App Developer Panic Announces New $149 'Playdate' Game System Coming in 2020

[MacRumors]

Panic, a company known for developing apps for iOS and macOS, today announced plans to enter the hardware market with the launch of the Playdate, a new handheld gaming system.

Playdate features an entirely unique design with a black and white display, d-pad, A+B buttons, and a crank on the side that's designed to be similar to an analog stick.

Oh yeah, the crank! No, it doesn't power the device. It's a flip-out rotational controller that puts a fresh spin on fun. Some games use it exclusively, some use it with the d-pad, and some not at all. pic.twitter.com/XYW97nLZKK - Playdate (@playdate) May 22, 2019

The black and white 400 x 200 screen is not backlit, but it features a "crystal-clear image" and high reflectivity, which Panic says is "an aesthetic like no other."

On the surface, it might be tempting to compare the screen to, say, the Game Boy. But Playdate's display is quite different: it has no grid lines, no blurring, is extremely sharp and clear, and has much higher resolution. It sounds odd to say, but: it's truly a "premium" black-and-white screen.

The pocketable gaming system, which is going to come in a bright and inviting yellow color, will feature pre-installed games from developers like Zach Gage, Shaun Inman, Bennett Foddy, and Keita Takahashi.

About those games. We reached out to some of our favorite people, like @KeitaTakahash, @bfod, @helvetica, @shauninman, and many more.Here's a peek at one: Crankin's Time Travel Adventure, from Keita. It's fun and funny. pic.twitter.com/0Ibwqr5k3I - Playdate (@playdate) May 22, 2019

At launch, there will be 12 games included with the system, delivered one per week for a few months. Panic says the idea is to give gamers something to look forward to. Most of the games are going to be kept secret until launch, and additional games will be added in the future.

The Playdate comes equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a USB-C port for charging, and a headphone jack.

Playdate is going to cost $149 when it becomes available for purchase in early 2020. Those interested in purchasing can sign up on the website to get notified when it's ready for purchase. Stock will be limited at launch, so Panic recommends signing up.

Article Link: App Developer Panic Announces New $149 'Playdate' Game System Coming in 2020

 

[dumastudetto]

I love Panic, but I genuinely just had to check my calendar to make sure this isn't April 1st.

 

[nojkepop]

Only comes with fishing games or what? Wait, the screen isn't backlit?

 

[MacFan23]

Does this mean we’re probably not getting that new version of Coda anytime soon?

 

[Starflyer]

Does this mean we’re probably not getting that new version of Coda anytime soon?

This is why we can’t have Status Board.

 

[Justanotherfanboy]

Haha, am I the only one that wondered:
“Why are app developers panicking over a new game system??”.

Reminder to self:
SLOW DOWN when reading article titles.

 

[confusedpurple]

Meh I cant see this working, and Panic haven't exactly been on top form for a while now, with really poor products like Coda 2 and Transmit 5 they seem to have fallen behind the competition massively in the last couple of years.

The biggest question I have is why are they making this? Where's the gap in the market here?

 

[MisterSavage]

I love Panic, but I genuinely just had to check my calendar to make sure this isn't April 1st.

This is word for word exactly what I was going to type.

 

[vicviper789]

This will go nicely with Snapchat spectacles and the Kozmo robot thing!

 

[acorntoy]

https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/22/ouya-kickstarter-console-shut-down-june-25-razer/?

In other recent indie game news...

 

[now i see it]

Daddy I want a Playdate and iPhone NOW!

 

[NickName99]

This is hilariously unexpected and fun. Love it! Can’t wait.

 

[JoeCassara]

That crank looks like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Black and white? Really?

Maybe for $30-40 but at $150, they’ve definitely crossed over into you-gotta-be-kidding-me territory.

 

[rjp1]

A lot of people have tried to compete with Nintendo in the handheld gaming market. This may be one of the worst attempts.

 

[Justanotherfanboy]

A lot of people have tried to compete with Nintendo in the handheld gaming market. This may be one of the worst attempts.

Clearly you missed that this has a “premium” black & white screen! Lol.

/s

 

[pweicks]

Makes me wish I hadn’t gotten rid of my Game Boy. Goooood times....

 

[mikeray]

Why would you get this when you can just get a Gameboy Advance on eBay ?

 

[Sasparilla]

It's very cute (form factor), I wish them the best of luck, but they have to get over that mountain of everyone having a smartphone already. I was thinking the April 1st thing as well when I first saw it.

 

[Juiceboy]

It's the same resolution as a 3DS top screen in "2D" mode. 400*200
And that's way cheaper then $150, plus has real games.

 

[Mansu944]

Wtf

 

[Rychiar]

For y tho?

 

[ThunderSkunk]

B&W display
Dpad
Handcrank
Nice svelte little form factor

I think I can kind of dig this actually.

 

[JoshBoy]

Who ever got drunk and thought this was going to work and sell well..... good luck

 

[GermanSuplex]

Might be an ok novelty buy, but you can buy a DS for that.

For the love of everything why can’t Apple just release a decent controller case and push hard for great games? I hope that’s what Apple Arcade accomplishes.