Watara Supervision

The Watara Supervision is a handheld video game console developed and manufactured by the Taiwanese company Watara in 1992.

1. Development and Introduction: The Watara Supervision was introduced as a competitor to the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Game Gear in the handheld gaming market. It was designed to offer a more affordable alternative to these established handheld consoles while still providing a color screen and a library of games.

2. Hardware: The Watara Supervision featured an 8-bit CPU and a 3.25-inch LCD screen capable of displaying four shades of grayscale. It had a cartridge slot for games and other software, as well as built-in controls including a directional pad, action buttons, and start/select buttons. The console was powered by AA batteries and also had an AC adapter option.

3. Software and Games: The Watara Supervision had a library of games developed specifically for the system, including original titles and ports of arcade and console games. The games ranged from action and platformers to puzzle and sports titles. While the Supervision's game library was not as extensive as those of its competitors, it offered a variety of gaming experiences for players.

4. Reception and Sales: The Watara Supervision received mixed reviews from critics and consumers. While it was praised for its color screen and affordable price, it faced tough competition from the established Game Boy and Game Gear consoles, which had larger game libraries and stronger brand recognition. The Supervision struggled to gain traction in the market and ultimately had limited commercial success.

5. Legacy: The Watara Supervision is remembered as an interesting footnote in the history of handheld gaming consoles. While it did not achieve the same level of success as its competitors, it offered a viable alternative for budget-conscious consumers looking for a color handheld gaming experience. The Supervision's relatively short lifespan and limited game library have made it a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.

6. Discontinuation: Watara discontinued the Supervision in the mid-1990s as they shifted their focus to other products and markets. The console remains a nostalgic piece of gaming history for those who owned and played it during its brief time on the market.

In summary, the Watara Supervision was a handheld gaming console released in the early 1990s as a competitor to the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Game Gear. While it offered a color screen and a variety of games at an affordable price, it struggled to compete with its more established rivals and ultimately had limited success in the market.