A VMU-Like Device for the Nintendo 64 Almost Became Reality!
- Laurent C.
- Apr 22, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Today, only a single known prototype remains of the "Secret Screen", an accessory for the Nintendo 64 that was featured in the September 1997 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM).
Interestingly, SEGA was also featured in the same issue discussing its Black Belt project, which would eventually evolve into the Dreamcast. According to Secret Screen inventor Dane Galden, members of SEGA's future Dreamcast development team saw the Nintendo 64 accessory and later adapted the concept into what became the VMU (Visual Memory Unit) transforming the idea of a secondary display into an interactive memory card. This appears to be nothing more than a coincidence, but the similarity between the two concepts is worth mentioning.
The accessory, designed to connect to the bottom of the Nintendo 64 controller much like the Rumble Pak, was created by Dane Galden, who was already known for developing the Game Handler for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Galden initially attempted to pitch the device to Nintendo before being redirected to Electronic Arts. His vision was to provide additional gameplay information on a dedicated screen, particularly for American football games.
The prototype featured two demonstrations: N64 Play Action Football and N64 Battleground Domination. Neither project progressed beyond the prototype stage. The football title displayed a game-selection screen, while the second showcased a world map. When connected to the expansion port located beneath the Nintendo 64 controller, the device could display this information on its small screen, with users able to switch between displays using a dedicated button.
Despite the innovative nature of his invention, Dane Galden says he ultimately received no compensation from SEGA, even if the VMU concept had indeed originated from his idea. According to his account, he later found himself in a similar situation with Nintendo regarding the concept of linking a Game Boy to a GameCube using a connection cable, another idea he claims to have conceived.
Related Articles
Check out my articles covering cancelled Dreamcast accessories:
Comments