Playdate: 1 year later - 400+ Games!

My Video Gear & Equipment:

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Background music by Metal Jesus Rocks and the YouTube Creator Audio Library

** DISCLAIMER : The catalog games were given to me for review, however all the opinions are my own **

[MetalJesusRocks]

Am I crazy to not like the screen?! I know it's part of the "charm" I suspose...but at $200 you'd think they'd at least give ya the option for a backlit screen, right?

[Amber-jbsu]

It’s looks like something that’s unique and fun to play with, but if I had $200 to spend on a gaming console and my options were a Nintendo Switch Lite or a Playdate… the answer is quite clear.

[Topesio]

if this device could have a pricing tag of 60$ it would sell millions of units. 200$ something is definitively no go, super niche.

[cactoidpinata]

It's really interesting to see such smooth framerates on a device that looks like it wouldn't be capable of that. I realize the games look very simple, but my eyes want me to believe that I'm looking at a monochrome handheld from the 90s that's running 3D games.

[dracquiteur.]

This version of Celeste is actually based on the Pico 8 version of the game, which was created during a Game Jam. Lateron, the creators expanded the game to the PC and Switch version you mention in the video.

Celeste Classic, as the Pico 8 version is commonly referred to today, is still playable. It's even possible to unlock it in the full version of the game!

[ZackRock]

I've also had mine for about a year, and am still surprised by the creativity of the community of developers producing games for the device. Having such a low bar for developing has led to a fantastic array of titles in a broad spectrum of genres. Lots of action games that take advantage of the crank, for sure. But also a ton of immersive, story-driven adventures, beautiful puzzlers, side-scrollers, and games there's no category for. And the best part is almost none of the titles cost more than $12, with some of my favorites being absolutely free. It's my go to game system for traveling, regardless of how weird I must look cranking away at a little yellow box on the train.

[andyhansen]

I still love how unique the PlayDate is and the potential for really creative games is why I’ve kept tabs on it since release. Ultimately I’m left in the same position I had a year ago; it’s just too expensive for what you get. The crank is fun but the games themselves don’t have enough beyond the novelty to convince me to pick one up. I’ll see what developers can come up with in year two and revisit it again.

[chadbledsoe]

I have always found this device very intriguing, but I can't rationalize spending $200 on it. I'm not even sure I'd do $100. Maybe $60-$80. And even then, not until it has some lighting on the screen.

[shreknet]

For some reason this reminds me of the Dreamcast gaming unit that existing inside the controllers. It was such a cute and fun gimmick and this unit really feeds that to me.

[blackdeath]

0:01 he riding that bike a lil TOO good

[MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Love to live in an age where unique things like this are coming out.

[jaragosh]

Soooo.... we are not gonna talk about how the biker threw it back like there is no tomorrow ?

[roypearson]

I love quirky stuff like this and I did grab a Playdate recently. Although that screen is a major sticking point for many, I am quite lucky being single as I can just turn a light on and play it whenever I like. Lol. It's great the amount of games that are available for it too. Am glad it seems to be doing well and am looking forward to more games being made for me to try out. As always, a great video, as am always interested to hear your views on games and systems.

[irongiantBH]

Love love love the play date. But the no backlight is my biggest gripe. Other than that, if you have larger hands be on the look out for some sort of 3D printed extender piece

[highgroundtreasures]

I commend the creativity involved, the crank, and the black and white aesthetic of the games. But the fact there is no backlit screen, and there is no option to at least turn color on and off in certain games, still makes this an easy pass for me. Many games like this would benefit greatly even from minimum color. Also, the fact that it's only available in yellow limits its appeal even further. It's a niche novelty at best, and I'm glad I cancelled my preorder.

[kosterix]

It would be great to have some text adventure on this.
Even though the crank suggests balance and arcade it can also be used to scroll through menu items.

It’s at the same time too expensive for its own good.

[misterdrgn]

These look like games that you'd play for 5-10 minutes and then move on, with the rare gem that might hold your attention for a couple hours.

[MatthewOceanXVX]

It’s definitely super niche and interesting, I just don’t know if I’d personally enjoy it? Guess I’d have to try it out. Think the price point is way too high as well…maybe if it was lowered to $100. Cool that there’s seemingly good community support though. A backlit screen needs to happen.

[kitchycloser]

This thing reminds me of playing games on my TI 83 in high school. There were some fun games on there, but they were all very simple. Not necessarily a bad thing, but unsure who the market is for a device like this when there’s so many ways to play both modern and retro style games. The crank is the only thing that sets it apart. Is that novelty worth $200? Not to me.

[wolvesretro]

Love your content Jason! I listen to it all day while I work!