Nintendo Game Boy Pocket vs Nintendo Wii U

The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and Nintendo Wii U are two iconic consoles from different eras of gaming. The Game Boy Pocket, released in 1996, revolutionized portable gaming with its compact design. On the other hand, the Wii U, released in 2012, offered innovative gameplay experiences with its unique GamePad controller.

General information

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Nintendo Wii U
Introduction :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996 as a smaller and lighter version of the original Game Boy. It quickly became popular among gamers for its portability and improved screen visibility. The Game Boy Pocket is considered a classic in the handheld gaming market and is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgic value and iconic library of games.
Introduction :
The Nintendo Wii U was released in 2012 as the successor to the popular Wii console. It featured a unique gamepad controller with a touchscreen, allowing for innovative gameplay experiences. While it did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, the Wii U still has a dedicated fan base and a library of exclusive games. It is considered a classic console by many collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry around.
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Game Boy games.
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Durable design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Advantages :
  • Backward compatibility with Wii games, expanding gaming library options. - GamePad controller offers unique gameplay experiences not found on other consoles. - Off-TV play allows for gaming on the GamePad without using the TV. - Nintendo exclusives like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon provide unique gaming experiences. - Miiverse social platform allows for sharing gameplay experiences with others.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited screen visibility in low light
  • Lack of backlight for screen
  • Short battery life compared to newer consoles
  • Limited color options for display
  • Limited sound quality compared to newer consoles
Disadvantages :
  • Limited third-party support
  • Lack of exclusive titles
  • Underpowered compared to competitors
  • Short battery life for GamePad
  • Discontinued production and lack of future updates
Year launched : 1996
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was launched in 1996, offering a more compact and lightweight version of the original Game Boy, making it easier for gamers to take their favorite games on the go.
Year launched : 2012
The Nintendo Wii U was launched in 2012, offering innovative gameplay features such as the GamePad controller. It aimed to bridge the gap between traditional console gaming and handheld devices.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Game Boy Pocket was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned and iconic company in the gaming industry known for creating popular consoles and games loved by fans worldwide.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Wii U games console, known for its innovative gameplay and family-friendly titles. The Wii U was released as a successor to the popular Wii console.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket had moderate popularity during its release, with a significant number of units sold. It was a popular choice among handheld gaming enthusiasts, but faced competition from other portable consoles.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Nintendo Wii U had relatively low sales compared to other consoles, with a smaller market share. It struggled to compete with other consoles during its time on the market.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is designed as a portable handheld console, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
Form factor : Home console.
The Nintendo Wii U is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Nintendo Wii U
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was widely popular and sold in many countries during its release.
Console markets :
The Nintendo Wii U was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. However, it was not as widely distributed as its predecessor, the Wii.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal and limited availability. It holds value among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
⚪ Collectible : Unknown.
The Nintendo Wii U is starting to gain interest among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, but its value is still uncertain. Nostalgia for the unique features of the console may drive up demand in the future.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Wii U is moderately available in the secondhand market, with a decent selection of pre-owned units. However, new units may be harder to come by as production has ceased.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It can be found at affordable prices for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Nintendo Wii U is low due to being discontinued and overshadowed by newer consoles. Second-hand units are widely available at affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for gamers.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are still available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
While new game releases for the Nintendo Wii U have slowed down, there is still a decent selection available. Additionally, there is a thriving secondhand market for Wii U games.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are relatively inexpensive due to their age and availability in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo Wii U is low due to the console being discontinued and games being readily available in the second-hand market at affordable prices.


Technology

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Nintendo Wii U
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for handheld consoles in the early 1990s. Despite its lower processing power compared to modern consoles, it was highly popular for its time.
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Nintendo Wii U uses a 32-bit architecture. While not as advanced as newer consoles, it still provides decent performance for gaming and multimedia entertainment.
CPU : Sharp LR35902
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses the Sharp LR35902 CPU, which is a modified version of the Zilog Z80 processor. It is a low-power, 8-bit processor known for its efficiency.
CPU : IBM PowerPC multi-core processor
The Nintendo Wii U is powered by a custom IBM PowerPC multi-core processor, providing sufficient processing power for gaming and multimedia tasks on the console.
Memory : 32 Kb
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has 32 Kb of memory, allowing players to save game progress and data. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
Memory : 32 GB
The Nintendo Wii U comes with 32 GB of internal memory, allowing players to store game data, downloadable content, and more without the need for additional storage devices.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to a modern TV that typically uses HDMI inputs.
Video output : HDMI
The Nintendo Wii U has an HDMI output connection, which is commonly used for connecting to modern TVs for high-definition video and audio quality.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about the GPU in the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are not widely documented. Due to the console's age and simplicity, it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U features a dedicated GPU, the AMD Radeon-based GPU, which provides enhanced graphics performance for gaming and multimedia experiences on the console.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
🟢 Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U is internet connected, featuring both Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities for online gaming, streaming services, and accessing the Nintendo eShop for downloadable content.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.
Game media format : Download.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Wii U is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Nintendo eShop onto their console's internal storage or external USB drives.


Gaming

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Nintendo Wii U
Controllers : 1 controller, 1 player
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is a handheld console designed for single-player gaming, with one controller built into the device for solo play on the go.
Controllers : Up to 5 controllers/players
The Nintendo Wii U supports up to 5 players/controllers simultaneously, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences with friends and family. This includes a combination of Wii Remotes, Wii U Pro Controllers, and the GamePad.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may support link cables for local multiplayer, but online multiplayer is not possible.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U allows players to enjoy multiplayer online gaming with friends and other players around the world, offering a variety of online multiplayer options for a more interactive gaming experience.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket were released in physical cartridges, with a decent selection available. While some titles are harder to find now, the secondhand market offers a variety of options for collectors.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Wii U were released steadily, with a mix of popular franchises and unique indie games. While some titles are now harder to find due to the console's discontinuation, many are still available secondhand.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as Pokemon Red and Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U has several exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon. These games are highly regarded by fans and critics alike.


When choosing between the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and Wii U, consider your gaming preferences and nostalgia factor. If you enjoy retro gaming on the go, the Game Boy Pocket is a classic choice. However, if you prefer modern gaming with unique features like the GamePad, the Wii U is a more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and gaming style.