Description
The VMU, initialism of Visual Memory Unit (called VMS peripheral for the , Visual Memory System in Japan or Virtual Memory Unit), is a memory card 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.
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.
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
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.
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