User Tools

Site Tools


wswan:tutorial:testing_hardware

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision
Previous revision
wswan:tutorial:testing_hardware [2026/01/03 09:10] – [Flash cartridge] asiewswan:tutorial:testing_hardware [2026/01/31 06:19] (current) asie
Line 18: Line 18:
   * **WonderSwan** (mono) - it cannot run WSC-exclusive software, but it is the cheapest of the models.   * **WonderSwan** (mono) - it cannot run WSC-exclusive software, but it is the cheapest of the models.
     * Notably, the original Swan's FSTN display has a different gamma compared to the color-capable models, including in compatibility mode! If you don't own this model, you can use an emulator to compare the reproduction of grey shades.     * Notably, the original Swan's FSTN display has a different gamma compared to the color-capable models, including in compatibility mode! If you don't own this model, you can use an emulator to compare the reproduction of grey shades.
 +  * **Pocket Challenge V2** - it's a mono WonderSwan from Benesse!
 +    * Downside: It doesn't actually run WS software, because they expect input buttons to be in different places.
 +    * Upside: That's the only incompatibility, and it's //cheap//.
  
 In addition, for capturing footage from real hardware, you may be interested in a consolizer mod, which turns an existing WonderSwan Color system into a headless device with HDMI output. The [[https://github.com/zwenergy/swancolorHD|swancolorHD]] is open source design for DIY builders; [[https://shop.retro-protect.com/|RETRO PROTECT]] sells prebuilt units in Japan under the WSCHD brand. In addition, for capturing footage from real hardware, you may be interested in a consolizer mod, which turns an existing WonderSwan Color system into a headless device with HDMI output. The [[https://github.com/zwenergy/swancolorHD|swancolorHD]] is open source design for DIY builders; [[https://shop.retro-protect.com/|RETRO PROTECT]] sells prebuilt units in Japan under the WSCHD brand.
Line 27: Line 30:
 === nileswan === === nileswan ===
  
-The [[https://49bitcat.com/products/nileswan/|nileswan]] is a flash cartridge created by 49bitcat, providing 128 megabits (16 megabytes) of ROM space and 512 kilobytes of save RAM. It also includes extensive functionality+The [[https://49bitcat.com/products/nileswan/|nileswan]] is a flash cartridge created by 49bitcat, providing 128 megabits (16 megabytes) of ROM space and 512 kilobytes of save RAM. It also includes extensive developer-specific functionality, such as loading software from USB or the ability to use it as a debug serial port.
  
 This cartridge is available for 85 EUR (~$100) new when in stock. This cartridge is available for 85 EUR (~$100) new when in stock.
Line 76: Line 79:
  
   * **RetroOnyx's Wonderswan eInk Flash Cart** - it has been in a state of "collecting interest" for years; to my knowledge, there are no plans for any release at this time.   * **RetroOnyx's Wonderswan eInk Flash Cart** - it has been in a state of "collecting interest" for years; to my knowledge, there are no plans for any release at this time.
-  * **WonderMagic Color** - the only unofficial flash cartridge for the system contemporary to its lifespan; very dated by today's standards. In case you run into one, a copy of the PC flashing software is archived [[https://mega.nz/file/yw1lgTCJ#2-kOdqdZkmo-V1nBU9U_rx7iefz1nmJqj5t-IbJVExI|here]].+  * **WonderMagic Color** - the only unofficial flash cartridge for the system contemporary to its lifespan; very dated by today's standards. Typically seen in a 32 megabit (4MB) variant. In case you run into one, a copy of the PC flashing software is archived [[https://mega.nz/file/yw1lgTCJ#2-kOdqdZkmo-V1nBU9U_rx7iefz1nmJqj5t-IbJVExI|here]].
  
 ===== Optional hardware ===== ===== Optional hardware =====
wswan/tutorial/testing_hardware.1767431448.txt.gz · Last modified: by asie