WonderSwan Color US release still a possibility

[02.11.01] » Bandai considering an American release for the handheld.

   As part of their quarterly earnings report, Bandai once again hinted at a possible U.S. release for their handheld system, the WonderSwan Color. At last September's ECTS, the company announced their intention to bring the system to America and Europe but has been quiet on the subject ever since.

   Bandai also announced a one billion dollar loss for the quarter, pointing to slow sales of the last generation monochrome WonderSwan and a lack of the needed LCD screens for the new system. However, sales of the WSC, buoyed by Square's Final Fantasy remake, have been brisk in Japan and the company forecasts an install base of three million units by March.

   Though it seemed as if impending competition from Nintendo's Game Boy Advance had warned Bandai off the foreign market, U.S. and European launchs may still be in the works. While it is unlikely the WSC would be any real threat to the GBA, Square's support for the system would guarantee it at least a strong niche following.

   Square has announced their desire to support the GBA as well, but if Nintendo President Hiroshi Yamauchi has his way, the developer may very well remain a WSC exclusive. The WSC's chances of survival outside Japan may just depend on that factor.