The Panic Playdate Unboxing

With its black and white screen and analog crank, the Panic Playdate offers up retro gaming for $180. Here's what you get.
Pre order the Panic Playdate here 👇
*CNET may get commission for these offers

[thecunninlynguist]

The crank has intrigued me since they announced the device. Been on the fence about getting one...still waiting for my steam deck haha

[BaumInventions]

Wow. Imagine all the crazy things what you can do with the crank. Like a fishing game... or ... ok im out of ideas.

[MamaGaea]

If that crank is to charge up the device like a crank emergency radio, THAT is worth the price of admission.

[Ddarke]

I've never loved and hated something so equally. Just wish the price was lower on this thing.

[thewiirocks]

The tiniest? I think someone needs to send this gentleman a Thumby. You ain’t seen tiny until you’ve seen a Thumby.

[nerdknight]

Found out about this thing a year or so ago

Came back because of their post on Twitter saying they're officially caught up on all pre orders and what they have now is classified as "in stock"

[EXultimate]

It's a black and white screen...? In this day and age? For 179$???

[Identity]

Ridiculously expensive for what it is.

[KevinAyalared]

I don't understand why the comparative between playdate and the switch or steam deck, they aren't the same market. Playdate it's unique.

[ethancole]

I don't understand all the negativity toward the playdate on here. I mean I guess some people aren't into a device that can play original games made by indie developers but I think it's awesome. You can even make your own games for this thing! It is very unique and impressive. I see comments like "it's not worth it for the price, it's just a glorified Gameboy" or "just get a switch, steam deck, or emulator to play better games cheaper and they are in color and have a back light" I feel like comments like that are missing the point. I love my switch, Gameboy, and (if I ever get it) steam deck but the playdate is not those devices and those are not the playdate. If you don't see the value or point you don't have to bash it because you don't understand it or don't care to. Alas, this is the internet so I suppose such things are expected.

[ShanGamer]

I feel like i would play it a few weeks and never touch it again

[levipoe]

I'm in group 5 😭 I am dreading how long it's going to take

[divmagadev]

Hi can you please unbox the latest ipad mini? Thanking you in advance!

[ericpowell]

Can't wait to get mine ... some day.

[Mireaze]

I love it, really hope I can pick one up

[mixedhairless]

Wish I took the plunge and pre ordered this back then..🗣DARN

[djinngeist]

That's nice and all, but a gaming device that recharges via the crank as well would be better. Especially if you don't have access to you electricity.

Keep it as a functional control but also recharge the device would make it seem less mundane than having to crank it to keep it powered.

But at that price I really don't see this device being worth it when you already have gaming options on the market that outperform it for around the same value or less.

[chfgn]

I'm in shipping group #2, I can't wait!

[pointlessfailure]

I like how corporations have cut costs by saying something is minimal when all it is, is underpowered garbage.

[SpikeTiger]

the crank seems like a gimic... is it actually to charge the device or a control for the games.. or both?