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)