A magnetoresistive memory device includes a variable resistance element and a read circuit. The resistance element has a resistance state, which is one of switchable first and second resistance states. The first and second resistance states exhibit different resistances. Each of the first and second resistance states is reached by a current flowing through the variable resistance element in one of opposing first and second directions. The read circuit passes a read current through the variable resistance element autonomously in the first or second direction in accordance with the resistance state of the variable resistance element.