diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/egghunt.c b/src/mame/drivers/egghunt.c
index 7471814878a..ea792ada48a 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/egghunt.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/egghunt.c
@@ -52,8 +52,6 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *   bgram;
-	UINT8 *   atram;
 	UINT8 *   spram;
 //  UINT8 *   paletteram;   // currently this uses generic palette handling
 
@@ -67,6 +65,10 @@ public:
 
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *audiocpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8     bgram[0x1000];
+	UINT8     atram[0x1000];
 };
 
 
@@ -168,11 +170,9 @@ static VIDEO_START(egghunt)
 	egghunt_state *state = machine->driver_data<egghunt_state>();
 
 	state->bg_tilemap = tilemap_create(machine, get_bg_tile_info, tilemap_scan_rows, 8, 8, 64, 32);
-	state->bgram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x1000);
-	state->spram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x1000);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->bgram), 0x1000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->spram), 0x1000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->bgram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->spram));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE(egghunt)
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/funybubl.c b/src/mame/drivers/funybubl.c
index d4ee5a11290..78dfe7e6b21 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/funybubl.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/funybubl.c
@@ -207,8 +207,7 @@ static MACHINE_START( funybubl )
 
 	state->audiocpu = machine->device("audiocpu");
 
-	state->banked_vram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x2000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->banked_vram), 0x2000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->banked_vram));
 
 	memory_configure_bank(machine, "bank1", 0, 2, &state->banked_vram[0x0000], 0x1000);
 	memory_configure_bank(machine, "bank2", 0, 0x10, &ROM[0x10000], 0x4000);
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/hotblock.c b/src/mame/drivers/hotblock.c
index be770d45982..c4eb3842cf7 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/hotblock.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/hotblock.c
@@ -53,11 +53,13 @@ public:
 
 	/* memory pointers */
 	UINT8 *  vram;
-	UINT8 *  pal;
 
 	/* misc */
 	int      port0;
 	int      port4;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8    pal[0x10000];
 };
 
 
@@ -133,8 +135,7 @@ ADDRESS_MAP_END
 static VIDEO_START(hotblock)
 {
 	hotblock_state *state = machine->driver_data<hotblock_state>();
-	state->pal = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x10000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->pal), 0x10000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->pal));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE(hotblock)
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/imolagp.c b/src/mame/drivers/imolagp.c
index 7b5b10af1f7..2abfc0597c7 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/imolagp.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/imolagp.c
@@ -102,12 +102,14 @@ public:
 	UINT8 control;
 	UINT8 scroll;
 	UINT8 steerlatch;
-	UINT8 *videoram[3];
 	int   draw_mode;
 	int   oldsteer;
 
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *slavecpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8  videoram[3][0x4000];
 };
 
 
@@ -185,16 +187,9 @@ static void initialize_colors( running_machine *machine )
 static VIDEO_START( imolagp )
 {
 	imolagp_state *state = machine->driver_data<imolagp_state>();
-	int i;
-	for (i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-	{
-		state->videoram[i] = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x4000);
-		memset(state->videoram[i], 0x00, 0x4000);
-	}
-
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram[0]), 0x4000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram[1]), 0x4000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram[2]), 0x4000);
+	
+	memset(state->videoram, 0, sizeof(state->videoram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram));
 
 	initialize_colors(machine);
 }
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/jangou.c b/src/mame/drivers/jangou.c
index ade628a2b7a..a85de728254 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/jangou.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/jangou.c
@@ -40,11 +40,6 @@ public:
 	jangou_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* video-related */
-	UINT8        *blit_buffer;
-	UINT8        pen_data[0x10];
-	UINT8        blit_data[6];
-
 	/* sound-related */
 	// Jangou CVSD Sound
 	emu_timer    *cvsd_bit_timer;
@@ -63,6 +58,11 @@ public:
 	device_t *cpu_1;
 	device_t *cvsd;
 	device_t *nsc;
+
+	/* video-related */
+	UINT8        pen_data[0x10];
+	UINT8        blit_data[6];
+	UINT8        blit_buffer[256 * 256];
 };
 
 
@@ -116,8 +116,7 @@ static VIDEO_START( jangou )
 {
 	jangou_state *state = machine->driver_data<jangou_state>();
 
-	state->blit_buffer = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 256 * 256);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->blit_buffer), 256 * 256);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->blit_buffer));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE( jangou )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/jantotsu.c b/src/mame/drivers/jantotsu.c
index 0799c79d0e6..5e961666100 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/jantotsu.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/jantotsu.c
@@ -103,11 +103,6 @@ public:
 	jantotsu_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* video-related */
-	UINT8    *bitmap;
-	UINT8    vram_bank, col_bank;
-	UINT8    display_on;
-
 	/* sound-related */
 	UINT32   adpcm_pos;
 	UINT8    adpcm_idle;
@@ -116,6 +111,11 @@ public:
 
 	/* misc */
 	UINT8    mux_data;
+
+	/* video-related */
+	UINT8    vram_bank, col_bank;
+	UINT8    display_on;
+	UINT8    bitmap[0x8000];
 };
 
 
@@ -129,8 +129,7 @@ static VIDEO_START(jantotsu)
 {
 	jantotsu_state *state = machine->driver_data<jantotsu_state>();
 
-	state->bitmap = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x8000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->bitmap), 0x8000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->bitmap));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE(jantotsu)
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/jongkyo.c b/src/mame/drivers/jongkyo.c
index c7d1f1bb324..b6709b15f14 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/jongkyo.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/jongkyo.c
@@ -38,13 +38,13 @@ public:
 	jongkyo_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *  videoram;
-	UINT8 *  videoram2;
-
 	/* misc */
 	UINT8    rom_bank;
 	UINT8    mux_data;
+
+	/* memory pointers */
+	UINT8 *  videoram;
+	UINT8    videoram2[0x4000];
 };
 
 
@@ -468,9 +468,7 @@ static MACHINE_START( jongkyo )
 {
 	jongkyo_state *state = machine->driver_data<jongkyo_state>();
 
-	state->videoram2 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x4000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram2), 0x4000);
-
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram2));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->rom_bank));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->mux_data));
 }
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/ksys573.c b/src/mame/drivers/ksys573.c
index cdaceb4de34..b88739eecfc 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/ksys573.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/ksys573.c
@@ -353,6 +353,35 @@ G: gun mania only, drives air soft gun (this game uses real BB bullet)
 
 #define VERBOSE_LEVEL ( 0 )
 
+#define ATAPI_CYCLES_PER_SECTOR (5000)	// plenty of time to allow DMA setup etc.  BIOS requires this be at least 2000, individual games may vary.
+
+#define ATAPI_STAT_BSY	   0x80
+#define ATAPI_STAT_DRDY    0x40
+#define ATAPI_STAT_DMARDDF 0x20
+#define ATAPI_STAT_SERVDSC 0x10
+#define ATAPI_STAT_DRQ     0x08
+#define ATAPI_STAT_CORR    0x04
+#define ATAPI_STAT_CHECK   0x01
+
+#define ATAPI_INTREASON_COMMAND 0x01
+#define ATAPI_INTREASON_IO      0x02
+#define ATAPI_INTREASON_RELEASE 0x04
+
+#define ATAPI_REG_DATA		0
+#define ATAPI_REG_ERRFEAT	1
+#define ATAPI_REG_INTREASON	2
+#define ATAPI_REG_SAMTAG	3
+#define ATAPI_REG_COUNTLOW	4
+#define ATAPI_REG_COUNTHIGH	5
+#define ATAPI_REG_DRIVESEL	6
+#define ATAPI_REG_CMDSTATUS	7
+#define ATAPI_REG_MAX 16
+
+#define ATAPI_DATA_SIZE ( 64 * 1024 )
+
+#define MAX_TRANSFER_SIZE ( 63488 )
+
+
 class ksys573_state : public psx_state
 {
 public:
@@ -371,11 +400,9 @@ public:
 
 	UINT32 control;
 
-	UINT8 *atapi_regs;
 	emu_timer *atapi_timer;
 	SCSIInstance *inserted_cdrom;
 	SCSIInstance *available_cdroms[ 2 ];
-	UINT8 *atapi_data;
 	int atapi_data_ptr;
 	int atapi_data_len;
 	int atapi_xferlen;
@@ -419,6 +446,10 @@ public:
 
 	int hyperbbc_lamp_strobe1;
 	int hyperbbc_lamp_strobe2;
+	
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8 atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_MAX];
+	UINT8 atapi_data[ATAPI_DATA_SIZE];
 };
 
 INLINE void ATTR_PRINTF(3,4) verboselog( running_machine *machine, int n_level, const char *s_fmt, ... )
@@ -563,34 +594,6 @@ static WRITE32_HANDLER( control_w )
 	}
 }
 
-#define ATAPI_CYCLES_PER_SECTOR (5000)	// plenty of time to allow DMA setup etc.  BIOS requires this be at least 2000, individual games may vary.
-
-#define ATAPI_STAT_BSY	   0x80
-#define ATAPI_STAT_DRDY    0x40
-#define ATAPI_STAT_DMARDDF 0x20
-#define ATAPI_STAT_SERVDSC 0x10
-#define ATAPI_STAT_DRQ     0x08
-#define ATAPI_STAT_CORR    0x04
-#define ATAPI_STAT_CHECK   0x01
-
-#define ATAPI_INTREASON_COMMAND 0x01
-#define ATAPI_INTREASON_IO      0x02
-#define ATAPI_INTREASON_RELEASE 0x04
-
-#define ATAPI_REG_DATA		0
-#define ATAPI_REG_ERRFEAT	1
-#define ATAPI_REG_INTREASON	2
-#define ATAPI_REG_SAMTAG	3
-#define ATAPI_REG_COUNTLOW	4
-#define ATAPI_REG_COUNTHIGH	5
-#define ATAPI_REG_DRIVESEL	6
-#define ATAPI_REG_CMDSTATUS	7
-#define ATAPI_REG_MAX 16
-
-#define ATAPI_DATA_SIZE ( 64 * 1024 )
-
-#define MAX_TRANSFER_SIZE ( 63488 )
-
 static TIMER_CALLBACK( atapi_xfer_end )
 {
 	ksys573_state *state = machine->driver_data<ksys573_state>();
@@ -1037,15 +1040,12 @@ static void atapi_exit(running_machine& machine)
 static void atapi_init(running_machine *machine)
 {
 	ksys573_state *state = machine->driver_data<ksys573_state>();
-	UINT8 *atapi_regs;
 	int i;
 
-	atapi_regs = state->atapi_regs = auto_alloc_array( machine, UINT8, ATAPI_REG_MAX );
-
-	atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_CMDSTATUS] = 0;
-	atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_ERRFEAT] = 1;
-	atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_COUNTLOW] = 0x14;
-	atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_COUNTHIGH] = 0xeb;
+	state->atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_CMDSTATUS] = 0;
+	state->atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_ERRFEAT] = 1;
+	state->atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_COUNTLOW] = 0x14;
+	state->atapi_regs[ATAPI_REG_COUNTHIGH] = 0xeb;
 
 	state->atapi_data_ptr = 0;
 	state->atapi_data_len = 0;
@@ -1067,10 +1067,9 @@ static void atapi_init(running_machine *machine)
 	}
 	machine->add_notifier(MACHINE_NOTIFY_EXIT, atapi_exit);
 
-	state->atapi_data = auto_alloc_array( machine, UINT8, ATAPI_DATA_SIZE );
 
-	state->save_pointer( NAME(state->atapi_regs), ATAPI_REG_MAX );
-	state->save_pointer( NAME(state->atapi_data), ATAPI_DATA_SIZE / 2 );
+	state->save_item( NAME(state->atapi_regs) );
+	state->save_item( NAME(state->atapi_data) );
 	state->save_item( NAME(state->atapi_data_ptr) );
 	state->save_item( NAME(state->atapi_data_len) );
 	state->save_item( NAME(state->atapi_xferlen) );
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/laserbas.c b/src/mame/drivers/laserbas.c
index 3ccfe81cb28..8e508406667 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/laserbas.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/laserbas.c
@@ -26,13 +26,13 @@ public:
 	laserbas_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* video-related */
-	UINT8    *vram1;
-	UINT8    *vram2;
-	int      vrambank;
-
 	/* misc */
 	int      count;
+
+	/* video-related */
+	int      vrambank;
+	UINT8    vram1[0x8000];
+	UINT8    vram2[0x8000];
 };
 
 
@@ -40,11 +40,8 @@ static VIDEO_START(laserbas)
 {
 	laserbas_state *state = machine->driver_data<laserbas_state>();
 
-	state->vram1 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x8000);
-	state->vram2 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x8000);
-
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->vram1), 0x8000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->vram2), 0x8000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->vram1));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->vram2));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE(laserbas)
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/laserbat.c b/src/mame/drivers/laserbat.c
index 743eb42b8ba..45e987c43c5 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/laserbat.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/laserbat.c
@@ -499,11 +499,8 @@ static VIDEO_START( laserbat )
 
 	state->bg_tilemap = tilemap_create(machine, get_tile_info, tilemap_scan_rows, 8, 8, 32, 32);
 
-	state->videoram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x400);
-	state->colorram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x400);
-
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram), 0x400);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->colorram), 0x400);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->colorram));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE( laserbat )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/lastfght.c b/src/mame/drivers/lastfght.c
index b2e2ff7125a..0d1319d2223 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/lastfght.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/lastfght.c
@@ -73,10 +73,6 @@ public:
 	lastfght_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *  colorram;
-//  UINT8 *  nvram; // currently this uses generic nvram handling
-
 	/* video-related */
 	bitmap_t *bitmap[2];
 	int clr_offset;
@@ -89,6 +85,9 @@ public:
 
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *maincpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8   colorram[256 * 3];
 };
 
 
@@ -103,11 +102,9 @@ static VIDEO_START( lastfght )
 	for (i = 0; i < 2; i++)
 		state->bitmap[i] = machine->primary_screen->alloc_compatible_bitmap();
 
-	state->colorram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 256 * 3);
-
 	state->save_item(NAME(*state->bitmap[0]));
 	state->save_item(NAME(*state->bitmap[1]));
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->colorram), 256 * 3);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->colorram));
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/mjsister.c b/src/mame/drivers/mjsister.c
index f10c0d50aef..157bed18922 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/mjsister.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/mjsister.c
@@ -21,9 +21,6 @@ public:
 	mjsister_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *     videoram0, *videoram1;
-
 	/* video-related */
 	bitmap_t *tmpbitmap0, *tmpbitmap1;
 	int  flip_screen;
@@ -43,6 +40,10 @@ public:
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *maincpu;
 	device_t *dac;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8 videoram0[0x8000];
+	UINT8 videoram1[0x8000];
 };
 
 
@@ -57,11 +58,9 @@ static VIDEO_START( mjsister )
 	mjsister_state *state = machine->driver_data<mjsister_state>();
 	state->tmpbitmap0 = auto_bitmap_alloc(machine, 256, 256, machine->primary_screen->format());
 	state->tmpbitmap1 = auto_bitmap_alloc(machine, 256, 256, machine->primary_screen->format());
-	state->videoram0 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x8000);
-	state->videoram1 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x8000);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram0), 0x8000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram1), 0x8000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram0));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram1));
 }
 
 static void mjsister_plot0( running_machine *machine, int offset, UINT8 data )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/mole.c b/src/mame/drivers/mole.c
index 78b78535eca..6b56b2f50be 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/mole.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/mole.c
@@ -59,12 +59,12 @@ public:
 	mole_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT16 *     tileram;
-
 	/* video-related */
 	tilemap_t    *bg_tilemap;
 	int          tile_bank;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT16       tileram[0x400];
 };
 
 
@@ -93,10 +93,10 @@ static TILE_GET_INFO( get_bg_tile_info )
 static VIDEO_START( mole )
 {
 	mole_state *state = machine->driver_data<mole_state>();
-	state->tileram = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 0x400);
+	memset(state->tileram, 0, sizeof(state->tileram));
 	state->bg_tilemap = tilemap_create(machine, get_bg_tile_info, tilemap_scan_rows, 8, 8, 40, 25);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->tileram), 0x400);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->tileram));
 }
 
 static WRITE8_HANDLER( mole_videoram_w )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/multfish.c b/src/mame/drivers/multfish.c
index 448c08ddf5c..dce7d52345c 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/multfish.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/multfish.c
@@ -182,8 +182,6 @@ public:
 
 	/* Video related */
 
-	UINT8* vid;
-
 	int disp_enable;
 	int xor_paltype;
 	int xor_palette;
@@ -198,6 +196,7 @@ public:
 	UINT8 hopper_motor;
 	UINT8 hopper;
 
+	UINT8 vid[multfish_VIDRAM_SIZE];
 };
 
 static TILE_GET_INFO( get_multfish_tile_info )
@@ -231,9 +230,8 @@ static VIDEO_START(multfish)
 {
 	multfish_state *state = machine->driver_data<multfish_state>();
 
-	state->vid = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, multfish_VIDRAM_SIZE);
-	memset(state->vid,0x00,multfish_VIDRAM_SIZE);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->vid), multfish_VIDRAM_SIZE);
+	memset(state->vid,0x00,sizeof(state->vid));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->vid));
 
 	state->tilemap = tilemap_create(machine,get_multfish_tile_info,tilemap_scan_rows,16,16, 64, 32);
 	tilemap_set_transparent_pen(state->tilemap,255);
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/mwarr.c b/src/mame/drivers/mwarr.c
index d6962fef90f..260808ef35a 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/mwarr.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/mwarr.c
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT16 *bg_videoram, *mlow_videoram, *mhigh_videoram, *tx_videoram, *sprites_buffer;
+	UINT16 *bg_videoram, *mlow_videoram, *mhigh_videoram, *tx_videoram;
 	UINT16 *bg_scrollram, *mlow_scrollram, *mhigh_scrollram, *vidattrram;
 	UINT16 *spriteram;
 //  UINT16 *paletteram;    // currently this uses generic palette handling
@@ -64,6 +64,8 @@ public:
 
 	/* misc */
 	int which;
+
+	UINT16 sprites_buffer[0x800];
 };
 
 
@@ -373,8 +375,6 @@ static VIDEO_START( mwarr )
 	state->mhigh_tilemap = tilemap_create(machine, get_mhigh_tile_info, tilemap_scan_cols, 16, 16, 64, 16);
 	state->tx_tilemap    = tilemap_create(machine, get_tx_tile_info,    tilemap_scan_rows,  8,  8, 64, 32);
 
-	state->sprites_buffer = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT16, 0x800);
-
 	tilemap_set_transparent_pen(state->mlow_tilemap, 0);
 	tilemap_set_transparent_pen(state->mhigh_tilemap, 0);
 	tilemap_set_transparent_pen(state->tx_tilemap, 0);
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ static VIDEO_START( mwarr )
 	tilemap_set_scroll_rows(state->mlow_tilemap, 256);
 	tilemap_set_scroll_rows(state->mhigh_tilemap, 256);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->sprites_buffer), 0x800);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->sprites_buffer));
 }
 
 static void draw_sprites( running_machine *machine, bitmap_t *bitmap, const rectangle *cliprect )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/nightgal.c b/src/mame/drivers/nightgal.c
index 303cf3df040..2470efba272 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/nightgal.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/nightgal.c
@@ -33,9 +33,6 @@ public:
 	nightgal_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *    blit_buffer;
-
 	/* video-related */
 	UINT8 blit_raw_data[3];
 	UINT8 true_blit[7];
@@ -51,6 +48,9 @@ public:
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *maincpu;
 	device_t *subcpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8      blit_buffer[256*256];
 };
 
 
@@ -63,9 +63,8 @@ static READ8_HANDLER( blitter_status_r )
 static VIDEO_START( nightgal )
 {
 	nightgal_state *state = machine->driver_data<nightgal_state>();
-	state->blit_buffer = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 256*256);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->blit_buffer), 256*256);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->blit_buffer));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE( nightgal )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/pasha2.c b/src/mame/drivers/pasha2.c
index 2826be7cfc9..c276c42f9b7 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/pasha2.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/pasha2.c
@@ -83,14 +83,16 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT16 *     bitmap0;
-	UINT16 *     bitmap1;
 	UINT16 *     paletteram;
 	UINT16 *     wram;
 
 	/* video-related */
 	int vbuffer;
 	int old_bank;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT16       bitmap0[0x40000/2];
+	UINT16       bitmap1[0x40000/2];
 };
 
 
@@ -325,11 +327,9 @@ INPUT_PORTS_END
 static VIDEO_START( pasha2 )
 {
 	pasha2_state *state = machine->driver_data<pasha2_state>();
-	state->bitmap0 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT16, 0x40000/2);
-	state->bitmap1 = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT16, 0x40000/2);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->bitmap0), 0x40000/2);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->bitmap1), 0x40000/2);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->bitmap0));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->bitmap1));
 }
 
 static VIDEO_UPDATE( pasha2 )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/plygonet.c b/src/mame/drivers/plygonet.c
index d17c339ac23..76fdd6ddbfa 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/plygonet.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/plygonet.c
@@ -90,12 +90,6 @@
 
 enum { BANK_GROUP_A, BANK_GROUP_B, INVALID_BANK_GROUP };
 
-static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank00_size = 0x1000;
-static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank01_size = 0x1000;
-static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank02_size = 0x4000;
-static const UINT16 dsp56k_shared_ram_16_size = 0x2000;
-static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank04_size = 0x1fc0;
-
 static const eeprom_interface eeprom_intf =
 {
 	7,				/* address bits */
@@ -755,24 +749,22 @@ static DRIVER_INIT(polygonet)
 	reset_sound_region(machine);
 
 	/* Allocate space for the dsp56k banking */
-	state->dsp56k_bank00_ram    = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank00_size);		/* 2 bank sets, 8 potential banks each */
-	state->dsp56k_bank01_ram    = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank01_size);
-	state->dsp56k_bank02_ram    = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank02_size);
-	state->dsp56k_shared_ram_16 = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 2 * 8 * dsp56k_shared_ram_16_size);
-	state->dsp56k_bank04_ram    = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT16, 2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank04_size);
+	memset(state->dsp56k_bank00_ram, 0, sizeof(state->dsp56k_bank00_ram));
+	memset(state->dsp56k_bank01_ram, 0, sizeof(state->dsp56k_bank01_ram));
+	memset(state->dsp56k_bank02_ram, 0, sizeof(state->dsp56k_bank02_ram));
+	memset(state->dsp56k_shared_ram_16, 0, sizeof(state->dsp56k_shared_ram_16));
+	memset(state->dsp56k_bank04_ram, 0, sizeof(state->dsp56k_bank04_ram));
 
 	/* The dsp56k occasionally executes out of mapped memory */
 	address_space *space = machine->device<dsp56k_device>("dsp")->space(AS_PROGRAM);
 	state->dsp56k_update_handler = space->set_direct_update_handler(direct_update_delegate_create_static(plygonet_dsp56k_direct_handler, *machine));
 
     /* save states */
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_p_mirror),      2 * 0x1000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_p_8000),        2 * 0x800);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank00_ram),    2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank00_size);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank01_ram),    2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank01_size);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank02_ram),    2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank02_size);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_shared_ram_16), 2 * 8 * dsp56k_shared_ram_16_size);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank04_ram),    2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank04_size);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank00_ram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank01_ram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank02_ram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp56k_shared_ram_16));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp56k_bank04_ram));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->cur_sound_region));
 }
 
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/spy.c b/src/mame/drivers/spy.c
index 6d8c30f239b..0a528e65236 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/spy.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/spy.c
@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@ static MACHINE_START( spy )
 	memory_configure_bank(machine, "bank1", 0, 12, &ROM[0x10000], 0x2000);
 
 	machine->generic.paletteram.u8 = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT8, 0x800);
-	state->pmcram = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT8, 0x800);
+	memset(state->pmcram, 0, sizeof(state->pmcram));
 
 	state->maincpu = machine->device("maincpu");
 	state->audiocpu = machine->device("audiocpu");
@@ -527,8 +527,8 @@ static MACHINE_START( spy )
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->pmcbank));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->video_enable));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->old_3f90));
-	state_save_register_global_pointer(machine, machine->generic.paletteram.u8, 0x800);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->pmcram), 0x800);
+	state->save_pointer(NAME(machine->generic.paletteram.u8), 0x800);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->pmcram));
 }
 
 static MACHINE_RESET( spy )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/ssingles.c b/src/mame/drivers/ssingles.c
index 28838c40528..f4ff89d0a45 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/ssingles.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/ssingles.c
@@ -156,8 +156,8 @@ public:
 	ssingles_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	UINT8 *videoram;
-	UINT8 *colorram;
+	UINT8 videoram[VMEM_SIZE];
+	UINT8 colorram[VMEM_SIZE];
 	UINT8 prot_data;
 	pen_t pens[NUM_PENS];
 };
@@ -549,10 +549,8 @@ static DRIVER_INIT(ssingles)
 {
 	ssingles_state *state = machine->driver_data<ssingles_state>();
 
-	state->videoram=auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT8, VMEM_SIZE);
-	state->colorram=auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT8, VMEM_SIZE);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram), VMEM_SIZE);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->colorram), VMEM_SIZE);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->colorram));
 }
 
 GAME( 1983, ssingles, 0, ssingles, ssingles, ssingles, ROT90, "Ent. Ent. Ltd", "Swinging Singles", GAME_SUPPORTS_SAVE | GAME_WRONG_COLORS | GAME_IMPERFECT_SOUND )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/taito_l.c b/src/mame/drivers/taito_l.c
index f9e99c8dc19..158d8e1f960 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/taito_l.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/taito_l.c
@@ -146,13 +146,9 @@ static MACHINE_START( taito_l )
 	state->maincpu = machine->device("maincpu");
 	state->audiocpu = machine->device("audiocpu");
 
-	state->rambanks = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x1000 * 12);
-	state->palette_ram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x1000);
-	state->empty_ram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x1000);
-
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->rambanks), 0x1000 * 12);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->palette_ram), 0x1000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->empty_ram), 0x1000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->rambanks));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->palette_ram));
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->empty_ram));
 
 	state_register(machine);
 }
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/thunderx.c b/src/mame/drivers/thunderx.c
index 21c3bda0172..2e0826a0075 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/thunderx.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/thunderx.c
@@ -654,11 +654,11 @@ static MACHINE_START( thunderx )
 	memory_configure_bank(machine, "bank1", 12, 4, &ROM[0x08000], 0x2000);
 	memory_set_bank(machine, "bank1", 0);
 
-	state->pmcram = auto_alloc_array_clear(machine, UINT8, 0x800);
+	memset(state->pmcram, 0, sizeof(state->pmcram));
 
 	MACHINE_START_CALL(scontra);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->pmcram), 0x800);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->pmcram));
 }
 
 static MACHINE_RESET( scontra )
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/tmnt.c b/src/mame/drivers/tmnt.c
index 82a88b21b69..60c1c546f75 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/tmnt.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/tmnt.c
@@ -301,8 +301,7 @@ static SAMPLES_START( tmnt_decode_sample )
 	int i;
 	UINT8 *source = machine->region("title")->base();
 
-	state->sampledata = auto_alloc_array(machine, INT16, 0x40000);
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->sampledata), 0x40000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->sampledata));
 
 	/*  Sound sample for TMNT.D05 is stored in the following mode (ym3012 format):
      *
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/tomcat.c b/src/mame/drivers/tomcat.c
index 6f2b87445f3..3b5a6d7ff0b 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/tomcat.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/tomcat.c
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ public:
 
 	int control_num;
 	UINT16 *shared_ram;
-	UINT8 *nvram;
+	UINT8 nvram[0x800];
 	int dsp_BIO;
 	int dsp_idle;
 };
@@ -354,10 +354,9 @@ static MACHINE_START(tomcat)
 	((UINT16*)state->shared_ram)[0x0002] = 0xf600;
 	((UINT16*)state->shared_ram)[0x0003] = 0x0000;
 
-	state->nvram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x800);
 	machine->device<nvram_device>("nvram")->set_base(state->nvram, 0x800);
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->nvram), 0x800);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->nvram));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->control_num));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp_BIO));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->dsp_idle));
diff --git a/src/mame/drivers/yunsung8.c b/src/mame/drivers/yunsung8.c
index f8932026499..16a5093c11d 100644
--- a/src/mame/drivers/yunsung8.c
+++ b/src/mame/drivers/yunsung8.c
@@ -471,7 +471,6 @@ static MACHINE_START( yunsung8 )
 	UINT8 *MAIN = machine->region("maincpu")->base();
 	UINT8 *AUDIO = machine->region("audiocpu")->base();
 
-	state->videoram = auto_alloc_array(machine, UINT8, 0x4000);
 	state->videoram_0 = state->videoram + 0x0000;	// Ram is banked
 	state->videoram_1 = state->videoram + 0x2000;
 
@@ -482,7 +481,7 @@ static MACHINE_START( yunsung8 )
 
 	state->audiocpu = machine->device("audiocpu");
 
-	state->save_pointer(NAME(state->videoram), 0x4000);
+	state->save_item(NAME(state->videoram));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->layers_ctrl));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->videobank));
 	state->save_item(NAME(state->adpcm));
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/funybubl.h b/src/mame/includes/funybubl.h
index 8451b3f088c..608a361e111 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/funybubl.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/funybubl.h
@@ -7,11 +7,13 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *    banked_vram;
 	UINT8 *    paletteram;
 
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *audiocpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8      banked_vram[0x2000];
 };
 
 
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/laserbat.h b/src/mame/includes/laserbat.h
index 1df2b83057a..4e24ad2a46d 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/laserbat.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/laserbat.h
@@ -12,8 +12,6 @@ public:
 
 	/* video-related */
 	tilemap_t    *bg_tilemap;
-	UINT8      *videoram;
-	UINT8      *colorram;
 	int        video_page;
 
 	/* misc */
@@ -44,6 +42,10 @@ public:
 	device_t *tms2;
 	device_t *ay1;
 	device_t *ay2;
+
+	// memory
+	UINT8      videoram[0x400];
+	UINT8      colorram[0x400];
 };
 
 
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/plygonet.h b/src/mame/includes/plygonet.h
index e32321ae09f..9c0217096b3 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/plygonet.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/plygonet.h
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank00_size = 0x1000;
+static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank01_size = 0x1000;
+static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank02_size = 0x4000;
+static const UINT16 dsp56k_shared_ram_16_size = 0x2000;
+static const UINT16 dsp56k_bank04_size = 0x1fc0;
+
 class polygonet_state : public driver_device
 {
 public:
@@ -9,11 +15,6 @@ public:
 
 	UINT16* dsp56k_p_mirror;
 	UINT16* dsp56k_p_8000;
-	UINT16* dsp56k_bank00_ram;
-	UINT16* dsp56k_bank01_ram;
-	UINT16* dsp56k_bank02_ram;
-	UINT16* dsp56k_shared_ram_16;
-	UINT16* dsp56k_bank04_ram;
 	int cur_sound_region;
 
 	direct_update_delegate dsp56k_update_handler;
@@ -24,6 +25,13 @@ public:
 	tilemap_t *roz_tilemap;
 	UINT16 ttl_vram[0x800];
 	UINT16 roz_vram[0x800];
+
+	/* memory buffers */
+	UINT16 dsp56k_bank00_ram[2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank00_size];	/* 2 bank sets, 8 potential banks each */
+	UINT16 dsp56k_bank01_ram[2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank01_size];
+	UINT16 dsp56k_bank02_ram[2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank02_size];
+	UINT16 dsp56k_shared_ram_16[2 * 8 * dsp56k_shared_ram_16_size];
+	UINT16 dsp56k_bank04_ram[2 * 8 * dsp56k_bank04_size];
 };
 
 /*----------- defined in video/plygonet.c -----------*/
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/spy.h b/src/mame/includes/spy.h
index f112687aef2..0399e8f891e 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/spy.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/spy.h
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ public:
 
 	/* memory pointers */
 	UINT8 *    ram;
-	UINT8 *    pmcram;
+	UINT8      pmcram[0x800];
 //  UINT8 *    paletteram;    // currently this uses generic palette handling
 
 	/* video-related */
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/taito_l.h b/src/mame/includes/taito_l.h
index 5d52901b5b8..65eeff2e1ed 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/taito_l.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/taito_l.h
@@ -8,9 +8,6 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *       rambanks;
-	UINT8 *       palette_ram;
-	UINT8 *       empty_ram;
 	UINT8 *       shared_ram;
 
 	/* video-related */
@@ -50,6 +47,11 @@ public:
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *maincpu;
 	device_t *audiocpu;
+
+	/* memory buffers */
+	UINT8         rambanks[0x1000 * 12];
+	UINT8         palette_ram[0x1000];
+	UINT8         empty_ram[0x1000];
 };
 
 /*----------- defined in video/taito_l.c -----------*/
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/thunderx.h b/src/mame/includes/thunderx.h
index 18c69345d4d..e7ae3645b23 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/thunderx.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/thunderx.h
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ public:
 
 	/* memory pointers */
 	UINT8 *    ram;
-	UINT8 *    pmcram;
+	UINT8      pmcram[0x800];
 //  UINT8 *    paletteram;    // currently this uses generic palette handling
 
 	/* video-related */
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/tmnt.h b/src/mame/includes/tmnt.h
index f4dd16ed8b9..0d4ab6aac55 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/tmnt.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/tmnt.h
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ public:
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
 	/* memory pointers */
-	INT16 *    sampledata;
 	UINT16 *   tmnt2_1c0800;
 	UINT16 *   sunset_104000;
 	UINT16 *   tmnt2_rom;
@@ -47,6 +46,9 @@ public:
 	device_t *k054000;
 	device_t *upd;
 	device_t *samples;
+
+	/* memory buffers */
+	INT16      sampledata[0x40000];
 };
 
 
diff --git a/src/mame/includes/yunsung8.h b/src/mame/includes/yunsung8.h
index bfb84bc327b..18aa7016ffe 100644
--- a/src/mame/includes/yunsung8.h
+++ b/src/mame/includes/yunsung8.h
@@ -10,9 +10,6 @@ public:
 	yunsung8_state(running_machine &machine, const driver_device_config_base &config)
 		: driver_device(machine, config) { }
 
-	/* memory pointers */
-	UINT8 *     videoram;
-
 	/* video-related */
 	tilemap_t     *tilemap_0, *tilemap_1;
 	UINT8       *videoram_0, *videoram_1;
@@ -25,6 +22,9 @@ public:
 
 	/* devices */
 	device_t *audiocpu;
+
+	/* memory */
+	UINT8      videoram[0x4000];
 };