Editing VMU (section)

{{short description|Memory card for the Dreamcast}}
{{Other uses|VMU (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| title = Visual Memory Unit
| image = Sega-Dreamcast-VMU.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| manufacturer = [[Sega]]
| type = [[Peripheral]], [[handheld game system]]
| generation = [[Sixth generation of video game consoles|Sixth]]
| release date  = {{vgrelease|JP|July 30, 1998}}{{vgrelease|NA|September 9, 1999}}{{vgrelease|EU|October 14, 1999}}{{vgrelease|AUS|November 30, 1999}}
| lifespan = 1998–2001
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|JP|March 30, 2001}}
| storage = 100 KB (200 blocks) accessible<br/>28 KB (56 blocks) system data
| CPU = 8-bit Sanyo LC8670
| Power = 2 × CR2032 [[Lithium metal battery|lithium batteries]]
| input = * 4 x digital buttons
* Digital [[D-Pad]]
| media = [[Dreamcast]] [[GD-ROM]] (used for content transfer)
| weight = 45g
}}

The '''Visual Memory Unit''' ('''VMU'''), also referred to as the {{nihongo|'''Visual Memory System'''|ビジュアルメモリ|Bijuaru Memori}} ('''VMS''') in [[Japan]], is the primary [[memory card]] produced by [[Sega]] for the [[Dreamcast]] [[home video game console]]. The device features a monochrome [[liquid crystal display]] (LCD), [[multiplayer gaming]] capability (via connectors at the top), [[second screen]] functionality, a [[real-time clock]], [[file manager]], built-in [[flash memory]], and [[sound]] capability. Prior to the launch of the Dreamcast, a special [[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]] edition VMU, preloaded with a [[virtual pet]] game, was released on July 30, 1998, in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dreamcast Visual Memory Card VMS/VMU (Godzilla Design)|url=http://www.play-asia.com/dreamcast-visual-memory-card-vmsvmu-godzilla-design-paOS-13-49-en-70-5wz.html|website=Play-Asia|access-date=October 5, 2014}}</ref>

While its most basic function is as a removable storage device, the VMU may also serve as an auxiliary display during normal gameplay and, through the use of additional software (distributed as extras on Dreamcast [[GD-ROM]]s), acts as a [[handheld game console]]. Console-like features of the VMU include a screen, speaker, proper [[directional pad]], four action [[Button (control)|buttons]], the ability to connect and interact with other VMUs, and the ability to download additional games.