WonderSwan

WonderSwan


Top: WonderSwan
Middle:
WonderSwan Color
Bottom:
SwanCrystal
ManufacturerBandai
TypeHandheld game console
GenerationSixth
Release dateWonderSwan:
  • JP: March 4, 1999
WonderSwan Color:
  • JP: December 9, 2000
SwanCrystal:
  • JP: July 12, 2002
Lifespan1999–2003
Introductory price¥4,800 (WonderSwan)
¥6,800 (WonderSwan Color)
¥7,800 (SwanCrystal)
Discontinued2003
Units sold3.5 million (combined)
1.55 million (WonderSwan)
1.1 million (WonderSwan Color)
MediaROM cartridge
CPUNEC V30 MZ
Memory512 kbit (64 KB) RAM
DisplayFSTN (WonderSwan, WonderSwan Color)
TFT LCD (SwanCrystal)
224 × 144
Sound4 PCM channels
Power1 × AA battery
40 hours (WonderSwan)
20 hours (WonderSwan Color)
15 hours (SwanCrystal)
PredecessorDesign Master Senshi Mangajukuu
RelatedTamagotchi
Digimon virtual pet

The WonderSwan[a] is a handheld game console released in Japan by Bandai. It was developed by Gunpei Yokoi's company Koto Laboratory and Bandai, and was the last piece of hardware Yokoi developed before his death in 1997. Released in 1999 in the sixth generation of video game consoles, the WonderSwan and its two later models, the WonderSwan Color and SwanCrystal were officially supported until being discontinued by Bandai in 2003. During its lifespan, no variation of the WonderSwan was released outside of Japan.

Powered by a 16-bit processor, the WonderSwan took advantage of a low price point and long battery life in comparison to its competition, Nintendo's Game Boy Color and SNK's Neo Geo Pocket Color. Later improvements took advantage of quality upgrades to the handheld's screen and added color. The WonderSwan is playable both vertically and horizontally, and features a unique library of games, including numerous first-party titles based on licensed anime properties, as well as significant third-party support from developers such as Squaresoft, Namco, Capcom and Banpresto.

Overall, the WonderSwan in all its variations combined to sell an estimated 3.5 million units and managed to obtain as much as 8% of the Japanese handheld video game console market before being marginalized by Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. Retrospective feedback praises the potential of the WonderSwan despite its low sales and briefly holding its own against Nintendo in the marketplace.
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