WonderSwan

The WonderSwan was a handheld game console released in Japan by Bandai in 1999, designed to compete with the market leader Nintendo Game Boy Colour and the SNK Neo-Geo Pocket Colour .

The console featured a fairly large library of games (most in Japanese), including titles such as Super Robot Taisen Compact, BeatMania, Digimon Adventure: Anode Tamer and Macross: True Love Song. Units could be played both vertically and horizontally and were available in ten case colours.

The WonderSwan was replaced the following year by the WonderSwan Colour , with some of the new consoles games playable on the the original system.

Specifications

Processor

• 16-bit NEC V30 MZ processor at 3.072 MHz

Video

• FSTN reflective LCD
• Resolution: 224 x 144 pixels
• 2.49 inch diagonal
• Display performance:
  • Maximum 512 characters per layer
  • Maximum 128 sprites (32 on one horizontal line)
  • Two screens (overlay possible)
  • Screen windows
  • Sprite windows
• Graphics:
  • 8-shade monochrome in the dot matrix section and six icons at the static section

Sound

• 4-channel digital stereo sound
• Built-in mono speaker or optional headphones with stereo adapter

Connecting Ports

• Link Port
• Stereo Jack
• Cartridge port

Cartridge Capacity

• ROM and/or RAM - maximum 128 Mbit

Other Features

• Built-in EEPROM and 1Kbit RAM for backing up game data
• Can be played holding the unit vertically or horizontally
• Several levels of energy-saving control

Power

• 1 AA battery or rechargeable pack, ~30-40 hours playtime

Size

• 74.3 mm x 121 mm x 24.3 mm

Weight

• 93g (without battery) 110g (with battery)