this post was submitted on 09 May 2026
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I wanted to check out some of the new, third-party hardware made for the Dreamcast recently. I bought a Retro Fighters D6 controller and an 8BitMods VMUPro. (Note: these may be in stock at other retailers, like https://stoneagegamer.com/ or https://videogamesnewyork.com/. 8BitMods ships from the UK, the others are from the US.)

The D6 is a wireless controller that works with the Dreamcast via controller port dongle. Also works with the Nintendo Switch, and PC with a USB dongle. I love this type of controller; most of the games I play these days can be played with just a d-pad and face buttons. The similar 8BitDo M30 has been my go-to controller for a few years now.

The VMUPro is like a nicer version of the original VMU. Works as a VMU, but has a higher resolution + backlit screen, better battery life, more storage (takes a microSD card), and can also run apps specifically made for it. It even comes with emulators for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Gear, Master System and NES.

I haven't actually tried them out yet. I'll post some reviews later. I'm excited about these -- I haven't dusted off the Dreamcast in a while!

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[–] bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 5 days ago

Hello fellow dreamcaster!

[–] QuantumSparkles@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

So what do you personally use the VMU for?

[–] tuckerm@feddit.online 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Well, nothing yet. I'm hunting for a spare microSD card so that the thing will turn on.

It has an MP3 player app. There's no headphone jack, but I'm guessing a usb-c-to-3.5-mm converter will work. I like using a standalone MP3 player at the gym -- I'll see if this works well for that.

Aside from that, I'll just use it as an actual VMU, and check out all the games that have VMU features that I never played back in the day. Do you have any recommendations?

[–] yermaw@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Sonic Adventures 100% all day every day

[–] YarrMatey@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago

Omg you beat me to it, I loved the chao gardens in SA and SA2.

[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Cool looking, but not a big fan of the one-piece, circular style d-pads

[–] bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 5 days ago

Its far superior to the DC stock square gamepad with razor sharp angles !

Otherwise I love the og DC controller.

[–] helisitie@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

That thing looks amazing!! I have a gdemu with Cave Story on it, it’d prolly be a perfect fit!!