About the Watara Supervision Handheld Game Console (QuickShot Supervision)

Let’s talk about the Watara Supervision, also known as the QuickShot Supervision in some markets. This handheld console might not have become a household name like the Game Boy, but it has an interesting story and its own place in the pantheon of portable gaming devices.

Release Date

The Watara Supervision was launched in 1992 by Watara, a Hong Kong-based company. It aimed to offer an affordable alternative to the Nintendo Game Boy, which was dominating the market at the time.

Overall Popularity

In terms of popularity, the Supervision was more of a niche product. It didn’t manage to capture a significant market share or achieve the legendary status of the Game Boy. However, it found a modest audience, particularly among budget-conscious consumers and in markets where the Game Boy was less accessible due to its higher price.

Technical Details

Let’s dive into the technical specifications of the Watara Supervision to understand what made it tick:

• Display: The Supervision featured a 3.0-inch reflective monochrome LCD screen with a resolution of 160×160 pixels. Like the Game Boy, it required adequate lighting to see the screen properly.
• Processor: The console was powered by an 8-bit NEC 780C CPU, running at 4 MHz. This provided sufficient performance for the types of games it supported.
• Memory: It had 8 KB of RAM, which was reasonable for the basic games it ran.
• Power: The Supervision required four AA batteries, which provided approximately 12-16 hours of gameplay, making it quite efficient compared to some of its contemporaries.
• Sound: The audio capabilities were basic, featuring a simple speaker that produced monophonic sound. It wasn’t exactly symphonic, but it added to the overall gaming experience.

The Company Behind the Magic: Watara

Watara was a relatively obscure electronics manufacturer based in Hong Kong. The company specialized in producing affordable consumer electronics, including calculators and digital watches, before venturing into the gaming market with the Supervision. Their goal was to provide a low-cost alternative to the Game Boy, leveraging their expertise in cost-effective manufacturing.

Other Noteworthy Tidbits

• Game Library: The Supervision had a library of around 60-70 games, spanning various genres such as action, puzzle, sports, and adventure. Some notable titles included “Crystball,” “Challenger Tank,” and “Hash Blocks.” While the library was not as extensive or diverse as the Game Boy’s, it offered decent variety for players.
• Design: The Supervision had a simple, functional design. The original model featured a D-pad on the left, two action buttons on the right, and a small speaker grill. One unique aspect was the ability to tilt the screen for a better viewing angle, which was an innovative feature at the time.
• Interchangeable Cartridges: Like other handhelds of the era, the Supervision used interchangeable game cartridges, making it easy for players to swap out games. The cartridges were relatively small and easy to handle.
• Distribution: In the United States and Europe, the Supervision was distributed by different companies under various names, including the QuickShot Supervision. This helped it gain some traction in Western markets, albeit limited.

Fun Facts

• Name Variations: Depending on the region and distributor, the Supervision was sold under different names. The QuickShot brand, for example, was used in the United States and Europe, attempting to leverage the popularity of QuickShot joysticks and peripherals.
• Price Point: One of the Supervision’s main selling points was its affordability. It was significantly cheaper than the Game Boy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
• Collector’s Item: Today, the Supervision is a niche collector’s item. Finding a working unit, along with its game cartridges, can be an exciting challenge for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Wrapping It Up

The Watara Supervision was an ambitious effort to offer a budget-friendly alternative to the Nintendo Game Boy. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial success, it provided a unique and affordable gaming experience for those who couldn’t afford the more expensive options. Its technical specs, game library, and innovative design features make it a fascinating piece of retro gaming history. So, if you ever stumble upon a Supervision at a flea market or in a vintage electronics store, consider giving it a go. You might just appreciate the quirky charm and simplicity of this underdog console. In the grand saga of handheld gaming, the Watara Supervision stands as a testament to the era’s spirit of innovation and competition.