Visual Memory Unit
From Sega Retro
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| Visual Memory Unit |
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| Made for: Sega Dreamcast |
| Manufacturer: Sega |
The VMU (short for Visual Memory Unit, not Virtual Memory Unit), also referred to as the Visual Memory or VM in Japan (ビジュアルメモリ) and Europe (though there have been sources that say VMS is the japanese device name this is not confirmed by Sega's hardware lists or any of the associated merchandise), is the "memory card" for the Sega Dreamcast. While its most basic function is as a removable storage device, the VMU has other purposes as well. It can 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.
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. Furthermore, when the system is turned off, the VMUs are not, and so operate on their own power source for a short period of time before automatically switching themselves off. This means that the VMU will run out of batteries quicker if plugged in.
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.
Technical Specifications
- CPU: 8-bit
- Memory: 128 KB (200 blocks)
- Power source: Two CR2032 batteries with auto-off function implemented in later versions of the VMU
- Display: 48 dot Width x 32 dot Height, Monochrome
- Display size: 37 mm (1.46 inches) Width x 26 mm (1.02 inches) Height
- Case dimensions: 47 mm (1.85 inches) Width x 80 mm (3.15 inches) Height x 16 *mm (0.63 inches) Depth
- Sound: 1-channel PWM sound source
- Weight: 45g (0.099 pounds)
List of VMUs
Sega
Japan
(Currently needs organisation. There are others but it would be better to find clean versions)
- VMU JP Godzilla.jpg
- VMU Camo.jpg
- VMU JP Marble.jpg
- VMU JP Wood.jpg
US
| Model No | Reference | Image | Box | Notes |
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| MK-50120 | Visual Memory Unit (standard) | 
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| MK-50121 | Visual Memory Unit (clear blue) | 
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| MK-50122 | Visual Memory Unit (clear green) | 
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a similar (or the same version) is included with the Holiday Gift Pack. |
| MK-50123 | Visual Memory Unit (clear red) | 
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a similar (or the same version) is included with the Holiday Gift Pack |
| MK-50124 | Visual Memory Unit (clear yellow) | 
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| MK-50125 | Visual Memory Unit (clear black) | 
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- Data in red might not be accurate (online shopping lists such as PlayAsia or Rakuten).
Europe
Contrarily to Japanese and US models, PAL devices did not have a spiral next to the Dreamcast inscription, and the inscription itself was made in a larger font.
| Model No | Reference | Image | Box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK-55120 | Visual Memory (standard) |  
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