Neo Geo vs WonderSwan Color

The Neo Geo and WonderSwan Color are two iconic gaming consoles from the past that catered to different audiences. The Neo Geo was known for its powerful hardware and arcade-quality games, while the WonderSwan Color offered a portable and affordable gaming experience.

General information

Neo Geo
WonderSwan Color
Introduction :
The Neo Geo was a revolutionary games console released in 1990 by SNK Corporation. Known for its advanced graphics and arcade-quality games, the Neo Geo quickly gained popularity among hardcore gamers and in arcades. It was primarily marketed in Japan and North America. The console has since become a classic and highly collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts, with a strong library of iconic titles such as Metal Slug and King of Fighters.
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 :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • High-quality arcade ports
  • Unique controller design
  • Impressive graphics and sound capabilities
  • Durable and long-lasting hardware
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 newer consoles.
  • Expensive games and accessories due to rarity.
  • Bulky and heavy design may be inconvenient for some users.
  • Limited multimedia capabilities compared to modern consoles.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
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 : 1990
The Neo Geo was launched in 1990, offering arcade-quality games at home. It quickly gained a reputation for its powerful hardware and high-quality game library, making it a favorite among serious gamers.
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 : SNK
SNK Corporation, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo games console. Known for its high-quality arcade games, SNK created the Neo Geo as a home console for arcade-quality gaming experiences.
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 Neo Geo had a relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market due to its high price point and focus on arcade-quality games, limiting its widespread appeal.
🔴 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 Neo Geo console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or gaming area for extended play sessions on a TV screen.
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.


Market and availability

Neo Geo
WonderSwan Color
Console markets :
The Neo Geo console was primarily available in Japan and North America, with limited availability in Europe and other regions. It was popular among arcade enthusiasts and collectors due to its high-quality games.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique games library and historical significance in the gaming industry. Its limited availability and high price point make it a valuable retro console.
🟢 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 Neo Geo console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible and harder to find. New units are rare and may be more expensive to acquire.
🟡 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 : High.
The relative cost of the Neo Geo is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. It is sought after in the second-hand market, leading to higher prices compared to other older consoles.
🟢 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 Neo Geo can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles may be harder to come by, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 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 : High.
Neo Geo games are relatively expensive due to their rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary, but they are generally considered high compared to other games consoles.
🟡 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

Neo Geo
WonderSwan Color
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo games console uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for a wide range of visually impressive games to be developed.
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 : 68000
The Neo Geo games console uses a Motorola 68000 CPU, known for its performance and efficiency in handling complex gaming processes. This processor was a popular choice for many gaming systems in the 1990s.
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 : 56 Kb
The Neo Geo games console has 56 Kb of memory, which was considered quite impressive for its time, allowing for high-quality graphics and gameplay in its games.
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 : Composite and Component
The Neo Geo console only has composite and component video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI 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 : Yes.
The Neo Geo has a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to its impressive graphics capabilities, providing a smooth gaming experience with detailed visuals.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The Neo Geo console does not have built-in internet connectivity. It was released before online gaming became popular, so it lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online gaming.
⚪ 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 Neo Geo console is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play the games.
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

Neo Geo
WonderSwan Color
Controllers : 2-4 controllers
Older consoles like the Neo Geo typically supported 2-4 wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Newer consoles may offer wireless controllers and support for more players, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
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 Neo Geo's multiplayer online capabilities are not well-documented, and it is unclear if it supports online multiplayer functionality. Further research may be needed to determine this feature.
⚪ 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 : Good.
Neo Geo game titles were released on cartridges, which are still highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. The secondhand market for Neo Geo games remains strong.
🟡 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 Neo Geo has a range of exclusive and iconic games such as Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and The King of Fighters series, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
🟢 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.


Ultimately, the choice between the Neo Geo and WonderSwan Color comes down to personal preference. If you value high-quality graphics and a diverse game library, the Neo Geo may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize portability and affordability, the WonderSwan Color could be the perfect choice for you. Consider your gaming preferences and needs before making a decision.