Nintendo Game Boy Pocket vs WonderSwan

The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and WonderSwan are both classic handheld gaming consoles from the late 90s. While the Game Boy Pocket is known for its iconic design and extensive game library, the WonderSwan offers a unique vertical orientation and a variety of exclusive titles.

General information

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
WonderSwan
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 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 :
  • 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 :
  • 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 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 game library
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Small screen size
  • Short battery life
  • Limited accessories available
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 : 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 : 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 : 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 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 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 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 : 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.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
WonderSwan
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 :
🟢 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 : 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 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 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 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 : 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 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.
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 : 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 : 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

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
WonderSwan
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 : 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 : 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 : 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 : 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 : 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 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 : 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 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 : 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 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 : 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 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 : 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

Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
WonderSwan
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 : 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 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 : 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 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 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 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 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 Nintendo Game Boy Pocket and WonderSwan, consider your preference for game selection and design. The Game Boy Pocket is a solid choice for nostalgia and a wide range of games, while the WonderSwan offers a different gaming experience with its unique form factor and exclusive titles.