The guide to the Playdate gaming console Playdate offers pure enjoyment as a compact gaming device, complete with a side crank for game navigation.
Its vibrant yellow hue and portable design serve as standout features, while its distinct form factor and high-contrast screen allow for exclusive gameplay experiences created specifically for the console.
Are you considering purchasing the Playdate? Here’s everything you should know about this thrilling handheld device, including its manufacturer, game options, technical specs and other relevant information.
What does the term “playdate” mean?
The Playdate is a compact gaming device small enough to be held in the palm of your hand, offering an unmatched console experience featuring numerous intriguing and exclusive games. Its official unveiling took place in May 2019 while its shipment commenced from April 2022 onwards.
The Playdate should be seen as a supplementary gadget for consoles such as Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X. It does not intend to rival these or top-tier handhelds like Valve’s exceptional Steam Deck. If you recall Game & Watch from the past, then the Playdate might offer something similar in experience.
The design of the Playdate is delightful. The device boasts a vivid yellow exterior, with a reflective black and white screen. When in standby mode, it transforms into an attractive clock display. On its front face are conveniently located directional-pad controls along with multiple input buttons.
The most remarkable feature, however, is the physical crank situated on the Playdate’s side. Although it does not serve as a charging mechanism for the device, it can be extended to function as an input method in certain games.
Using the crank, you can move the protagonist back and forth through time in Crankin’s Time Travel Adventure. Although not all games employ this feature, it undeniably brings a unique twist to those that do utilize it.
Who is responsible for organizing the playdate?
Panic, a software company based in Portland Oregon, created The Playdate. With its establishment dating back to 1999, Panic was mainly recognized for macOS applications such as Audion, Transmit and Nova until recently.
In recent times, Panic has added video games to their repertoire with the release of critically acclaimed titles such as Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game.
Panic’s Playdate marks the next phase, as they venture into creating a tangible gaming console. The collaboration with Swedish electronics manufacturer Teenage Engineering was crucial in its development.
What games are available on the Playdate?
Upon setting up the console, Playdate grants 24 complimentary games which are served in pairs each week. Nevertheless, if one is eager to obtain all of them at once, they may do so without waiting for weekly delivery.
The Playdate boasts games tailored exclusively by experienced developers, including Casual Birder, Pick Pack Pup, Lost Your Marbles, Sasquatchers and Whitewater Wipeout. Once you’ve indulged in these options exhaustively there’s no need to worry – the Catalog offers a curated collection of both utilities and riveting games (sans any low-effort content here).
While some items are covered at zero cost entirely others hover around $5-15 with excellent quality guaranteed for each one. On top of that exciting news is the fact that new releases make their way into the catalog every month ensuring your repertoire continues endless growth!
Is it possible to create games for the Playdate?
Whether you’re an experienced game developer or just starting out, Panic has made it incredibly simple to create games for the Playdate console with their free software development kit (SDK). Available on Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, this comprehensive tool comes equipped with everything required – from Lua and C APIs to a local simulator for testing purposes as well as detailed documentation.
In case it seems daunting, you’ll be pleased to know that Panic has another option – a web-based game editor by the name of Pulp.
This particular tool is geared towards creating visually and narratively impressive games for Playdate in an effortless manner.
But wait, there’s more! Other offerings on the Develop for Playdate site include Caps (an online bitmap font editor), Playdate Mirror (a desktop app allowing screen mirroring from a connected device), as well as access to developer forums and other valuable resources.
What are the technical specifications of Playdate?
The Playdate’s technical specifications are as follows:
The battery has a standby time of 14 days and can last up to 8 hours when actively in use.
The Cortex M7 CPU runs at a speed of 168Mhz.
The screen resolution is 400 by 240 pixels with a high-contrast black and white display of one bit.
Dimensions: 76mm x 74mm x 9mm.
Memory: 16MB RAM, L1 cache of 8KB and flash capacity of 4GB.
Built-in mono speaker, condenser microphone and TRRS microphone included with a stereo headphone jack for sound.
The device is equipped with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, compliant to the wireless standards of 802.11bgn.
Regarding the buttons and controls, there is a directional-pad, A button, B button, and menu button located on the front of the console. The lock feature can be found at its top end while also including a side crank that you may use when necessary. Additionally, this device comes equipped with a three-axis accelerometer – it’s called Playdate!
Where is the Playdate available for purchase?
Direct ordering through the Playdate Shop is mandatory to purchase the Playdate.
At launch, the console was priced at $179; however, it now costs $199 along with additional taxes and shipping fees. It is vital to see if Playdate ships to your country since they only cater certain areas – make sure to check their store for availability.
The Playdate package includes the console, a concise user guide, and a USB-C to A cable in yellow for charging, guide to the Playdate gaming console.
The Playdate Stereo Dock will be available for purchase in the upcoming years. It serves various purposes such as housing and recharging your gaming device, serving as a Bluetooth speaker, and organizing pens with an included pen. In essence, this highlights the eccentricity of the Playdate gadgetry.
If you purchase the console, there is an option to buy a magnetic purple cover that folds for $29. If you acquire both items together, a discount of $9 will be applied.
Panic is presently working on fulfilling its outstanding Playdate orders. This implies that your order won’t be shipped shortly and you may have to wait for several months. However, placing an order will secure your spot in the queue. Therefore, if you’re eager to receive yours promptly, it’s advisable not to delay purchasing one now.
Loving the playdate can be attributed to a myriad of reasons.
When in search of an enjoyable gadget that provides a distinct experience, ponder purchasing a Playdate. Whilst it may not overhaul the world of gaming entirely, it is certain to bring you happiness.
With its charming aesthetic, inventive games and quirky crank, the Playdate offers numerous reasons to adore it.
The guide to the Playdate gaming console Playdate is worth trying out too.
