Sega Game Gear vs WonderSwan Color

The Sega Game Gear and the WonderSwan Color are both handheld gaming consoles from the late 90s. The Game Gear was known for its full-color backlit screen and library of Sega classics, while the WonderSwan Color boasted a sleek design and unique games.

General information

Sega Game Gear
WonderSwan Color
Introduction :
The Sega Game Gear was released in 1991 as a handheld gaming console to compete with the Nintendo Game Boy. It featured a full-color screen and a wide range of games, making it popular among gamers. While it was not as successful as the Game Boy, the Sega Game Gear has become a classic and collectible item for retro gaming enthusiasts. It was primarily marketed in North America, Europe, and Japan.
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 :
  • Portable design allows for gaming on the go
  • Color screen provides vibrant graphics
  • Wide variety of game titles available
  • Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
  • Backward compatibility with Master System games
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.
  • Short battery life requiring frequent recharging.
  • Bulky design not as portable as modern handhelds.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Fragile screen prone to scratches and damage.
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 Sega Game Gear was launched in 1990, offering a color screen and a wide range of games. It was a competitor to the Game Boy and was popular for its backlit screen.
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 : Sega
Sega Game Gear was manufactured by Sega, a renowned gaming company known for its innovative consoles and iconic game titles. The Game Gear was a popular handheld console in the early 1990s.
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 : Average.
The Sega Game Gear was moderately popular during its release in the early 1990s, but it faced tough competition from the Nintendo Game Boy. It has a dedicated fan base but did not dominate the market.
🔴 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 : Handheld console.
The Sega Game Gear is a portable handheld console, designed for gaming on the go. It features a compact form factor with a built-in screen and controls for easy transport and play anywhere.
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.
Official website : https://www.sega.com/


Market and availability

Sega Game Gear
WonderSwan Color
Console markets :
The Sega Game Gear was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in all regions, but had a global presence during its release in the early 1990s.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Sega Game Gear is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its nostalgic appeal and limited availability contribute to its value among collectors.
🟢 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 Sega Game Gear is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but also some showing signs of wear and tear. Collectible versions may be harder to find.
🟡 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 : Low.
The Sega Game Gear is considered to have a low relative cost due to its age and limited availability. While it may be affordable on the second-hand market, it is not as widely produced or sought after as newer 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 Sega Game Gear can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, availability may vary and some titles may be more difficult to come by compared to newer consoles.
🟡 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 : Low.
Games for the Sega Game Gear are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and lower demand compared to newer consoles. They can often be found at affordable prices, especially in the second-hand market.
🟡 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

Sega Game Gear
WonderSwan Color
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Sega Game Gear uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common among handheld consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for colorful graphics and entertaining gameplay on the go.
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 : Zilog Z80
The Sega Game Gear uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers. It has a clock speed of 3.58 MHz and is capable of handling 8-bit operations.
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 : 128 Kb
The Sega Game Gear has 128 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and save files. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
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
The Sega Game Gear has composite video output connections, which can be used with an adapter to connect to modern TVs that have composite 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 Sega Game Gear has a dedicated GPU, which contributed to its impressive graphics capabilities for a handheld console of its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and better visual effects.
⚪ 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 : No.
The Sega Game Gear is not internet connected. Released in the early 90s, it predates widespread internet connectivity in gaming consoles, lacking features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
⚪ 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.
Sega Game Gear primarily uses cartridges as the game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play games, similar to other handheld consoles of its time.
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

Sega Game Gear
WonderSwan Color
Controllers : 2
The Sega Game Gear supports multiplayer gaming for up to 2 players using separate controllers. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay experiences on this handheld console.
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 : No.
The Sega Game Gear does not support online multiplayer functionality, as it was released before online gaming became popular. Players can only enjoy multiplayer through local connections.
⚪ 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 : Average.
Game titles for the Sega Game Gear were released in a typical manner for its time, with a decent variety available. Some titles may be harder to find now due to the console's age.
🟡 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 Sega Game Gear has several exclusive and notable games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Shinobi, and Streets of Rage. These games are iconic to the Game Gear and are highly regarded by fans.
🟢 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 Sega Game Gear and the WonderSwan Color comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of Sega games and vibrant colors, the Game Gear may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more compact and stylish handheld with a different selection of games, the WonderSwan Color could be the right choice for you.