SEGA Dreamcast: Next-generation VMU arrives with significant upgrades and mini-game compatibility

A company called Dreamware Enterprises has developed the VM2, an updated version of the Visual Memory Unit (VMU) that shipped with the SEGA Dreamcast. Billed as a 'total reproduction and upgrade' on the original VMU, Dreamware Enterprises also claims that the VM2 eliminates all the original VMU's flaws with the following upgrades:

• New monochrome backlit LCD
• Higher screen resolution
• Micro-SD storage
• Internal storage of 128 KB (200 blocks)
• Embedded High-capacity battery
• Original Audio support
• DreamEye support
• Original language support (EN/JP)
• LCD game images streaming to PC

Originally, Dreamware Enterprises had planned to ship the VM2 with micro-USB connectivity, a decision that backers were not fans of. Thankfully, the company has listened to its community and will include a USB Type-C port instead. Additionally, the company has created the VM2 in two colour options; unfortunately, there are no transparent options available yet. Purportedly, the VM2 can run VMU mini-games too and will support the transfer of data from existing VMUs and memory cards. For reference, the VM2 handles up to 32 GB microSD cards, including SDHC, formatted in FAT16 or FAT32 filesystems.

Currently, the VM2 is backable on Indiegogo for approximately US$115. Alternatively, Dreamware Enterprises is offering two units for US$216 and three units for US$319. Although on the expensive side, a mint condition VMU tend to cost at least US$40 on marketplaces like eBay. Conversely, rare VMU units regularly sell for over US$100. Although Dreamware Enterprises hopes to start shipping the VM2 from August 2023, its Indiegogo campaign has only reached 96% of its campaign goal with 20 days of funding to go. Hence, there is a chance that the VM2 will be funded on Indiegogo, which is a requirement for the campaign to move to its next stage.

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