Atari Lynx vs WonderSwan
Please select two different options.
The Atari Lynx and WonderSwan were both handheld gaming consoles released in the early 1990s. The Atari Lynx boasted color graphics and multiplayer capabilities, while the WonderSwan offered a unique vertical orientation and longer battery life.
General information
Atari Lynx
WonderSwan
Introduction :
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
Introduction :
The WonderSwan was a handheld game console released by Bandai in 1999 in Japan. It featured a monochrome screen and a unique vertical design, making it stand out among other handheld consoles of its time. While it was not as popular as other handhelds like the Game Boy, the WonderSwan has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic in the gaming community.
The WonderSwan was a handheld game console released by Bandai in 1999 in Japan. It featured a monochrome screen and a unique vertical design, making it stand out among other handheld consoles of its time. While it was not as popular as other handhelds like the Game Boy, the WonderSwan has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic in the gaming community.
Advantages :
- Portable design allows for gaming on the go
- Color LCD screen provides vibrant graphics
- Multiplayer capabilities for shared gaming experiences
- Wide variety of game genres available
- Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
Advantages :
- Portable design makes it easy to game on the go
- Unique vertical orientation for a different gaming experience
- Long battery life for extended play sessions
- Wide variety of games available, including popular franchises
- Affordable price point compared to other handheld consoles
Disadvantages :
- Bulky design may not appeal to modern gamers.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Short battery life hinders portability.
- Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library
- Lack of third-party support
- Small screen size
- Short battery life
- Limited accessories available
Year launched : 1989
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Year launched : 1999
The WonderSwan was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a monochrome screen. Despite facing tough competition, it gained popularity in Japan and had a variety of game titles.
The WonderSwan was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a monochrome screen. Despite facing tough competition, it gained popularity in Japan and had a variety of game titles.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Manufacturer : Bandai
Bandai, a Japanese toy and video game company, manufactured the WonderSwan handheld gaming console. Known for its unique design and library of games, the WonderSwan was a popular choice among gamers.
Bandai, a Japanese toy and video game company, manufactured the WonderSwan handheld gaming console. Known for its unique design and library of games, the WonderSwan was a popular choice among gamers.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The WonderSwan had limited popularity compared to other consoles, with lower sales numbers and a smaller market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
The WonderSwan had limited popularity compared to other consoles, with lower sales numbers and a smaller market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The WonderSwan is a portable handheld console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact form factor allows for easy transport and gameplay anywhere, making it ideal for travel or commutes.
The WonderSwan is a portable handheld console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact form factor allows for easy transport and gameplay anywhere, making it ideal for travel or commutes.
Official website :
https://www.atari.com/
Official website :
https://www.bandainamcoent.com/
Market and availability
Atari Lynx
WonderSwan
Console markets :
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The WonderSwan is considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Its popularity among collectors and nostalgic gamers has driven up its value in recent years.
The WonderSwan is considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Its popularity among collectors and nostalgic gamers has driven up its value in recent years.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The WonderSwan can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability may vary depending on the region. It is considered a collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The WonderSwan can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability may vary depending on the region. It is considered a collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The WonderSwan can vary in price depending on its condition and availability. It is considered an average cost console compared to other options on the market, with prices influenced by its rarity.
The WonderSwan can vary in price depending on its condition and availability. It is considered an average cost console compared to other options on the market, with prices influenced by its rarity.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the WonderSwan can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited release outside of Japan.
Games for the WonderSwan can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited release outside of Japan.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the WonderSwan is average. While some games may be more affordable due to lower demand, others may be harder to find and therefore more expensive on the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the WonderSwan is average. While some games may be more affordable due to lower demand, others may be harder to find and therefore more expensive on the second-hand market.
Technology
Atari Lynx
WonderSwan
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The WonderSwan uses a 16-bit architecture, providing decent graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. While not as powerful as later consoles, it still offered a good gaming experience.
The WonderSwan uses a 16-bit architecture, providing decent graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. While not as powerful as later consoles, it still offered a good gaming experience.
CPU : 65C02
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
CPU : NEC V30MZ
The WonderSwan uses the NEC V30MZ CPU, which is a 16-bit processor known for its efficiency and performance in handling games on this handheld console.
The WonderSwan 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 : 64 Kb
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
Memory : 256 Kb
The WonderSwan has 256 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system operations. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
The WonderSwan has 256 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system operations. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
Video output : Composite
The WonderSwan has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the appropriate adapters.
The WonderSwan has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the appropriate adapters.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the WonderSwan are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence and capabilities of a dedicated GPU in this console.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the WonderSwan are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence and capabilities of a dedicated GPU in this console.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The WonderSwan's internet connectivity is unknown. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities mentioned in its specifications.
The WonderSwan's internet connectivity is unknown. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities mentioned in its specifications.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The WonderSwan primarily uses game cartridges as its game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, making it a convenient and portable gaming device.
The WonderSwan primarily uses game cartridges as its game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, making it a convenient and portable gaming device.
Gaming
Atari Lynx
WonderSwan
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers / players
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 1 controller / 1 player
The WonderSwan typically supports one controller for single-player gameplay. It does not have built-in multiplayer capabilities, requiring additional consoles and copies of the game for multiplayer experiences.
The WonderSwan typically supports one controller for single-player gameplay. It does not have built-in multiplayer capabilities, requiring additional consoles and copies of the game for multiplayer experiences.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The WonderSwan's online multiplayer capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supported online play. Further research may be needed to determine its multiplayer functionality.
The WonderSwan's online multiplayer capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supported online play. Further research may be needed to determine its multiplayer functionality.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the WonderSwan were released in a decent manner, with a variety of popular titles available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding certain titles may be more challenging.
Game titles for the WonderSwan were released in a decent manner, with a variety of popular titles available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding certain titles may be more challenging.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The WonderSwan has notable exclusive games such as 'Final Fantasy' titles, 'Gunpey', and 'Rhyme Rider Kerorican'. These games are iconic within the WonderSwan community.
The WonderSwan has notable exclusive games such as 'Final Fantasy' titles, 'Gunpey', and 'Rhyme Rider Kerorican'. These games are iconic within the WonderSwan community.
Ultimately, choosing between the Atari Lynx and WonderSwan depends on your priorities. If you value color graphics and multiplayer features, the Lynx may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a longer battery life and a unique design, the WonderSwan could be the ideal console for you. Consider your gaming preferences carefully before making a decision.