Mattel Intellivision vs WonderSwan

The Mattel Intellivision and WonderSwan are two classic gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision, released in the late 1970s, was known for its innovative controllers and a wide range of game titles. On the other hand, the WonderSwan, released in the late 1990s, was a handheld console developed by Bandai with a focus on portability and a unique vertical orientation for gameplay.

General information

Mattel Intellivision
WonderSwan
Introduction :
The Mattel Intellivision was released in 1979 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in the early 1980s. It featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and was known for its innovative graphics and gameplay. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It is now a sought-after collectible for many gamers.
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.
Advantages :
  • Intellivision offers a unique retro gaming experience for enthusiasts.
  • It has a diverse library of classic games to choose from.
  • The console’s controllers are innovative and ergonomic for comfortable gameplay.
  • Intellivision has a strong nostalgic appeal for those who grew up with it.
  • It is a collector’s item with a historical significance in gaming.
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 :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Outdated controller design and functionality.
  • Lack of modern features such as streaming services.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Small screen size
  • Short battery life
  • Limited accessories available
Year launched : 1979
The Mattel Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and innovative gaming experience compared to other consoles of the time. It was a significant addition to the gaming market.
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.
Manufacturer : Mattel
Mattel Intellivision was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel. It was one of the early competitors to Atari in the video game console market during the early 1980s.
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.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Mattel Intellivision was moderately popular during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like the Atari 2600. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🔴 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.
Form factor : Home console.
The Mattel Intellivision is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not a portable unit and is intended for use in a stationary setting.
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.


Market and availability

Mattel Intellivision
WonderSwan
Console markets :
The Mattel Intellivision was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in other regions, making it a popular choice among gamers in these specific markets.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Mattel Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the unique design make it sought after by 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Mattel Intellivision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible. New units are rare but can be found through specialized retailers or online platforms.
🟡 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.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Mattel Intellivision is low due to its age and limited availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for 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.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Mattel Intellivision can be found through secondhand markets and online auctions. While not as readily available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 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.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Mattel Intellivision is average. While some games may be more expensive due to rarity or popularity, there are also 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.


Technology

Mattel Intellivision
WonderSwan
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Mattel Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. While limited by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time.
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.
CPU : General Instrument CP1610
The Mattel Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which was a unique microprocessor designed specifically for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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.
Memory : Less than 1 MB
The Mattel Intellivision has less than 1 MB of memory, which was sufficient for the games of its time but is significantly less than modern consoles.
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.
Video output : RF
The Mattel Intellivision console typically has an RF connection for video output, which may require an RF to HDMI converter to connect to modern TVs.
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.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the Mattel Intellivision are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence or absence of a dedicated GPU.
⚪ 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.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online gaming capabilities are not supported on this system.
⚪ 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.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Mattel Intellivision is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gameplay 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.


Gaming

Mattel Intellivision
WonderSwan
Controllers : Up to 4 controllers/players
The Mattel Intellivision supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console, allowing for a fun and competitive gaming experience with friends and family.
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.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in the 1980s and does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party modifications or emulators that enable online multiplayer functionality.
⚪ 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.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Mattel Intellivision were released in a standard manner, with a decent variety available. However, finding specific titles today may require some effort due to the console's age.
🟡 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.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Mattel Intellivision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and Tron: Deadly Discs. These games are considered classics in the gaming community.
🟢 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.


When choosing between the Mattel Intellivision and WonderSwan, consider your gaming preferences and nostalgia factor. If you enjoy retro gaming with a variety of classic titles, the Intellivision might be the right choice. However, if you prefer portable gaming with a unique design, the WonderSwan could be the better option. Ultimately, both consoles offer a piece of gaming history worth exploring.