A Trip Down Memory Card Lane Ep.236 – The Wonders of the Swan: Bandai's Handheld Journey
In 1999, Bandai entered the handheld arena with the WonderSwan, a sleek and affordable console designed by legendary Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi. In this episode, we explore how Yokoi’s philosophy of “lateral thinking with withered technology” shaped the WonderSwan’s efficient design, long battery life, and unique vertical-and-horizontal gameplay. We trace Bandai’s journey from toy manufacturer to console contender, the system’s evolution through the WonderSwan Color and SwanCrystal, and its library featuring Final Fantasy, Digimon, and Gundam titles. Our conversation also reflects on Yokoi’s lasting legacy and how the WonderSwan became his final gift to gaming. Join us as we power on and rediscover the WonderSwan on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.