Sega may have given up on console making long ago, but dream Still one of the longest-lived consoles, fans occasionally release new Dreamcast releases. The system has a cult following – the Dreamcast will never die.
The latest development in Dreamcast technology is now supported on crowdfunding site Indiegogo – an odd upgrade to one of the system’s most unique features – the VMU memory card.
For those of you who haven’t quickly turned 40 or actually are, VMUs (Visual Memory Units) are a fascinating interpretation of the memory cards of the day, making them interactive and fun rather than just Just a plastic plate to hold your save data. The original VMU contained a small LCD screen that displayed information about the game you were currently playing – a very basic two-screen experience a few years ago on the Nintendo DS, with a lot more utility.
Unplug the VMU from the controller and its screen will stare at you even when docked, and it has simple game controls, which means you can download mini-games from disc-based full-fat Dreamcast games, and then go on the go play them. The VMU also has a virtual pet game built in.
This new crowdfunding project aims to provide players with an upgraded VMU with modern technological improvements. Despite the improvements, this “VM2” device is still compatible with the original Dreamcast.
Its features include a higher screen resolution, a large battery, the ability to stream VMU LCD games to a PC via a Micro-USB connection, and a massive 128kb of storage – 200 “chunks” in Dreamcast terms.
Improved replication doesn’t come cheap. One of the devices will cost you around £100, with discounts available for multiple purchases. Despite the hefty price tag, at the time of printing, the project hit 25% of its backer goal on day one.
You can check out the project on Indiegogo. Its creator, Dreamware Enterprises, aims to start shipping it next summer.