Playdate Review: Is It Worth the Hype and Money Spent

Playdate Review: Is It Worth the Hype and Money Spent

The world of portable gaming has always been a bit unconventional. While some have tried to shrink console gaming down to a handheld size, the best experiences have often been unusual and creative. The Playdate, a tiny handheld console from Panic, takes this idea to the extreme. With its black-and-white screen and unique crank control, it’s inspired a library of games unlike anything else.

The Design and Features

The Playdate is a small, yellow square with a 400 x 240, 1-bit display. It has a nice, clicky D-pad and two face buttons, along with a home button and a sleep button. The device also features a USB-C port and headphone jack. The crank on the side is a unique control option that can be used in various ways, depending on the game.

The Good and the Bad

The Good:

The Bad:

The Playdate is a solid, well-made device, aside from the slightly flimsy crank handle. However, the lack of a backlight can make it difficult to play games in low-light conditions. On the other hand, the device works extremely well in bright sunlight, with crisp and clean visuals. Overall, the Playdate is a unique and creative handheld console that’s worth checking out.