> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://8bitmods.gitbook.io/vmupro-sdk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://8bitmods.gitbook.io/vmupro-sdk/readme.md).

# Introduction

Welcome to the VMU Pro SDK documentation. This comprehensive guide will help you build amazing applications and games for the VMU Pro device using either **LUA** or **C/C++**.

## 1. What is a VMU Pro?

The VMU Pro is a tiny smart memory card for the Dreamcast gaming console that doubles as a tiny handheld gaming device with a powerful dual-core processor, ample memory and a sharp backlit IPS TFT 16-bit colour display.

Any developer can write applications or games for it and either freely distribute as a downloadable package or distribute it through the amazing VMU Pro Store directly on VMU Pro devices!

## 2. VMU Pro Technical Specifications

**Display**

* Backlit 16-bit IPS TFT Colour Display (65,536 Colours) in RGB565 format
* 240x240 pixel resolution, 1.5" diagonal
* Up to 80FPS refresh rate (controllable through your app).

**Controls**

* Eight way directional pad (D-pad)
* Two primary buttons (A, B)
* Two programmable auxilliary buttons (Sleep, Mode)

**Sound**

* Internal Mono 0.7W Speaker (default 44.1KHz, 16-bit)
* USB-C Audio Out support

**Connectivity**

* WiFi
* Bluetooth LE
* MAPLE Port

**Memory & Storage**

* 8MB RAM (5MB usable in LUA Apps and Games)
* micro-SD card port with support for up to 2TB microSD cards

**Processing**

* Dual-core 240MHz CPU with threading support
* Third Low-power core at 40MHz
* Adjustable CPU Frequency

## 3. Choose Your SDK

The VMU Pro supports two development approaches:

### LUA SDK

* **Best for**: Rapid prototyping, simpler games, and applications
* **Language**: LUA scripting
* **Build process**: No compilation needed — write LUA scripts, package, and deploy
* **Key features**: Sprites with animation, collision detection, synthesizers, MIDI playback
* [Get started with LUA](/vmupro-sdk/lua-sdk/lua-sdk-overview.md)

### C/C++ SDK

* **Best for**: Performance-critical applications, advanced games, and hardware-level access
* **Language**: C/C++ with ESP-IDF framework
* **Build process**: Compile with ESP-IDF toolchain, then package and deploy
* **Key features**: Native performance, full C standard library, PeerNet wireless P2P, advanced blitting
* [Get started with C/C++](/vmupro-sdk/c-c++-sdk/c-sdk-overview.md)

Both SDKs share the same packaging and deployment tools and produce `.vmupack` files that run on any VMU Pro device.

## 4. Quick Start

1. **Choose**: Pick the [LUA SDK](/vmupro-sdk/lua-sdk/lua-sdk-overview.md) or [C/C++ SDK](/vmupro-sdk/c-c++-sdk/c-sdk-overview.md)
2. **Setup**: Install the required tools and dependencies
3. **Code**: Create your application
4. **Package**: Use the packer tool to create a `.vmupack` file
5. **Deploy**: Send your application to the VMU Pro device

## 5. API Categories

Both SDKs provide access to the same core hardware features:

* **Graphics**: Drawing primitives, text rendering, blitting, and display management
* **Sprites**: Sprite loading, animation, visual effects, and scene management (LUA) / blitting operations (C)
* **Audio**: Volume control, sample playback, and audio streaming
* **Input**: D-pad and button reading
* **File System**: File and folder operations (limited to `/sdcard` directory)
* **System**: Timing, logging, and utility functions
* **PeerNet**: Peer-to-peer wireless networking (C SDK)

## Getting Help

* Check the [Getting Started](/vmupro-sdk/lua-sdk/getting-started.md) guide
* Browse the API Reference for [LUA](/vmupro-sdk/lua-api-reference/display.md) or [C](/vmupro-sdk/c-api-reference/c-display.md)
* Look at the examples for [LUA](/vmupro-sdk/examples/hello-world.md) or [C](/vmupro-sdk/examples/c-examples.md)

Ready to start building? Head over to the [Getting Started](/vmupro-sdk/lua-sdk/getting-started.md) guide!