The original XBOX had some wacky controller concepts revealed many years ago, designed and released by Seamus Blackley, who was the original designer of the console way back when. Some of these concept images showed what looks like a visual memory unit that pairs with the controller just like SEGA's Dreamcast.
This got many of us thinking what it could possibly be used for at the time, but now, years on, an enthusiast of XBOX has decided that he wants to bring this XBOX VMU to reality, and has launched a concept video, a website and renders to go with it, in hopes that you like it enough to sign up on his website as interested.
The name of this product is VMX, a memory unit for the original XBOX Duke controller that features a screen, a DPAD, action buttons and a whole lot of possibilities, designed by James, and it can even be operated on its own using an accessory that looks like an alien's finger or some kinda wierd toy that... I'll stop right there.
VMX Features
- 64 x 64 green OLED screen, D-pad, A and B buttons, a side button and a beeper.
- Plugs into the controller's memory slot like any memory unit. (in development)
- 30+ games already developed: BLOX, BLOBS, INTERCEPT, INVASION, REBOUND, LIFE, CHECKERS, REVERSI, FOLD ROOMS, ZORK I and more. Four are in the simulator below.
- VMX Casino: 18 tables, one stack of chips shared by every casino game.
- VMX World for Xbox: put games on your VMX, play them big on the TV, see your scores.
- FOLD: build a level on the Xbox, then take it with you on the VMX.
- CALL: the VMX sends your scores down a phone line by itself. (score service in development)
- GROOVE: play along with your own music. (in development)
VMX Gameplay
The firmware itself is almost complete, and runs on a development rig. VMX World, its companion, runs on a real original Xbox; you can even give it a go yourself on VMX World's official website. This is a project to keep an eye on for sure, and one for you who still have your old dusty, chunky Duke!
