Playdate Review! It’s Worth It! The Tiny Handheld Gaming Console that Could
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2024
- The Playdate console is one of the weirdest pieces of video game hardware to come out in a very long time! It's a portable gaming handheld that has Gameboy vibes with modern hardware...and a black and white screen that is NOT backlit. It's so far away from something like the Nintendo Switch, 3DS or even DS...yet has a lot in common with all those devices as well as Game Boy Advance. So let's do a Playdate review and talk about the best Playdate games and answer...is Playdate worth it?
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Playdate was developed by Panic as a sort of alternative to modern video game consoles and modern gaming handhelds...it's the anti Steam Deck! It has an analog crank that feels like something borrowed from the Sega Dreamcast and the Dreamcast fishing rod...and on paper you'd think it was something you might NOT be interested in checking out! But the Playdate absolutely sold me and I am 100% on board. It's super refreshing to have a modern 8-bit style gaming experience to counteract all the PS5 games, Xbox Series X games and PC Games we have today!
It's got the same odd charm that MiSTer FPGA has...except in handheld form!
Questions? Comments? Just leave them below and I will do my best to answer each and every one of them!
/ videogameesoterica
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VGE - Hry
$50 cheaper with a backlit screen and I would consider buying one.
I don’t mind no backlight. Feels like a Gameboy back in the day. Some of the charm of it
This guy gets it @VGE backlit or die
Blind old man go watch your Matlock
I do not mind at all that it has no backlight. Takes me back to the original black and white gameboy - which I absolutely loved. This looks like a great system.
Completely agree. I’d buy one in a heartbeat if this happened.
I've had my Playdate since July 2022 and I still use it - not all the time but it's still such a joy to bring out for a few minutes. The only problem I have now is that my crank no longer stays put, it's very loose, and the battery is no longer holding its charge the way it used to which is a shame. I was expecting that it would be harder wearing, but unfortunately it doesn't seem like it will have a long life.
I wonder if they make battery replacements
@VideoGameEsoterica
I'm not sure. I did see a teardown on iFixit and it looks quite simple to repair. However I'm still not sure how to fix my loose crank. It works fine, but just will not stay in place
A good question on the crank
I definitely want to see more from this system! Really neat concept.
If this video does well over the next week I’ll do another
There was recently a community direct made for the playdate that shows some upcoming games! There's always something to be excited for with this console.
there are a few games that work in "TATE mode": Paper Pilot, Cranky Driller, Heavy Trucking, Dungeons & Doggos, Dr. Nyario, Nyandaroid, Pawsle Bobble
I gotta download a lot more stuff
I love this little thing, but what would make MUCH more sense is a paddle on the side where the crank is, with ridges to make it easy to manipulate with your thumb, making it much more user friendly as a handheld, a simple screw thread for screwing in the crank can be optional, this would also then make it fantastic for many arcade style games like tempest, imagine a little handheld like this with a perfect tempest port made for the side paddle in mind, or breakout, SHMUPS, puzzle games, rhythm games tailor made for the paddle.
Some of the spacial puzzle games have been my fav due to the crank. That’s what really sells the control scheme
@@VideoGameEsoterica Yeah I don't mean get rid of it, just make it so it can be manipulated with your right thumb, as it rotatable up a down, like a dial, and then give the middle a screw thread to attach the crank, or even just make it magnetically attach/detach, that way you can use the crank/dial in either mode, it will still be functionally the same, but you will have made it much more versatile.
Yes I get what you mean :) I kinda love it. But I also love the Dreamcast fishing controller so I’m the target audience
I've actually found the crank to be a much better design for games than a precision device. The crank allows for more fast paced games than a dial would provide. I also have a 3d printed dial for the playdate and find it to be annoying to use when playing games.
It works effectively. Surprisingly so
Love it. Screen is actually gorgeous if you don’t mind no backlight.
Yes in the right light it’s deep and vibrant and looks awesome
No backlight is a dealbreaker for me. Makes it completely unviable for travel
Headlamp
I've actually used a booklight before on an airplane and had no issue. Plus with all these screen that have light in our lives it's actually nice to have something that doesn't require it for once.
would love to see some reviews of playdate games!
We shall see :)
First, I think was a super cool video and I love how you unlock games from the season. That is amazing. I would think like with MiSTer that $200 also means you are joining a community that has passion for games in a way that is different than most. I think that is super cool.
Second, we watched this as a family and my mom loves the cat pointer.
Cat pointer appreciates the admiration haha. He works hard
If you like puzzle games I can't recommend Sparrow Solitaire enough. It's a mahjong tile matching game and even though I know nothing about mahjong I put more time into it than anything else on the system.
Haha I’ll check it out
My only complaints about the play date are the lack of backlight is more annoying than I expected, and the edges of the console are kind of sharp and hurt your hands if you don't watch your grip. Otherwise, it's fantastic. It is expensive for what it is, but I would buy it again. Definitely not for everyone, but if you love the concept, get it.
I haven’t really had much issue with either personally
Great video. Definitely the best gaming purchase I've made in years.
Would like to try this. But not prepared to pay the asking price. If it comes down in price at some point I may be tempted.
That’s fair. Everyone gets to set their own budget
I got this when this first got released but not played it for a while.
That mirror feature is sooo cool!! 👍
Yes mirror is a great companion app. Super useful
I just got mine a few days ago and have been enjoying finding games for it.
A lot of people have been talking about the screen lacking a backlight. I do like the screen as it is and I think it looks fantastic, but it is sometimes a bit annoying if I want to use my playdate in my bed, when I usually have little light on. Maybe a Gameboy worm light-like accessory would be good for this.
Yes it does require some lighting but I feel like the contrast ratio being non-backlit really helps the art style
I agree. I'm just saying I can understand how it can be viewed as an inconvenience. But I think integrating a backlight would fundamentally change how the screen looks.
Yea it would change the aesthetic and that’s what I love :)
I would definitely love to see reviews of games, especially if you find anything in the store that's not part of the included seasons.
I've really enjoyed mine. The lack of a backlight is the only complaint I've got, but when you're in good light, the screen is stunning.
I’ll see how this video goes views wise and see what sort of playdate stuff may come next :)
Direct Drive ?
Huh?
Doesn’t need more buttons
Great review! I'd love to see reviews of the games and get a better idea of what the ecosystem is like. Like are there any Rpgs out there for it? For me rpgs and handhelds see like peanut butter and chocolate.
If this video does well over the next week I may :)
Yes, there are RPGs for the Playdate! Google for 'Playdate Catalog Games RPG' (CZcams won't let me post a URL) (disclaimer: I wrote 'Under The Tree', one of the games on that page)
Yes, there are RPGs for the Playdate! CZcams just won't let me post a link to them :) (disclaimer: I wrote 'Under The Tree', one of the Catalog games in the RPG category)
Ugh YT and links. The worst
I imagine a lot of the stylistic choices are the result of partnering with Teenage Engineering, which is essentially a design company that makes audio products, most notably, the OP-1 synthesizer and the Pocket Operator line of synths. Speaking of which, I see they now have a "Capcom Series" which currently consists of a Street Fighter and a Megman Pocket Operator.
Very design language related to the old school Braun industrial design
@@VideoGameEsoterica I wouldn't expect you of all people to bring up some Dieter Rams haha.
Haha I have fine art degrees. Of course I would. I also took almost all my electives with the same professor who taught industrial design / object design / etc. I love that stuff
I took a whole course on the Bauhaus school philosophy of design :)
@@VideoGameEsoterica That's awesome. I live in the region of Bauhaus, well, what transitioned from Functionalism into Bauhaus. A lot of the elements in my own home I fashioned after turn of the century functionalist aesthetics. A big fan of Dieter Rams myself. haha.
Damn now I want photos
I definitely was wondering where this system was at with the business model and games.
When i saw this system i did wonder if it was a .....windup lol
Haha looks like an emergency radio
Me too, I thought it was gaming for when the grid goes down or something.
Haha like yesterday
That crank is a cool unique control for it
It works really well and effectively in games too.
Finally they ship to my country. Cost a freaking 350$ dollar for shipping + taxes but this thing looks so cool and fun. I have really been missing some super simple games like what was normal back in the day
At least you can get it now :)
Good and detailed review, but a bit more dynamics in the way of speaking would not be bad. Very fast and monotone with no pauses or variance in pitch (hard to follow for Not-US-users)
Woohoo Pete & Pete throwback ;)
If only Krebstar Industries made handhelds
Is there an app to read articles/ebooks? That crank would make reading so fun 🤓🤣
Haha it could use a news app. That would be an awesome use
There are some text and ebook readers for the Playdate, but I haven't tried them yet.
I’ll have to look into them
A new eReader just launched for the PlayDate called PlayBook 😊
Nice overall about the PlayDate. I have owned mine for a couple years and play it almost daily. The display looks fantastic and takes very little light source to see. The PlayDate might not be for everyone but definitely for someone who wants a unique and very fun experience.
People just need to open up their minds for what Play date offers :)
@VideoGameEsoterica I have been gaming since 1978 at the age of 17 now in my 60's I am happy there's a new unique innovative way to do that thanks to Panic and all the devs that embrace it.
How long does your battery last?
I'm the little devil on your shoulder who forced you to buy one. Mission accomplished! 😈
Where are my damn views then? You better watch this another 200 times. Get it into the average range 🤣
I shall watch it all day everyday! 🫡
With cheese and bloodies
Ill be getting one!
Enjoy it. I love it
I’ve been wanting one for years as I’m mostly bored by modern gaming, lack of innovation (especially with AAA industry) and especially due to lack of modern dedicated handhelds, its so fresh to have a game platform and games design to be played in short sessions outside in the sun, and not inside a RGB gaming cave in dads basement. I’ll never understand the hate this device thing gets for having no backlit, must be because of ignorance? If people tried playing gameboy in the sun or during the day, and not replacing it with an IPS display any chance they get, they would notice a very natural contrast. Nice video and cool game showcase, hope you’ll do more playdate content
It’s a fun pivot from what we have now in the gaming landscape
What I also love about the playdate is the fact that the games could become a bit like pop art ( of the 1960's). That this system could enable players to become developers and to use our imagination to push this system to its limits. The games will not just be 'games', but they could become something else entirely as time passes by. A new niche that could last overtime - like pop art.
100%. It’s getting more people into developing games and giving us a totally diff experience than anything else
Wonder if this system would be good for pinball too? Pinball in black and white no less.
Would be interesting to see for sure
Looks cool in design but I would get bored of that in about an hour I think.
Love new stuff like this but this is a gimick not a console.
I think if you tried you’d be surprised :)
Eink screen would've been cool.
Just doesn’t have the refresh rate I’d assume
One other comment about this, I had hoped that it was going to use a real Synth IC of some sort (Philips SAA1099 for instance, these cost 2 dollars to buy, cheaper in bulk), even just a little DSP/DAC combo or a MIDI Codec/ROM, for over 200 bucks I would have expected just a basic little synth chip, as most of it's games use this style of audio, sorry but for 200 it's just the bare minimum, the uniqueness is cool, it's a great device, I just think they should have used more than 10 bucks (if that in all seriousness for whole sale prices) worth of hardware, they should have least given it a little synth chip, it does have an ESP32, but this is to slow to run any decent synth, it's a shame as for just a couple of bucks they could of added a decent little audio processor chip, which would have made the Playdate so much cooler.
I'd love to see someone make a Kuru Kuru Kururin style game for it though.
I get that. The audio, while good, isn’t blowing anyone away
Some way down the line I definitely wanna get one.
I’d recommend it :)
Love it!
Me too. Obviously lol
I’m the target audience for this and I refuse to purchase this so I can struggle to see it without a light. Really a huge conscious oversight on their part. Oh well. I’m in for version 2.
Guess people really want that backlight lol. That’s fair
Have you ever played a Game Boy? This is WAY more visible than that.
Definitely
I must get one. What is the approximate delivery time if I order one now?
🤷🏻♂️ check the website. Not sure
I would love to watch game's revievs!
I’ll probably try one soon. See if it does well
Do you think you could cover more Playdate games? I have been thinking about getting one but every video seems to be about the hardware rather than the games! I'd love to get a idea of the quality of it's library.
Perhaps next month :)
@@VideoGameEsoterica I look forward to it!
👍
Is it planned to have a second season for games? any new games after the first 24 games?
Haven’t heard of one yet
Maybe this is late and you already know, but they have an eshop for devs to release new games already. It’s called the Play date Catalogue.
@Wh00000 never too late
I actually wanted this device for a long time but unfortunately they don't ship to my country.
Bummer. Could use a drop shipper? Or a friend in a country that could then forward it on
Ohh I love that ,I want to buy one
🎉
Do it :)
@@VideoGameEsoterica I'm a student hum
When will this be discontinued and completely drop support?
Zero idea
Love mine great handheld
It’s a fun device for sure. Wholly different than anything else
It's look like a fun little console , to empress your friends or to use it when you are waiting your phone to get charged, or feel bored , just to kill 20 or 30 minutes of your time
It’s a bite sized platform pun intended and not intended
@@VideoGameEsoterica but 200 dollar is expensive for a black and white screen console
Any concerns with the crank losing its integrity over time/ many uses? Wish the price was a little cheaper as well. Hard sell at that price point
So far crank has been fine
A game like Rhythm Heaven would be really cool on a console like this.
That would actually be a perfect fit. Good idea
Would love one of these, but that price! Buy and Shipping to Ireland, over €300! That's over €280!
This price includes the cover for the system (extra €20). without the cover is still too expensive (for me).
America, with you secret taxes added onto the price, infuriating. Then there would be import charges when it arrives here. Not worth it.
They need a company outside the states to sell these.
They def aren’t cheap but the fun you get out of them makes it worth it
@@VideoGameEsoterica maybe I'll pick one up in a few years when a never version is released 🤞🤞
@@VideoGameEsotericadefinitely not
Always this system look very good. Me Wind and wind and it windy lol
😂
@@VideoGameEsotericawindy windy turny wurny 😅🎉🐱
Word of caution. Not a good handheld if you got butterfingers. the damn screen is so delicate. I dropped mine in the case from my lap to the floor maybe a foot and it broke it real good. Got a couple spare screens on the way at least they are cheap but would be nice if you could buy the glass cover too because taking that off the broken screen is..... not fun and risky
Sorry to hear 😩
For $200 (+SHIPPING then TAXES) (which is what this sells for) you can buy an actually decent phone that can play just about any android game or run most emulators. The battery should hold just about the same.
Very true. But this has a diff library. That’s what you are buying into the ecosystem for
@@VideoGameEsoterica I guess you're right. As it applies to most other devices. But for it to sell for almost the same price as a nintendo switch. That's ridiculous. Considering the hardware it has would cost less than 1/4 what it sells for. Maybe even less in bulk quantities. Waaay less.
Oh well. It doesn't bother me. I was just a little surprised by the price. Nothing more.
Can you put the switch in your pants pocket though? Play it in direct sunlight?
Why would any one want black and white? Would want color like other gaming consoles
Because it’s different and gaming needs different
This costs as much as a switch lite? This gotta be a joke, right?
Not a joke on my end
🙌🙌🙌
Haha your username clearly tells me you like it
People calling for a backlit screen are never going to get what the Playdate is aiming at. It's designed to constraints on purpose. They didn't just forget to fit a backlit screen!
Yes it’s not a mistake. It’s a design choice. People may not like that design choice but it still falls under the choice category
It's a gimmick I'm surprised Nintendo didn't think up.
Switch U controller.....
I’m there for the gimmick
For those that say there isn't enough innovation in gaming anymore bam Playdate
That’s why I love it. It’s just absolutely different than anything else. And it’s not like I don’t have a FEW gaming options here lol
I went to buy one and saw $200 then backed out.
It’s def not a “meh whatever” cost
For $200 I can buy a gameboy and have some change to buy some art from my local antique shop
But what kinda art
@@VideoGameEsoterica being from the antique shop, old art.
This thing is an expensive novelty device that for 350 dollars should have more features than it has right now. Especially if the company is a smaller company they shouldn't be wasting money on pointless marketing guff on the package for a product that will never be seen on a retail shelf while also passing the cost on the consumer.
Like other commenters said this should be atleast a hundred dollars cheaper with backlight. But as it is your better off a wonderswan color with a handful of games
$350? You talking USD?
God no, even at 10% of the price. The sort of thing that I believe will become e-waste once the 5 minute cuteness wears off and the regret at staring at the bank statement sinks in.
I’d def disagree
Why why why would they only use 2 face buttons?! They really limited the kind of games that could work on it just because of that. Should have had 4, maybe even 6
The limitations are planned. Reductive design
@@VideoGameEsoterica I understand they consciously made the decision to have only 2 face buttons but it's a decision that they may regret later, especially if it becomes really successful.
We will have to wait and see :)
Novelty handheld without novelty pricing. There is absolutely no reason to own this over a GBC.
Well I mean it doesn’t play GBC games 🤷🏻♂️
This thing is CRAP
Sorry you don’t like it
screen is horrendous
It’s just not backlit. That’s a choice. Not horrible
@@VideoGameEsoterica yeah but a backlight is objectively better than without one. there's a reason why every single display on the market has some form of backlighting. you can like a product and still be honest about it's flaws.
I don’t see it as a flaw. I see it as a design choice. A flaw would be a problem in manufacturing.