WonderSwan Color, Final Fantasy launch in Japan

[12.11.00] » Lines around the block, a shortage of systems...Sound familiar?

   Bandai's new color handheld was released this Saturday in Japan, with Square's update of the first Final Fantasy in tow. Eager gamers began lining up the night before in Tokyo's Akihabara district, hoping to get their hands on the new system. The WonderSwan Color itself retails for 6800 yen (around $60). The real draw, however, was the limited edition Final Fantasy package, which puts together a special version of the system and Square's retooled port for a mere 9999 yen (around $90). By morning, some stores boasted lines of over 400 people and the systems quickly sold out .

   Although supposedly confirmed for the US, there has still been no official date for an American release of the WonderSwan Color. Considering Bandai hasn't commented on it since this September's ECTS, it seems increasingly possible they have given up their plans to bring it stateside. Hopefully, healthy sales in Japan will convince them otherwise.

   Look for full impressions of Final Fantasy and the WonderSwan Color from the GIA soon.