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Dreamcast VMU

Dreamcast VMU icon Dreamcast VMU logo

Overview

VEmulator replicates the Sega Dreamcast VMU (Visual Memory Unit), the memory card with a monochrome LCD that also plays mini-games. REG-Linux exposes it as vemulator so you can launch the dedicated frontend and keep the small .vms apps organized.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Sega
  • Release year: 1998
  • Hardware type: console

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/vemulator
  • Accepted formats: .vms, .dci, .bin
  • Emulator: libretro: vemulator
  • System group: vemulator, dreamcast

ROMs

Dump each VMU application into /userdata/roms/vemulator. .vms is the native format, but .dci or .bin files exported from Dreamcast tools also work. Keep zipped archives flat with exactly one VMU image inside.

Emulator

libretro: vemulator runs the VMU software with accurate screen and button handling. Use [HOTKEY] + south face button to open RetroArch’s Quick Menu and adjust video settings (vemulator.videomode, vemulator.ratio, vemulator.shaders). EmulationStation mirrors backend/latency controls (vemulator.gfxbackend, vemulator.audio_latency, vemulator.video_threaded) as well.

Controls

The emulator maps the Dreamcast controller’s D-pad and face buttons directly. If a mini-game uses soft keys, save a custom remap through /remapping_controls_per_emulator to match your physical gamepad.

Troubleshooting

  • Confirm the VMU image is in the correct format and exists at the archive root.
  • Toggle the video backend between OpenGL/Vulkan if the tiny screen looks distorted.
  • Consult the generic support pages for additional RetroArch troubleshooting.