Atari 5200 vs WonderSwan Color

The Atari 5200 and WonderSwan Color are two classic gaming consoles from different eras. The Atari 5200 was released in the early 1980s, known for its advanced graphics and innovative controller design. On the other hand, the WonderSwan Color, released in the late 1990s, was a handheld console with a color screen and a strong library of games.

General information

Atari 5200
WonderSwan Color
Introduction :
The Atari 5200 was released in 1982 as a follow-up to the successful Atari 2600. It featured improved graphics and sound capabilities, as well as a unique controller design with a joystick and numeric keypad. While it was not as popular as its predecessor, the Atari 5200 has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic console in the gaming community.
Introduction :
The WonderSwan Color is a handheld gaming console released by Bandai in 2000. It was popular in Japan but had limited success in other markets. Despite its short lifespan, the WonderSwan Color is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and has become a sought-after collectible item. With a wide range of games available, this console offers a nostalgic gaming experience for those who appreciate its unique place in gaming history.
Advantages :
  • The Atari 5200 offers a wide variety of classic games.
  • It has a unique controller design with a numeric keypad.
  • The console has a sleek and futuristic appearance.
  • The Atari 5200 is compatible with Atari 2600 games.
  • It provides a nostalgic gaming experience for retro enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Portable design makes it easy to game on the go
  • Bright and vibrant color display enhances gameplay experience
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions
  • Wide variety of game genres available for all types of players
  • Affordable pricing compared to other handheld consoles
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles of the time.
  • Fragile controllers prone to breaking easily.
  • Poor graphics and sound quality by modern standards.
  • Lack of third-party support for accessories and peripherals.
  • Limited availability of the console and games for purchase.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles
  • Lack of popular third-party game titles
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during gameplay
  • Short battery life compared to other handheld consoles
  • Limited availability of accessories and peripherals
Year launched : 1982
The Atari 5200 was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. It aimed to compete with other gaming consoles of the time, providing a unique gaming experience.
Year launched : 2000
The WonderSwan Color was launched in 2000, offering a portable gaming experience with a color screen. It competed with other handheld consoles of its time, providing gamers with a variety of games to enjoy.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari was the manufacturer of the Atari 5200, a second-generation video game console known for its innovative features and library of games. It was released in 1982 as a competitor to other consoles of the time.
Manufacturer : Bandai
Bandai, a Japanese toy company, manufactured the WonderSwan Color handheld gaming console. Known for its unique design and library of games, it was a competitor to Nintendo's Game Boy Color.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari 5200 had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles of its time. It faced tough competition from the likes of the Atari 2600 and the emerging Nintendo Entertainment System, resulting in lower sales figures.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The WonderSwan Color had limited popularity compared to other consoles, with lower sales numbers and a smaller market share. It is not as well-known or widely used as some other gaming consoles.
Form factor : Home console.
The Atari 5200 is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The WonderSwan Color is a portable handheld console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and play anywhere.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari 5200
WonderSwan Color
Console markets :
The Atari 5200 was primarily available in North America, with limited availability in some European countries. It was not widely distributed in other regions such as Asia or South America.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari 5200 is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique design and library of classic games contribute to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The WonderSwan Color is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its limited availability and unique library of games contribute to its increasing value in the market.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari 5200 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but may be harder to find compared to more popular retro consoles. Prices can vary.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The WonderSwan Color can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is not as common as more popular consoles, but dedicated collectors can still find units for sale.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The Atari 5200 is considered an average cost console due to its availability on the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on condition and included accessories, making it a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The WonderSwan Color is considered to have a low relative cost due to its limited availability and popularity in the second-hand market. It may be more affordable compared to other games consoles.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari 5200 are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to the console's age and collectible status.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the WonderSwan Color are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's limited release outside of Japan.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Games for the Atari 5200 are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, with a decent selection available. Prices can vary depending on rarity and condition, but overall, they are considered to be of average cost.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Games for the WonderSwan Color are typically priced at an average level. Due to the console's limited availability and niche market, prices can vary but generally fall within a reasonable range for collectors and enthusiasts.


Technology

Atari 5200
WonderSwan Color
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Atari 5200 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for basic graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The WonderSwan Color uses a 16-bit architecture, providing decent graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. While not as powerful as later consoles, it still offers a good gaming experience for retro enthusiasts.
CPU : MOS Technology 6502C
The Atari 5200 uses the MOS Technology 6502C CPU, which was also used in other popular retro gaming consoles. It is a notable CPU for its performance and role in gaming history.
CPU : NEC V30MZ
The WonderSwan Color uses the NEC V30MZ CPU, which is a 16-bit processor known for its efficiency and performance in handling games on this handheld console.
Memory : 16 Kb RAM
The Atari 5200 has 16 Kb of RAM, which was considered a decent amount of memory for gaming consoles of its time. However, compared to modern consoles, it is extremely limited.
Memory : 512 Kb
The WonderSwan Color has 512 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system software. While limited by today's standards, it was sufficient for its time.
Video output : RF and Composite
The Atari 5200 has RF and Composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : Composite
The WonderSwan Color has a composite video output connection, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with a composite input using the appropriate cables.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Atari 5200's hardware specifications are not well-documented, so it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine the specifics of its graphics processing capabilities.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details regarding a dedicated GPU in the WonderSwan Color are not widely documented. Further research may be needed to determine the presence and capabilities of a dedicated GPU.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Atari 5200 is not internet connected. Released in the early 1980s, it predates widespread internet connectivity in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The WonderSwan Color does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It is primarily a standalone handheld gaming device without online capabilities.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari 5200 is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, similar to other consoles of its time.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the WonderSwan Color is cartridge-based. Games are stored on small cartridges that are inserted into the console for gameplay.


Gaming

Atari 5200
WonderSwan Color
Controllers : 4 controllers/players
The Atari 5200 supports up to 4 controllers/players for multiplayer gaming sessions. This allows for competitive or cooperative gameplay experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 1 controller / 1 player
The WonderSwan Color typically supports one controller for single-player gaming. Its design focuses on providing a personal gaming experience rather than multiplayer capabilities on a single console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari 5200 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options or modifications available for online play, but this is not a standard feature of the console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The WonderSwan Color does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party accessories or modifications that could potentially enable online multiplayer functionality.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari 5200 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive in the secondhand market.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the WonderSwan Color were released in moderate numbers, with a decent variety available. While not as abundant as some other consoles, there are still enough options to keep players entertained.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari 5200 has several exclusive and notable games such as
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The WonderSwan Color has several exclusive and notable games such as 'Final Fantasy' titles, 'Gunpey', and 'Guilty Gear Petit'. These games are highly regarded among fans of the console.


When choosing between the Atari 5200 and WonderSwan Color, consider your preference for gaming on a home console or on-the-go. The Atari 5200 offers a more traditional gaming experience with its unique controller and graphics, while the WonderSwan Color provides portable gaming with a diverse game selection. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your gaming style and preferences.