A tribute to other portable consoles: Part II

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Sega VMU (Virtual Memory Unit): Anyone with a Sega Dreamcast console will know what it is. Basically, it is a memory card that plugs into a Dreamcast controller, yet what makes the VMU more unique is that it has a digital display. So what the inventors of the unit decided to do was to equip the memory card with two action buttons and a 4-way directional pad, to use with simple games download able to the unit. The games aren't anything impressive, basically just pixelated graphics that can go back the Pong days, but all the games are free, even though I've heard of only one. The VMU runs on batteries that you will have to replace, I'm not sure what type though. Basically, the VMU is not worth getting alone as a gaming system, but if you Dreamcast owners were wondering why it has action buttons and a d-pad, here's your answer.

Sony Pocketstation: Similar to the Sega VMU, Pocketstation is a digital memory card for the Sony Playstation console. It has one action button and four other buttons, supposedly laid out as a direction pad. Games for the Pocketstation are also very primitive and come with certain Playstation game CDs. Also, you can hook up a Wonderswan and a Pocketstation for special gaming privileges. However, these functions are mainly available in Japan and only useful if you import the games and a Wonderswan system. I'm not positive about the Pocketstation's release in North America, but it's definitely available in Japan.

Turbo Express: Released back in 1990, Turbo Express, even with a price tag of $300 US, grabbed the attention of all handheld fans. Just like the Sega Nomad or Game Axe Color, which plays Sega Genesis and Nintendo games, the Turbo Express played Turbo Grafx 16 games on the go. It also had a backlit screen, vibrant colours, a huge library of games and even a TV tuner. This neat thing is held and played like a Game Boy Color yet still bears a large price tag even today. If you have a some classic Turbo Grafx games that you never play, maybe the Turbo Express will revitalize your ambition for classic gaming. They are VERY rare, and the only place I've seen them for sale at Ebay. If you see one for cheap, get it, since the games are dirt cheap and the system is very hard to find.

Well, that wraps

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