VMU facts for kids
The Sega Dreamcast VMU is a special memory card made for the Sega Dreamcast video game console. It plugs into the controller, usually in the first slot. This small device helps you save your game progress, custom backgrounds, and other cool features from your Dreamcast games.
What makes the VMU extra special is that it has its own tiny screen and buttons. You can even save and play small mini-games directly on the VMU itself! It runs on a battery, and you use the D-pad and A, B, start, and select buttons to play. When you're playing games on the Dreamcast, the VMU's screen often shows helpful pictures or game information.
Contents
What is a VMU?
A VMU stands for "Visual Memory Unit." It's like a small, portable computer that plugs into your Dreamcast controller. Its main job is to save your game data. This means you can turn off your Dreamcast and come back later to continue your game exactly where you left off.
Saving Your Games
When you play a game on the Dreamcast, the VMU stores important information. This includes your progress in a game, high scores, and sometimes even special items you've collected. Without a VMU, you would have to finish a game in one sitting!
More Than Just Saving
The VMU can do more than just save games. Some games let you save custom backgrounds or other extra content onto the VMU. This makes your gaming experience more personal.
Playing Mini-Games on the VMU
One of the coolest things about the VMU is its ability to play mini-games. These are small, simple games that you can play directly on the VMU's screen. You don't even need the Dreamcast console turned on!
How Mini-Games Work
- Some Dreamcast games include special mini-games that can be downloaded to your VMU.
- Once a mini-game is on your VMU, you can unplug it from the controller.
- The VMU has its own battery, so you can play these games anywhere.
- You use the small D-pad and buttons on the VMU to control the mini-games.
The VMU Screen
The VMU has a small, black-and-white LCD screen. This screen is used for playing mini-games. When the VMU is plugged into the Dreamcast controller, the screen can also show cool animations, game logos, or important game statistics while you play on your TV. It's like having a second screen right in your hands!
Connecting VMUs
VMUs can also connect to each other. This allows players to trade files or even play multiplayer games directly between two VMUs. It was a unique feature that made the Dreamcast stand out.
Different VMU Models
While the standard VMU was very popular, there were also other versions. For example, some official memory cards offered more storage space, like the "4x memory card." These often had lights to show which part of the memory was being used.
Images for kids
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VMUs attach through either of two slots on the controller; the screen of the VMU attached in the front slot is visible through a window on the controller.
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VMUs can be coupled to trade files or for multi-player gaming.
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The official Dreamcast 4x memory card has several lights on its front indicating the currently used storage "page".
See also
In Spanish: VMU para niños
