Dreamcast VMU Teardown
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background and Identification
The Visual Memory Unit (VMU), also called the Visual Memory System, is the primary memory card produced by Sega for the Dreamcast home video game console. Sega Corporation is a Japanese video game developer and publisher.
The Visual Memory Unit features a monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD), multiplayer gaming capability (via connectors at the top of the device), second-screen functionality, a real-time clock, a file manager, built-in flash memory, and sound capability. Before the launch of the Dreamcast, a special Godzilla edition Virtual Memory Unit was released in Japan and was preloaded with a virtual pet game. The VMU is basically a removable storage device, but can also serve as an auxiliary display during normal gameplay and acts like a handheld game console through the use of additional software. The Visual Memory Unit includes a screen, speaker, proper directional pad, four action buttons, the ability to download additional games, and the ability to connect and interact with other VMUs.
The VMU includes 100 KB of internal storage and 28 GB of system data. It was sold in North America, Europe, and Australia beginning in late 1999 and was discontinued in March 2001.
The original Visual Memory Unit was white, though colors were expanded to include many variations. In Japan, branded VMUs such as those by Sonic Team, Hello Kitty, and Capcom were released.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: SEGA
Type: Peripheral, Handheld game system
Generation: Sixth-generation era
Lifespan:
- JP: July 30, 1998
- NA: September 9, 1999
- EU: October 14, 1999
- AU: November 30, 1999
Discontinued: JP: March 30, 2001
Media: Dreamcast GD-ROM (used for content transfer)
CPU: 8-bit Sanyo LC8670
Storage:
- 100 KB (200 blocks) accessible
- 28 KB (56 blocks) system data
Input:
- 4x Digital buttons
- Digital D-Pad
Power: 2 × CR2032 lithium batteries