Neo Geo Pocket vs WonderSwan

The Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan were both handheld gaming consoles released in the late 1990s, offering unique gaming experiences to players. The Neo Geo Pocket boasted a color screen and a strong lineup of arcade ports, while the WonderSwan featured a unique vertical orientation and a diverse library of games.

General information

Neo Geo Pocket
WonderSwan
Introduction :
The Neo Geo Pocket was a handheld gaming console released by SNK in 1998. It was known for its high-quality graphics and arcade-style games. While it was not as popular as other handheld consoles at the time, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console featured a unique click-stick for precise controls and had a short lifespan before being discontinued in 1999. It has become a sought-after collectible for gaming collectors.
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 :
  • Portable and compact design makes it easy to take on-the-go.
  • High-quality graphics and sound for an immersive gaming experience.
  • Impressive library of games available, including popular titles.
  • Long battery life allows for extended gaming sessions.
  • Durable construction ensures longevity and reliability.
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 game library
  • Small screen size
  • Lack of backlight
  • Short battery life
  • Limited multiplayer options
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Small screen size
  • Short battery life
  • Limited accessories available
Year launched : 1999
The Neo Geo Pocket was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a focus on arcade-style games. Despite its short lifespan, it gained a dedicated fan base.
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 : SNK
SNK, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to the handheld gaming market with this console.
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 : Low.
The Neo Geo Pocket had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market and sold fewer units, making it less well-known among gamers.
🔴 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 : Handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket is designed as a portable console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size and battery-powered operation cater to on-the-go gaming experiences.
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

Neo Geo Pocket
WonderSwan
Console markets :
The Neo Geo Pocket was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in other regions such as Europe and Asia through importation or specialty retailers.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Collectors and fans of classic handheld consoles are seeking out these devices, increasing their value.
🟢 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 Neo Geo Pocket can be found secondhand fairly easily, but new units are rare. Collectors may have better luck finding limited edition models or bundles in good condition.
🟡 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 : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket is considered to have an average cost in the market. While it may not be as expensive as some rare consoles, it is also not as affordable as more common options.
🟡 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 Neo Geo Pocket can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by, but there is a decent selection available 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.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can vary in price, with some titles being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. Overall, the cost of games for this console is considered average.
🟡 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

Neo Geo Pocket
WonderSwan
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a decent level of performance for its time. This allowed for smooth gameplay and graphics on the handheld console.
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 : Toshiba TLCS900H core
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for gaming experiences on this handheld console.
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 : 16 Kb
The Neo Geo Pocket has 16 Kb of memory, which was sufficient for storing game data and save files for the handheld console's library of games.
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 : Composite
The Neo Geo Pocket only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
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 : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket has a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its games. This feature contributes to the overall gaming experience on this handheld console.
⚪ 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 : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or WiFi for online connectivity.
⚪ 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 Neo Geo Pocket is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.
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

Neo Geo Pocket
WonderSwan
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Neo Geo Pocket allows for two players to connect and play simultaneously using two controllers. This enables multiplayer gaming experiences and competitive gameplay on the 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.
🔴 Online multiplayer : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer gaming is limited to local connections between consoles.
⚪ 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 Neo Geo Pocket were released consistently during its time on the market, but due to its limited popularity, finding games today can be a bit challenging. However, dedicated collectors can still find a decent selection available for purchase.
🟡 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 Neo Geo Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'King of Fighters R-1', 'Metal Slug: 1st Mission', and 'SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium'.
🟢 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.


Ultimately, the choice between the Neo Geo Pocket and WonderSwan comes down to personal preference in terms of game selection and design. Both consoles have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider what type of games and features are most important to you as a gamer before making a decision.