8 Handheld Consoles That Competed With Nintendo and How Each One Fared

4. WonderSwan Color (2000) - Bandai's Japanese Success Story

Bandai's WonderSwan Color achieved something most Nintendo competitors couldn't – genuine success in the Japanese market, where it captured approximately 8% of the handheld market share at its peak. Designed by Gunpei Yokoi, the creator of Nintendo's Game Boy, the WonderSwan series represented a masterclass in efficient engineering and strategic game development. The system featured an innovative design that could be played in both horizontal and vertical orientations, with controls positioned to accommodate both configurations seamlessly. This unique feature was particularly well-suited for puzzle games and certain RPGs, providing gameplay experiences that weren't possible on other handhelds. The WonderSwan Color's success was built on Bandai's strategic licensing of popular anime and manga properties, including "Digimon," "Mobile Suit Gundam," and most importantly, "Final Fantasy" games. Square Enix developed several exclusive Final Fantasy titles for the platform, including remakes of the first two games and original entries like "Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles." These high-profile exclusives gave the WonderSwan Color a compelling software library that appealed directly to Japanese gaming preferences. The system also boasted impressive battery life, lasting up to 30 hours on a single AA battery, and featured a crisp color screen that was easy to view in various lighting conditions. However, Bandai never attempted to bring the WonderSwan Color to international markets, limiting its impact to Japan. The company cited concerns about competing with Nintendo's established global presence and the costs associated with international marketing and distribution. The WonderSwan Color was discontinued in 2003 after selling approximately 3.5 million units, representing a rare example of a successful regional challenge to Nintendo's handheld dominance.