VMµ - RetroPie Gaming Handheld Inside a Sega Dreamcast VMU

[@OnigiriSuiko]

This is one of the most badass mods i've ever seen. Legendary work dude. :3

[@MegaManNeo]

You are a genius! Granted, I wouldn't want to tear apart any of my VMUs or Dreamcast controllers but this is really amazing. Too bad you couldn't reroute HDMI somehow because you'd receive some sort of homemade iQue this way.

[@waytostoned]

Always buy an aftermarket case... I have a bunch round here somewhere with the Treamcast branding...

[@ShankMods]

This build is really well done! I wanted to look into doing this myself, but I shouldn't have been surprised that its been done many times. Personally, your build is my favorite, even over the all in 1 PCB. I may wind up making one of these one day, but right now I'm backlogged with other too many other portables. Thanks for the great video! Keep up the good work!

[@d.o.e.]

This is one of the most creative and coolest pi mods I've ever seen. Dreamcast is my favorite console ever so this was absolute bliss for me. Keep on rockin' man!

[@Angultra]

I've seen many awesome RetroPi builds, but I think this takes the cake! Kudos man.

[@mattc420]

Angultra this one def easy takes the Cake. This is fucking amazing.

[@Terreur_rose]

I screamed when you put it in the controller that is so rad! 💚💚💚

[@pablo5425]

do ppl still say "rad"?

[@ORBS.]

@@pablo5425 no

[@NyrkSaron]

The Dreamcast is an amazing memory, and I never forgot how innovative the VMU was! I'd say you did that innovation justice with some cleverness of your own, because this is a unique and fantastic mod!

[@Halu_Miodis]

Playing nintendo on a sega, has science gone too far?

[@familyguyfan4208]

top 10 questions science still can't answer

[@iluvmyswamp7948]

Not yet

[@MrYakumono]

Already done... 25 years ago....Super boy for the Japanese /Korean Master System.

[@riconuts]

and Super Mario World 64 for the Genesis

[@bizzie337]

You were so preoccupied with whether you could but, didn't stop to think if you should.

[@solidust573]

This gentleman is a certified genius.

[@zackschilling4376]

WOW I mean the VMU by itself is cool but when you put it in the controller you blew my mind! What an awesome idea. It would be nice to get rid of that d-pad shield and put a regular d-pad in there. Great work man - subbed

[@MY3DCO]

Insane! This is one of my favorite types of projects. It brings a kind of sudo-nostalgia and raises it to another level. I love RPi mods! Great video.

[@ev4n5eli0n01]

The Minty Pi was such a huge learning experience for me, not to mention a lot of fun. This however impractical it might be, is something I NEED to build now! This little thing is amazing.

[@learrus]

I lost my mind when you showed how it plugged back into the control pad. I loved my VMUs back when the Dreamcast launched, so rad; annoyed no one has done anything like it since.

[@felipecosta9632]

You kicked "Ben Hecks show" out of the stadium.

[@LeObsidianCraft]

Felipe Costa in its hay-day The Ben Heck Show was a great place to learn about electronics and to see cool projects being put together, and overall I enjoyed it very much. But this past year it has been filled with more of a "let's become a business" mindset instead of "let's hack together a cool prototype/project" this shift has had a big impact on their viewer base and many people including me were disappoint with the result. I hope that The Ben Heck Show will be able to swing back around to more interesting content but for now it doesn't seem likely.

[@Hijynx87]

Leave my Wisconsin nerd alone!

[@deleteddeleted5674]

nope he didnt

[@dr4gon5oul]

not quite yet

[@y0mgi3d]

No way!

[@lilbsad]

I really love your vids man. Please ignore all of the little kids asking for prebuilt mintypi and keep making projects like this

[@tuff_lover]

lil kids...y u salty?

[@fpscanada3862]

Lol they rather pay $300 for a Game Boy Zero

[@darealduck6945]

The joy of having a minty pi is that you built it yourself and most of the fun comes from building it. If you can outright buy it that kinda defeats the purpose and ruins the novelty of having a small retro game console in an altoids tin

[@sueshi7383]

Lol id like a premade mintypi but i dont go begging for it

[@vgrepairs]

@@sueshi7383 they make kits with everything you need for $120.

[@BuckoBean29]

This is one of the coolest mods I’ve ever seen! Amazing video!

[@shahlegno5890]

Sure, this is genius way to make old console can revive back to a new glory.

[@mattc420]

Wow...my dude this is by far my favorite build yet. You have went above and beyond. This is amazing!

[@allisonmichelle8587]

Should add an HDMI pass through to the controller and connect some wires to a port in the vmu so when you connect the vmu to the controller you could plug a mini HDMI in an go to the tv

[@servantbyday]

ben martin YES

[@cpevida309]

ben martin so your making a Nintendo switch dock built into the joycon grip, oh no Sega isn’t going to like this!

[@allisonmichelle8587]

Carlos Pevida no I am not making this I was suggesting an HDMI pass through for the pi

[@smoscar]

HDMI has 19 pins alone, the vmu connector only has 14 (minus the ones used for charging and USB)

[@weihanchen8280]

1:30 it has wifi could be able to screen sharing to smart TV, the power consuming is not a problem after joystick combined.

[@xs1l3n7x]

Not a comment guy but bro you creativity is amazing, the VMU itself such a wonderful project and the controller expansion.... just genius! I sincerely admire this project

[@aarongreenfield9038]

But does it still save Dreamcast games?

[@floppydisk4500]

Aaron Greenfield well he killed it to do this so I'm guessing no...

[@arand4]

only the RPI 3 is somewhat capable of running a Dreamcast emulator

[@Arachmana]

No, it saves SNES, NES, GBA, GB, GBC and I wanna say Doom.

[@chizukichan]

Is that a feature that could be emulated? Could one use some storage on the MicroSD for an emulated storage device compatible with the pinout and protocol of the Dreamcast? Maybe an Arduino clone could be used to save RPi GPIO pins by acting as a sort of buffer and serial interface for the VMU to the RPi running software that emulates the screen and memory management of the VMU.

[@SianaGearz]

RPI has enough GPIO pins, only a handful of pins are actually in use on the connector. It's using the same Maple bus that the controller connects to, the controller contains a hub. The interface should be possible to emulate using just a kernel driver, no additional hardware needed. That is, i understand, with the purpose of emulating the original VMU functionality on the modified VMU - savegame storage, controller LCD, VMU minigame emulation - we can skip direct transfer from one VMU to another, because let's face it, when are you going to ever run into another person with a VMU hanging around their neck, especially one with a Linux single-board computer inside? Unfortunately some games crash with cards that have more than 100KB of storage space, and i really doubt more than 128KB would work just about anywhere, but perhaps there's an elegant solution to extend the useful space. Many games have unique VMU splash screens, so you could make the VMU swap card images automatically depending on the first unique LCD write after the reset operation, so essentially most games would have a virtual memory card of their own.

[@milksama42]

For years I really wanted a Pocketstation, but being younger, I really couldn't afford them. Thankfully VMUs became so easily accessible and I've picked up several over the years. This project is really a "dream" come true. Thanks for sharing!

[@vermillioncatus1539]

*Hey man, I was wondering what did you have to study for knowing all this stuff.*

[@wermy]

I majored in computer science in college. Other than that: google. :)

[@jmontyme]

I'm never going to do anything like this, but I know enough to be impressed. Nice work!

[@BambinoPinguino]

Super impressive! I've always wanted a Pi Zero inside a Gameboy Micro, but I hear the Micro is too small for a zero :(

[@my_master512]

You took an idea that for the most part has been pushed to its limits and by integrating a docking system completely revolutionize those limits!!!!! The Ingenuity behind this has to impress those four words lbvs

[@Dyynex]

Where are the custom parts for this?

[@Darkdisciple2007]

Dude this was awesome!!! I was a little confused about 3/4 through but I think it was amazing that you accomplished this. : )

[@MDPToaster]

Make an in-depth guide please.

[@axemanracing6222]

This is the best mod I've seen in mobile retro gaming. Just 1 thing you should add: a hdmi out on the dreamcast controller to play at your friends tv...

[@duncanrathband5492]

Brilliant pun in the title!

[@akpokemon]

Does "micro" reference something related to Raspberry Pi too, on top of referencing the device's size?

[@TheShadowHatter]

I just want to buy one of these honestly. You guys got me addicted to collecting handheld emulation consoles and this just has me now.

[@DS-os4hr]

Sega switch!

[@sadladcinn]

oxford Schultzz yeah but backwards

[@Halamix2]

You plug game console into the controller in this one

[@molo-molo5103]

sega switchcast

[@pauldavidson6088]

This is so awesome that you still made it work with the controller like that. good job.

[@jdude61]

Do you think it would be possible to also put video out through the controller? The pi Zero has composite video, which would only be two pins on the connector, and could be activated by a second switch.

[@petersavrides4664]

came here from dunkey's console tier list, what an incredible mod! awesome work man, i gotta get myself a raspberry pi for emulation

[@DC-go4nv]

dude, I hate how stable your hands are. Coming from someone who has naturally shaky hands, yours are unnaturally stable. I had to stare a few times to make sure you weren't just editing the screen.

[@ekojar3047]

Dude this is amazing, im currently working on modding my old GBA with all the best that 2021 has to offer, and in the middle of a video i was just watching, for some reason, the crazy dreamcast memory card with the buttons on it beamed into my brain from the memory lazer gun and I immediately had to search youtube to see what mods there are today. We are currently on a new frontier of combining new tech with all the old game consoles we loved and grew up with. And we are now able to update these things to a system that new kids will want to play, and we will be able to give them a taste of how we use to game back then, but in a much better and cleaner way. Its like now that we are adults with the right education. We can finally fix all the tech that was offered to us, and fix all of the shortfallings,making it into the successful system that we all dreamed it would be. In a way, we are making dreams come true. Casting our dreams out into the future! The Dreamcasters

[@benwyness148]

But can it run doom?

[@stickmananimations2460]

Yes gba and snes has doom

[@WoodyW2k]

This is utterly brilliant. Huge congratulations on a stunning and highly functional build.

[@projects6610]

But can it run Crysis?

[@FezSauce]

Yea. Decent but need to overclock a bit

[@menelmacar3]

Oh my gosh I loved it when you put it in the controller!! I want to play that so bad!!!

[@miojogamereviews7099]

Dreamcast, the first Wii U

[@t3rminallychi11]

This is an incredible build. Feel like I need a degree in electrical engineering just to understand what exactly is going on inside that. Seriously though, awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@octavinadinugroho3476]

I am impressed and sad at the same time... Sad because you just kill one Joystick and one VMU. considering this is a rare thing now.. :( at least at my places

[@agonleed3841]

Octavin Adi Nugroho rare. Sure. But who cares? Like....when would you ever use it? It's over. They aren't coming back. And a Dreamcast isn't going to be in a museum. We have too many great techs.

[@JaNKeeeZ]

Agon Leed it is going to the museum for being sega's last console. The most powerful console from 1998 to 2000. And it can run half life.

[@ranieri7x]

The VMU we were promised. I just loved it! I miss Dreamcast times so much.

[@onetwo6039]

This is totally awesome, but beyond my understanding to build. Please make me one. Name your price.

[@GarageLoot]

One Two I wish I had more time to learn this stuff. I know some basic builds, but this is really cool.

[@mattc420]

Yeah... I have built several rasberry pi builds but I would love to be able to build this. This is god level shit.

[@derFleder]

Holy Sh*t wermy, you took the VMU to a whole new level with your additional Controller idea, really great to see what you did on top of the other builds!

[@saito9099]

Can you explain the point of this? The screen is too small to be usable and all you did was destroy perfectly functional vintage hardware.

[@agonleed3841]

saito9099 you make no sense The screen was ALREADY used. So it's not Too small to be usable. Cause we used it. We actively used the little screen thingy lmao. He even showed how we used it. And explained why he tore it apart. Cause it wasn't as great as it should've been then. What he did, is the idea they had then. But they didn't have the technology. To download, upload, etc etc. Basically they created the idea we use now in cellphones. They did it with a sort of two way that only worked in short range as well. They were truly ahead of their time.

[@Thommybee-85]

there were 9 million dreamcasts sold. There must have been similar amount of VMUs sold. who cares its not like its a gold Nintendo world championship cart

[@MrJonnyp107]

Because he can and wanted to.

[@iurabordei933]

Really cool mod Wermy!! Starting with the GameBoy Zero to this one, just amazing!! Keep it up man!!

[@xDakem]

Please, stop killing VMU. I'm still using them!

[@ozmond]

xDakem you can still buy brand new ones in box for cheap. I just did recently when I got my dream cast. Honestly, I'm disappointed though. I don't really understand the love for the system.

[@kairophylax]

Gadgets like these are really cool. Love your work, dude.

[@OnlyEpicEmber]

This is what I live for. I love small yet complex hobbyist projects like this.

[@XXIIXIIIXXXIXXXIX]

AMAZING! This is a wild project, great job on it....kinda jelly.

[@aaronglaab6304]

Wow. I have been waiting forever for vmu upgrades. I would be happy with an mp3 player but that was insane! Tight fit! Great build. Would love to try it myself one day.

[@bigemugamer]

OMFG easily one of the best handheld designs EVAH!!!! Bravo! (stands and applaudes)

[@jIBBERjABBER0_0]

One of the greatest mods I have ever seen.. The controller mod is freaking awesome.. Very!!! Creative

[@ArcadeFreak-gw5rp]

Although it is small i think its great. You did a hell of a job with this one

[@Jbthecircuitdr]

This is genius Wermy and I love everything about this build. I also love the addition of keeping the controller ports to plug it into the Dreamcast controller with the Arduino and use the S.D.C. Buttons for a controller and building a backup battery into the Standared memory unit. It is all so wonderful and thank you for sharing it with us. I am going to put one together asap. I am going to attempt to add a HDMI output of off the Sega Dreamcast controller for hooking up to a monitor. We will see when I get to that point but I think it will be worth it to figure out. Thanks again for sharing this great idea.

[@RestoreTechnique]

This is awesome, so cool. What a squeeze to fit everything in, but you still managed to get the microSD card slot to line up. I didn't think you could use hot air on the Pi to desolder, for risk of damaging components, obviously not. Loved the Dreamcast.

[@meegomeow]

I was thinking that exactly thankyou wish you live 100 years buddy

[@mrmikojo5738]

Dude this is sick, the DreamCast was my favorite growing up. I'll have to find the parts to make this. Im subbed, thanks.

[@redsyrup1138]

Impressive mod! Thanks for recording and documenting the process.

[@poisonericthebeast3966]

That’s so coooooooooool that little Dreamcast is so cool I like the mini games

[@dulcepimentel8812]

me to

[@pixelprime5908]

I love your work you're kind of the whole reason why I started learning about emulators in the first place so thank you

[@Fifury161]

The other cool feature that is often forgotten about those VMUs is the ability to plug them into the Arcade cabinet to upload your high scores!

[@zero-theaveragegamer1159]

I would totally want one of these. I wouldn't really need to controller but just a modified vmu play some NES and Gameboy games on the go.... I don't know why considering I have a Vita on me at almost all times but I would totally be stoked to rock this.

[@azndrgnboi34]

I am just surprised how your Dreamcast, Controller, and VMU still looks Mint!

[@rockyhernandez7671]

We need more People like you in the gaming industry.that came up pretty good what a briliant idea. Is lit super dope.

[@37Kilo2]

This is an amazing project! Very well done! It also helps that the Dreamcast is my all-time favorite console. *Subscribed.

[@trynottodie5352]

Amazing job man! I’m speechless

[@TN_AU]

What kind of sorcery is this? Big props to you, one thing I learnt is nothing is impossible :)

[@jalapenoxd3447]

This is pure genius. That looks like the best console ever.

[@canceledglmm3362]

They need the dreamcast data savers on newer consoles, as a gamer, i had deleted so many saves by accident so having extra saves, being able to trade saves with other people, would be amazing and would really benefit every gamer/game enthusiast

[@jairchavira8212]

Dang this is so nice I would love this! Amazing job!

[@txthys]

You will never fail to amaze me! Keep it up, man!

[@jackjeanblanc4472]

Very cool! I'm working on putting a pi in a snes controller!

[@mikeys_youtube_makes]

Amazing, another great build! I loved my vmu growing up

[@jesstaylor5593]

You are a genius this is so cool...didn't think it would be possible for me to even love DC even more haha

[@rogerargueta5769]

You sir... are a genius.... absolutely love it. dreamcast is my favorite console of all time

[@galamotshaku]

this is the sickest mod ive ever seen. Congrats dude

[@SakuraGraffiti]

This is amazing! I love the amount of functionality it has!

Thankfully youtube thought this could be interesting for me. Instant Subscribe! Keep up the good work, and the Dream alive!

[@horacegentleman3296]

Having flashbacks to Ben Heck's early days. Bravo sir.

[@benjaminbodewig3572]

Why didn't you use the "sleep" and the "mode" button for x and y?

[@ericcoronado5335]

Such a great accomplishment!! Congrats. Earned a subscriber here!

[@little3rddegreeburns]

This is too amazing!! I wanted to do the same. You just made it way easier for me! Thanks for the video!! I love it!

[@TreaHuggs]

Great build! Good job. I love the small size.

[@herb._.]

this is REALLY cool! I would love to see more projects like these, but I do know they're hard to do

[@altfarthwind]

Really cool project man, i love those super tight mods where every cubic centimeter is essential :D By the way, as a tip, you could have used an old IDE cable for the buttons instead of loose ones. When they are combined together it's easier to handle them and the connections of entire cable row is far less likely to rip out :)

[@SWAGG3RSODMG]

Dude, this is fucking cool. This is exactly what i wanted from this memory card as a kid. Nice work man

[@TBD_Fishing]

You inspired me to get my own kit. Great videos-keep it up!

[@sentryfox]

I'm totally blown away by this.

[@dholmlund]

Cool!! Great adding L and R on the back!

[@Ludiks]

This is some serious soldering iron skills !

[@thatoff-roaddude9515]

This is sick .....like a dream come true 😍😍😍😍

[@jyjori]

Next, he’s gonna put one in an Altoids tin. This is crazy enough

[@KingFrownie19]

I would totally buy a kit for this. If those custom parts come along, I'd love to try it.

[@kramerdesign9443]

This is mad! Great idea, really fun video as usual!

[@Datan0de]

This is a magnificent hack. I always loved the whole idea of the VMU and how it worked as both a secondary display on the controller as well as a stand-alone device, but it was way, way too underpowered to realize its potential. The best homebrew game I ever had for it was a weak Tetris clone. You've built what it should have been, and then some!