Clear Red ビジュアルメモリ クリアレッド |
2000-11-30 | Site: Announcement. Christmas Lottery (30-11~20-12) Might be the same as HKT-7009-02. | |||||
DD | Visual Memory Capcom version ビジュアルメモリ カプコンバージョン |
2000-12-22 | 2,8002,800 | Site: Announcement | ||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Camouflage ビジュアルメモリ:迷彩色 |
1999-03-01 ? | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | |||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Carbon Black ビジュアルメモリ:カーボンブラック |
1999-03-01 ? | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | |||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Wood Grain ビジュアルメモリ:木目調 |
2000-09-01 | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | Site: Announcement | ||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Leopard ビジュアルメモリ:豹柄 |
2000-09-01 | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | Site: Announcement | ||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Marble ビジュアルメモリ:大理石調 |
2000-09-01 | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | Site: Announcement | ||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Strawberry version ビジュアルメモリ:イチゴバージョン |
2001-05-17 ? | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | |||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Dolphin version ビジュアルメモリ:イルカバージョン |
2001-05-17 ? | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | |||||
DPB | Visual Memory: Number version ビジュアルメモリ:ナンバーバージョン |
2001-05-17 ? | 2000 DPB points2000 DPB points | |||||
HDR-0089 bundle | 2000-05-25 | 6,800 (pack)6,800 (pack) | ||||||
HDR-0148 bundle | 2001-03-22 | 9,800 (pack)9,800 (pack) | ||||||
T-46301M bundle | 2001-09-06 | 7,800 (pack)7,800 (pack) | ||||||
Seaman ~Forbidden Pet~ ?? シーマン~禁断のペット~ ?? 同梱 |
1999-07-29 | 34,800 (pack)34,800 (pack) | Site: Announcement | |||||
Hello Kitty Dreamcast Set (Blue Skeleton) bundle Hello Kitty ドリームキャストセット (と"スケルトンブルー) 同梱 |
1999-11-25 | 39,800 (pack)39,800 (pack) | Site: [9], Announcement | |||||
Hello Kitty Dreamcast Set (Pink Skeleton) bundle Hello Kitty ドリームキャストセット (スケルトンピンク) 同梱 |
1999-11-25 | 39,800 (pack)39,800 (pack) | Site: [10], Announcement | |||||
Dreamcast model: Seaman Christmas package bundle ドリームキャスト model:SEAMAN クリスマスパッケージ 同梱 |
1999-12-19 | 34,800 (pack)34,800 (pack) | ||||||
Dreamcast CODE: Veronica LIMITEDBOX bundle Dreamcast CODE: Veronica LIMITEDBOX 同梱 |
2000-02-03 | 34,800 (pack)34,800 (pack) | Site: Announcement | |||||
Dreamcast Sakura Taisen model bundle ドリームキャスト サクラ大戦モデル 同梱 |
2000-12-01 | 25,800 (pack)25,800 (pack) | Site: [11] | |||||
Sakura Wars Contest VM |
US
The U.S. standard VM is undistinguisable from the Japanese counterpart. However, the colour series has slightly darker casing and has grey (instead of white) buttons (notice the starking difference between the Dreamcast inscription and the button colours). The US red and US blue Japanese VMs described above are a domestic release of their overseas versions, sporting the U.S. grey buttons and are only distinct by their different packaging.
Code | Name | Box scans | Images | Region | Date | Price | Documentation | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MK-50120 | Visual Memory Unit | US | ||||||
MK-50121 | Visual Memory Unit (clear blue) | |||||||
MK-50122 | Visual Memory Unit (clear green) | A similar (or same) is included with the Holiday Gift Pack. | ||||||
MK-50123 | Visual Memory Unit (clear red) | A similar (or same) is included with the Holiday Gift Pack | ||||||
MK-50124 | Visual Memory Unit (clear yellow) | |||||||
MK-50124 | Visual Memory Unit (clear yellow) | |||||||
MK-50125 | Visual Memory Unit (clear black) |
Europe
The standard PAL VM is different from the Japanese and U.S. devices as it does not have a spiral next to the Dreamcast inscription, and the inscription itself is made in a larger font.
Code | Name | Box scans | Images | Region | Date | Price | Documentation | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MK-55120 | Visual Memory | EU |
List of incompatible games
By the time the Dreamcast launched, saving games on console was well established across the gaming industry, meaning it was widely expected that any Dreamcast game would be compatible with the Visual Memory Unit (this is in contrast to the Sega Saturn, where although an internal memory saving option was available, many games were still built around a password system).
As such, unlike other Dreamcast accessories, it is more useful to list games that are not compatible with the VMU (and by extension, any Dreamcast memory card). Demos aside, the number of games which utilise a memory card is quite small and only applies to certain genres (South Park: Chef's Luv Shack for example is a multiplayer quiz game so has nothing worthwhile to "save").
- Note: this list is incorrect due to missing data from individual game pages:
- Alabama Meets Will Vi
- Astro Port Collector
- Atari Anniversary Edition
- Cool Herders
- Doricatch Series: Celica
- Doricatch Series: Celsior
- Doricatch Series: Estima
- Doricatch Series: FunCargo
- Doricatch Series: Gaia
- Doricatch Series: Hilux Surf
- Doricatch Series: Land Cruiser 100/Cygnus
- Doricatch Series: Land Cruiser Prado
- Doricatch Series: RAV4 L
- DreamFlyer
- Dreamcastnoid: 128-bit Wars
- Escape 2042: The Truth Defenders
- Extra Cawaii!
- First Kiss Monogatari
- Flea!
- Frog Feast
- Grauen no Torikago Kapitel 6: Senritsu
- Hermes
- ISAO Promotion Disc by Seaman
- Irides: Master of Blocks
- JRA PAT for Dreamcast
- Jahmong
- Maqiupai
- Microsoft WebTV Setsuzoku Kit
- Mortal Kombat Gold
- NEO XYX
- Nomura Home Trade
- Orion's Puzzle Collection
- Saibai Net
- Seaman Esa Disc
- Sega Swirl
- Sentimental Graffiti 2: Third Window
- Seventh Cross F.I.D.
- South Park: Chef's Luv Shack
- System Disc 2
- Tapeworm Disco Puzzle
- Tetris 4D
- Tricolore Crise: Art Palette
- Virtua Fighter 4 Passport
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Wolflame
- Yeah Yeah Beebiss II
Patents
Physical scans
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
100 | |
---|---|
Based on 1 review |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 File:DreamInformation Vol00.pdf, page 7
- ↑ Press release: 1999-09-02: Sega Dreamcast Launch Titles and Peripherals
- ↑ File:CVG UK 215.pdf, page 59
- ↑ File:SegaMagazin DE 71.pdf, page 7
- ↑ File:Hyper AU 071.pdf, page 30
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 File:GamersRepublic US 03.pdf, page 27
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 File:CVG UK 216.pdf, page 66 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>
tag; name ":File:CVG UK 216.pdf_p66" defined multiple times with different content
- Pages with reference errors
- Accessory with missing type
- JP Dreamcast accessories
- US Dreamcast accessories
- EU Dreamcast accessories
- DE Dreamcast accessories
- AU Dreamcast accessories
- BR Dreamcast accessories
- Dreamcast accessories
- Cleanup
- Pages with broken file links
- Old-style rating (cvg)
- Use magref
- Update ratings template
- 1 old ratings