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Wonder Swan

WonderSwan
WonderSwan logo text.png
WonderSwan-Black-Left.jpg
WonderSwan-Color-Blue-Left.jpg
SwanCrystal-Wine-Left.jpg
Top: WonderSwan
Middle:
WonderSwan Color
Bottom:
SwanCrystal
Manufacturer Bandai
Type Handheld game console
Generation Fifth generation
Release date WonderSwan:
  • JP: March 4, 1999
WonderSwan Color:
  • JP: December 9, 2000
SwanCrystal:
  • JP: July 12, 2002
Retail availability 1999–2003
Introductory price JP¥4,800 (WonderSwan)
JP¥6,800 (WonderSwan Color)
JP¥7,800 (SwanCrystal)
Discontinued 2003
Units sold 3.50 million (combined)
1.55 million (WonderSwan)
1.1 million (WonderSwan Color)
Media ROM cartridge
CPU NEC V20
Memory 512 kbit (64 KB) RAM
Display FSTN (WonderSwan, WonderSwan Color)
TFT LCD (SwanCrystal)
224 × 144
Sound 4 PCM channels
Power 1 × AA battery
40 hours (WonderSwan)
20 hours (WonderSwan Color)
15 hours (SwanCrystal)
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Digimon virtual pet

The WonderSwan (ワンダースワン, WandāSuwan?) is a handheld game console released in Japan by Bandai. It was developed by Gunpei Yokoi's company Koto Laboratory and Bandai. Released in 1999 in the fifth generation of video game consoles, the WonderSwan and its two later models, the WonderSwan Color and SwanCrystal were officially supported until being discontinued by Bandai in 2003. During its lifespan, no variation of the WonderSwan was released outside Japan.

Powered by a 16-bit central processing unit, the WonderSwan took advantage of a low price point and long battery life in comparison to its competition, Nintendo's Game Boy Color and SNK's Neo Geo Pocket Color. Later improvements took advantage of quality upgrades to the handheld's screen and added color. The WonderSwan is playable both vertically and horizontally, and features a unique library of games, including numerous first-party titles based on licensed anime properties, as well as significant third-party support from Square, Namco, and Taito.

Overall, the WonderSwan in all its variations combined to sell an estimated 3.5 million units and managed to obtain as much as 8% of the Japanese handheld video game console market before being marginalized by Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. Retrospective feedback praises the potential of the WonderSwan despite its low sales and its brief time holding its own against Nintendo in the marketplace.


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