VGM Player 2.0 is a DIY hardware project that plays music data through physical sound chips used in classic Sega consoles. Its reported revision replaced the original ESP8266 controller with a Teensy 3.5, simplifying the wiring and adding an OLED display and SD-card playback. It is a build project, not a finished consumer product.
What the VGM Player does
Rather than play a recording of a game’s music, the device reads VGM data and sends register information to sound chips, which then generate the audio. Project creator Aidan Lawrence describes VGM as “a 44.1KHz logging format that stores real soundchip register information” in the project repository. That is the project owner’s explanation, not a standards-body definition.
The documented build pairs a YM2612 (OPN2), an FM synthesizer associated with the Sega Genesis, with an SN76489 programmable sound generator associated with the Master System. The result is a way to play suitable VGM data through those chips rather than emulate them in software.
What changed in the reported 2.0 revision
The earlier design used an ESP8266 connected to the sound chips. In the revision covered by Hackster’s report, Lawrence switched to a Teensy 3.5. The additional GPIO pins, speed, and memory allowed the design to remove shift registers, according to the report.
#1 Best Overall
- Recordable sound module has small size and 8MB memory, it can be realized MP3 music playback.
- This Stemedu MP3 music recording module is easy to use. It doesn't require any welding skills, downloaded your own MP3 files with USB cable, add music/audio/voice from your computer, and powered it up.
- Power supply: 4.5-5V, or 3.7V lithium battery, 8MB sound recordable module comes with an empty AA battery case.
- High sound quality recorderable module, ideal for models and crafts, such as Children's Day gift, Mother's Day gift, DIY music box, musical greeting card, Christmas creative gift
- How to use: Please install 3PCS AA batteries first (batteries are not included), and click the play button to test, which contains a Chinese song. Windows system: Click on the removable U disk, delete the pre-stored music, and paste your own MP3/WAV music files. IOS system: The sound module needs to be formatted first, for instruction, please see the fifth picture on the left or User Manual (PDF) under the "Product guides and documents"
- Teensy 3.5 controller: Replaces the ESP8266 used in the earlier hardware.
- Fewer interface components: More GPIO pins let the design drop shift registers.
- Clock source: The project uses a 7.78 MHz full-can crystal oscillator. This is a component specification, not a measured performance result.
- Power: The reported arrangement uses one 12-volt supply, with voltage stepped down where needed.
- Track information: An OLED displays track details.
- Music storage: An SD card provides file-based playback.
The repository describes this Teensy project as the official successor to the ESP8266 player, while also pointing to a separate STM32 project as a newer version. “2.0” here refers to the historical revision reported by Hackster, not necessarily the latest generation.
What files and hardware this build requires
The repository’s instructions apply to this particular implementation. They specify FAT32 storage and uncompressed .vgm files; compressed .vgz files are not supported directly. A compatible card alone is not enough: the build also depends on the documented controller, chip wiring, clocking, display, storage, and controls.
Rank #2
- 【CREATIVE PRESENT】Sound Module is ideal to make a DIY music box, surprise as a birthday present，musical greeting cards, photo frames, album, present box and the other creative presents for Mother's Day, Father's Day and Valentine’s Day，perfect for memorabilia.【Please note: Be sure to download the user manual from Amazon Product guides and documents】
- 【8M MEMORY】When connected to a computer via a micro USB data cable, Sound Module is recognized as a USB drive, just like an MP3 player. With 8MB of internal storage, you can add any MP3 audio files to it.
- 【PUSH BUTTON CONTROL】Installed in your project/present, simply press the button to play the music you input once, and Sound Module will automatically stop when the song is over.
- 【PROGRAMMABLE SOUND MODULE】The programmable sound module provides more possibilities to develop a module that fits your own project perfectly. Different trigger modes (button/TTL) can be selected by connecting different solder pads.
- 【VOLUME CONTROL】The volume is adjustable, and the power supply voltage is 4.5-5V. We recommend using a 3.7V lithium battery (battery not included) with an output power of 0.5-1W. Please connect to a computer with USB 2.0 port (black or white port), otherwise, the module will not be recognized. Connect the red and black wires to the battery to play music
Lawrence’s repository contains the project’s wiring and implementation details. Treat it as a technical build reference rather than a simple shopping list: one component purchase does not produce a complete player, and the project’s component compatibility matters.
Hardware build or software playback?
These are different ways to listen, not options compared in a head-to-head test. Choose hardware if the point is to send VGM register data to dedicated sound chips and you are prepared to assemble and configure the electronics. Choose software if convenience and broader file support matter more than using those physical chips.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 【Programmable Sound Module】Provide more possibilities to develop a module completely fit for your own project. You can select different trigger mode (button/TTL trigger) by connecting with different soldering pads.
- 【Button Control】 Install it in your project/gift, and then push the button. Your music which you put in it will be played once and automatically stop when the song finishes. This item comes with the button and default mode: 000.
- 【8M Memory】Built-in 8M memory with micro USB port, you can update the music just by a smart phone USB cable. It is recognized by computer as a USB drive, just like a MP3 player, and you're free to add any MP3 audio file to the internal storage as long as it doesn't go over the 8MB limit.
- 【With Battery Box and USB Cable】This Kit contains with a AAA Battery Box and USB Cable, with which you can easier to supply 4.5-5V power and also used for different USB devices to download the MP3 audio file to the internal storage.
- 【Perfect Creative Gift】It is ideal to make a DIY music box, musical greeting cards, photo frames, album, gift box and the other creative gifts for Christmas’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day. Any further question please don't hesitate to contact us via E-mail to get technical support.
| Option | How it plays audio | Formats and controls | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence’s VGM Player | Parses VGM data and sends register information to the documented YM2612 and SN76489 chips. | Repository documents uncompressed .vgm, FAT32 SD-card storage, and dedicated controls; .vgz is not supported directly. |
Builders seeking playback through physical retro sound chips. |
| vgmstream | Software tools decode supported game-audio formats on a computer. | Project documentation describes plugins, command-line tools, and a web player, with support for hundreds of streamed game-audio formats. Compatibility varies by file and component; supported audio can be converted to WAV. | Listeners who want computer-based playback or conversion across a range of game-audio formats. |
| VGMPlay 0.40.9 | A separate software player using emulated sound chips. | Its documentation lists VGM/VGZ, CMF, DRO, and M3U input, along with numerous emulated chips. These details describe that software version. | Readers looking for a software player whose documented formats include VGZ. |
Is it a ready-to-buy product?
No: the project is a hobby hardware build, not a finished retail player. The documentation identifies components such as the Teensy 3.5 development board, YM2612, SN76489, oscillator, OLED, SD card, and 12-volt supply, but a parts list is not a guarantee of current stock or compatibility for a particular purchase. The available project reporting does not establish a current total build cost, current component availability, or an independent playback test.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Light Sensor attachment - When the lid of the box is removed and light hits the sensor, the sound module will activate and play your message
- Ideal for creating your own talking gifts, cards and crafts. Perfect for adding sound effects to train sets, models, photo frames and displays.
- Download your own MP3 files via the USB socket. Add speech, music or sound effects.
- Playback one single sound or multiple sounds through the speaker in sequence.
- 4MB built-in flash memory provides approx 4 minutes of playback. Option to alter the sample rate to achieve 10 minutes of playback.
Rank #4
- Ideal for creating your own talking gifts, cards and crafts. Perfect for adding sound effects to train sets, models, photo frames and Cosplay Accessories
- Download your own MP3 files via the USB socket. Add speech, music or sound effects
- Playback one single file or multiple files in sequence, (sorted by file name)
- Multiple playback options including push button and light sensor
- 4MB built-in flash memory provides approx 4 minutes of playback. Option to alter the sample rate to achieve 8 minutes of playback.
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