There was a lot of fuss over Panic’s little handheld “Playdate” console when it was released nearly three years ago. I liked the idea but it was expensive and it seemed to be the subject of constant shipping delays, supply limitations, and other weird issues.
But in an update back in November they said that their new factory was coming online and they should be able to start shipping again, so they were taking orders once more.
I’m also on a bit of a retro gaming spree, and increasingly using disconnected devices that don’t track my every move.
And finally, I had some … this will sound silly but it’s true … spare spending money that had a deadline to spend, so I bit the bullet and made an order. (I would not have done it if I didn’t have this cash almost-literally burning in my pocket!)
And yes, it was a long wait with another shipping delay, but last Monday it did finally arrive, and I want to tell you about it.
Hardware
The Playdate is small, but not so small as to be hard to use. Definitely “pocket sized” and I can see myself carrying it around.
It’s a well made device and the crank is actually a really fun addition.
The lack of backlight is annoying, as all the reviews say, but the screen is beautiful and games have really nicely embraced the limitation of it being 1-bit (black and white only). There’s some amazing art on this thing.
The battery life is amazing – with some good daily use I would only have to charge it a couple of times a week.
The hardware is just cute, fun and well done and I’ve become quite attached to mine already.
Software
The software is so fun too. There an great animated intro when you first turn it on. The UI is simple and easy to use.
The games so far have been really good too. I’ve only got the first two games from the “season” (where two new games are added to your device every week for 12 weeks after you start it up), but they are both great and very different.
I’ve completed a little adventure game called “Eyeland” which was easy, but cute. And I got some free games to make up for the shipping delays – one of which isn’t so good, but the other two are clever little things.
And I’m totally addicted to Root Bear which has lived up to the hype of excellence in graphics, sound design and gameplay. Must! Beat! High! Score!!!!
I also got it because I know you can make your own games for it, and I’m already thinking about that.
Value
Let’s be clear, I’m not sure the PlayDate represents good “value”. I think others have agreed with this too in reviews.
If you look at the tech specs, you really aren’t getting much (a 1-bit display, no backlight, a 168MHz CPU, 16MB RAM (yes, MB!), 4GB storage).
BUT… when you think about the fact that it includes the whole of the 24 seasons 1 games, perhaps it actually is? If those games were, say, $3 each, that would total $72, meaning you’re only paying $127 for the console. Is that so bad? You just have to accept that you MUST have those 24 games.
And it’s a real triumph of design. I have accepted it’s quirks and limitations and I love it. I’ve used the words “fun” and “cute” a lot, and that’s the vibe of it. I’m sure it can run Doom, but killing monsters on here would just seem wrong. It’s not that kind of device.
Should you buy one? Well, as I say, after a week, I have come to love mine. It’s a great little device for me. But I’m not gonna buy one each for my kids (like I did with the Anbernic retro consoles we got last year). You can buy a Switch for the same money (with no games, mind). Which makes it seem a bit crazy.
I would say that if you’re into small, fun, retro games and want something you can throw in your pocket and have handy as the best fidget toy in the world, and if you have the cash spare, as I did, then yeah, it’s a good buy.
But, like, only if those things are true.