Latest news with #SegaDreamcast
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The New VMUPro Aims To Be The Ultimate Sega Dreamcast Accessory
Two VMUPro color options This week, 8BitMods opened up pre-orders for their brand-new take on the iconic Sega Dreamcast Virtual Memory Unit (VMU) memory card dubbed the VMUPro. This new device packs a ton of features into a small form factor to go far above and beyond what a typical VMU is capable of doing. This includes built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, up to 2TB of storage via microSD card, USB-C charging, extremely long battery life, an all-new color IPS screen, automatic cloud storage backups for save files, and even the ability to emulate 8-bit consoles like the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Gear, and NES, Sega Master System. While innovative at the time, the original VMU from Sega had a lot of shortcomings in terms of actual storage size, battery life, and screen quality, but it served its purpose of feeling like something new and revolutionary when it released. By all accounts, it sounds like the VMUPro really could be the last VMU anyone would ever need to buy just as they claim. Personally, I have a large Sega Dreamcast collection of several VMU color variations, multiple controllers, wheel peripherals, flight sticks, and dozens of games. It's one of my all-time favorite game consoles so I immediately pre-ordered one of these as soon as they became available. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder The most enticing part to me is the essentially endless amounts of storage, cloud backups, and excellent battery life on the VMUPro itself. According to the listing page, a single GB on a microSD card is equal to over 8,000 original memory cards. Isn't that insane to put into perspective? You'll even be able to manage your save data directly on the VMUPro as well without even needing to turn on the Dreamcast. There are lots of little mini games you could play and functionality you'd get from Dreamcast games for this device that made it really unique and special. This will not be the ultimate way of super-charging your Sega Dreamcast and I'm extremely excited. The VMUPro The VMUPro is available for pre-order directly from 8BitMods in a variety of colors including classic white to match the standard Dreamcast colors.
Android Authority
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
This Dreamcast memory card can emulate Game Boy games
TL;DR 8BitMods released the VMU Pro, an updated memory card for the Sega Dreamcast. It's not just a memory card, but also a handheld emulation machine for 8-bit games. The VMU Pro goes up for pre-order today in a variety of colors for $81.24. The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time in many ways, but one nifty feature that died with the console was the Visual Memory Unit, or VMU. It wasn't the first memory card on the market, but with an integrated screen and controls, it added playable mini games to keep the fun going when away from your console. Now, the VMU Pro takes things to the next level, with not just playable minigames but also full-blown emulation for 8-bit games. Produced by 8BitMods, the VMU Pro is a new device with all the functionality of original modules, including full backward compatibility. It supports microSD cards up to 2TB, roughly the same storage as 15 million original VMUs. You can also transfer saves from old VMUs by connecting the two units, transfer wirelessly between two VMU Pros, or automatically back up your saves to Google Drive via Wi-Fi. The VMU Pro also features built-in emulators for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES, Game Gear, and Master System. All emulators are capable of 1.5x scaling to fill the backlit IPS color display, and integrated Bluetooth LE support offers better sound than the integrated mono speaker. You can get much better emulation performance for the same price from something like the TrimUI Brick, but that device doesn't double as a VMU. The VMU Pro is the ultimate Dreamcast accessory. Of course, the module can also play original VMU mini games via eVMU. These were short side adventures tied to your game saves, so you could hatch your Sonic Adventure Chao or find unique treasures to pass to your Skies of Arcadia characters. Thankfully, the VMU Pro features a better battery than the original, which ate through coin batteries. The 720mAh cell lasts up to six hours on a single charge while emulating games, or a full month of less demanding use as a plain old memory card. 8BitMods plans to add more features over time, including more emulators and an SDK so users can develop their own VMU Pro apps. It really is the ultimate Dreamcast accessory. The VMU Pro is available in seven different colorways, and it goes up for pre-order today for a little over $80, with units expected to ship in October of this year. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
The Verge
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
The upgraded VMU Pro turns the Dreamcast's memory card into a handheld emulator
The Sega Dreamcast wasn't the first home console to store game saves on a portable memory card, but its virtual memory unit (VMU) stood out with a built-in screen, controls, and playable mini games. 8BitMod's upcoming VMU Pro offers the same functionality as Sega's original, but it's rebuilt from the ground up with upgrades that include a full-color screen and enough processing power to use it as a handheld emulator for retro games. Pricing for the VMU Pro hasn't been revealed yet, but 8BitMods shared a teaser video on X over the weekend confirming that preorders will open on May 15th at 1PM ET through its online store. For years modders have been turning the Sega VMU into a more functional handheld gaming device by completely swapping out its electronics with more capable hardware, but at the cost of it still functioning as a memory card for the Dreamcast. That's what makes the VMU Pro unique. Although it's been upgraded with a 16-bit IPS TFT color screen and enough power to emulate NES, Sega Master System, and even Game Boy Color titles, it can still be inserted into an original Dreamcast controller and used to store save game data. Other upgrades include a rechargeable battery (the original Dreamcast VMU was notorious for going through CR2032 coin cell batteries when used on its own), MP3 playback for those living without a smartphone, the ability to copy and backup save game data directly from an original VMU, Wi-Fi, and unlimited storage through microSD memory cards. The retro emulation on a full-color screen is a fun feature, but if that's the only reason you're considering the VMU Pro, the Anbernic RG Nano offers far superior emulation (including 3D consoles like the N64 and PS1) on a similarly-sized handheld. The VMU Pro will appeal more to those who still have a Sega Dreamcast in regular play rotation but are looking for a more reliable and easier way to store and swap game saves. That's assuming the VMU Pro isn't going to be prohibitively expensive. In 2022, Dreamware Enterprises launched its own upgraded VMU called the VM2 with a backlit but monochromatic and pixelated screen for $114. It was a pricey upgrade for a console that Sega no longer supports, so hopefully three years of electronics evolution will result in a cheaper price tag for the VMU Pro.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cult classic Shenmue named most influential game of all time in Bafta poll
Action adventure game Shenmue, which first launched in 1999, has been named the most influential game of all time in a public poll run by Bafta. The game, which launched on the Sega Dreamcast, beat high-profile titles including Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario Bros and Minecraft to receive the most votes. It tells the story of Ryo Hazuki's quest to avenge his father's death, and is considered a pioneer in open-world gameplay and for popularising the use of quick time events – where players have to perform specific actions on their controller within a set time limit when prompted. Shenmue topped the poll ahead of first-person shooter Doom, Super Mario Bros, Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The top ten was completed by Minecraft, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Super Mario 64, Half-Life 2 and The Sims. Other hugely popular and industry-defining titles including Tetris, Tomb Raider, Pong and Grand Theft Auto were also named among the top 21 games in the poll. Luke Hebblethwaite, head of games at Bafta, said: 'In the run-up to these results, we've been thrilled to see the community of both game makers and fans come together to share stories and champion the games that they see as having tremendous influence, creating a vibrant, positive celebration and conversation about some of the very best games our industry has ever produced. 'Games are an immensely innovative force and it's brilliant to recognise those titles which have truly shaped the course of our medium. 'We hope that these results provide a fresh appreciation of the impact of the winning games and inspire us all to continue to celebrate the most influential titles of the medium we all love.' Yu Suzuki, creator of the Shenmue franchise, said: 'I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the most influential video game of all time. 'At its inception, we set out to explore the question – 'How real can a game become?' – aiming to portray a world and story unprecedented in scale and detail. This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to resonate with and inspire so many people even today. It is truly the greatest of encouragement. 'Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue. 'Your passion and encouragement have guided this journey every step of the way. And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!' The announcement of the poll results come ahead of the 21st Bafta Game Awards, which take place on Tuesday April 8.
The Independent
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Cult classic Shenmue named most influential game of all time in Bafta poll
Action adventure game Shenmue, which first launched in 1999, has been named the most influential game of all time in a public poll run by Bafta. The game, which launched on the Sega Dreamcast, beat high-profile titles including Grand Theft Auto, Super Mario Bros and Minecraft to receive the most votes. It tells the story of Ryo Hazuki's quest to avenge his father's death, and is considered a pioneer in open-world gameplay and for popularising the use of quick time events – where players have to perform specific actions on their controller within a set time limit when prompted. Shenmue topped the poll ahead of first-person shooter Doom, Super Mario Bros, Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The top ten was completed by Minecraft, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Super Mario 64, Half-Life 2 and The Sims. Other hugely popular and industry-defining titles including Tetris, Tomb Raider, Pong and Grand Theft Auto were also named among the top 21 games in the poll. Luke Hebblethwaite, head of games at Bafta, said: 'In the run-up to these results, we've been thrilled to see the community of both game makers and fans come together to share stories and champion the games that they see as having tremendous influence, creating a vibrant, positive celebration and conversation about some of the very best games our industry has ever produced. 'Games are an immensely innovative force and it's brilliant to recognise those titles which have truly shaped the course of our medium. 'We hope that these results provide a fresh appreciation of the impact of the winning games and inspire us all to continue to celebrate the most influential titles of the medium we all love.' Yu Suzuki, creator of the Shenmue franchise, said: 'I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the most influential video game of all time. 'At its inception, we set out to explore the question – 'How real can a game become?' – aiming to portray a world and story unprecedented in scale and detail. This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to resonate with and inspire so many people even today. It is truly the greatest of encouragement. 'Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue. 'Your passion and encouragement have guided this journey every step of the way. And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!' The announcement of the poll results come ahead of the 21st Bafta Game Awards, which take place on Tuesday April 8.
