Playdate is only getting better with age

Welcome back to our gaming show. This week, we're talking about Panic's Playdate. If you miss the gaming news roundup, don't worry, we'll be back soon with more of that.

Playdate came out two years ago, and it's only gotten cuter and more relevant with age. By paring down the graphics and adding a new input method, Panic changed the way we think about how games are played and made. As many of the industry’s most influential studios are trapped in a cycle of mass layoffs and regularly scheduled crunch, it’s a fantastic time to rethink what we’re all actually doing here. Playdate makes this process natural, accessible and entertaining.

[vincentlee]

I got my play date last month but it came with loose crank issue and also on my replacement unit that was sent to me also have the same issue. Just highlighting here as it seems no YouTube video mentioned this.

[brunojenso]

I've had mine about a month now, and enjoying it lots. I truly don't care about the backlight situation. I just turn on a light if I need to - but honestly I usually find I have enough light to play. I'm surprised it bothers some others so much. It is what it is – an unlit screen. I think people just aren't used to that concept anymore – even on Kindles. Think of it as like using a real book – you need some light hitting the page.

[Edenwaith]

"Playdate is a little, yellow, inspiration machine" is the perfect way to sum up this golden, electronic package of quirky happiness. It is an amazing platform for indie developers to stretch their imaginations and dare to make the games that the big players would shy away from.

[Mantorp]

I know it’s cool and fun and I understand that it’s premium quality but with tax and shipping for me it would cost €250 which is like $280 which is too much for me.

[PlaydatePlayer]

Great video. It has aged so well and with 1000 games now, it's a great time to jump in. My (very modest) Playdate games review channel is about to post its 50th video! Made possible due to the sheer accessibility of the device and games.

[dman]

still love to use mine but dunno if it's the "future". a nice niche product though. lack of backlight hurts and the wifi is slow. also cannot do audio out over its usb-c port (i have wired usb c buds, they work on most everything but the analogue pocket and the playdate)

[MrFireboyFTW]

Dang its 200 bucks.

I could see a big audience for this if it was 100 or under

[benjamingesinski]

Not only would a back lit screen would be nice, but I'd also like more color options. Yellow is a cute and uncommon color for a video game console, but I would to have a blue one.

[cdlelondon]

I've had mine since the second distribution batch and it is great but the lack of a backlight seriously impacts on the use, I'm not sure I'd really recommend because of it

[Noodles]

Why is Engadget’s video game uploads so sporadic?

[Michael-vmbb]

I’ve bought one, it shipped but I’m still waiting it’s been 3 week. They say they’re not Amazon fast but at this point I could literally be faster by driving to their facility.. that said I’m still excited. I wish to relive the gameboy era lol

[nerdzone]

Been playing for months now and loving it.

[Monkkie]

Now I know what that meme of the dog watching you pour beer came from

[zvennn]

So glad you guys gave Playdate some more love after 2 years! The playdate community is awesome and the console keeps impressing me with new original games.

[Andrewe]

ive always loved this concept but no backlight is a dealbreaker especially at that price.

[d.lawrencemiller]

I went to Panic's "garage sale" today (they were moving to a new office and selling a lot of equipment) and saw the docking station in use by an employee at checkout. It definitely exists.

[rd_rae]

A crankset and no cycling game yet? OMG! :)

[duckmasterflex]

You need proof of body tattoos to buy a playdate

[geraldpolymath]

Yes, been waiting for the speaker for two long years. Man, how long does it really take to make a new product?

[VOAN]

This is what the Intellivision Amico should had done.