What is a Playdate?
The Playdate is a new portable console that is black and white and has a unique controller device – a crank. Yes that’s right it has a crank like your grandfather’s tractor. It has been purposely designed with limited specifications in order to stimulate innovative game design. It is a unique device which uses a microcontroller based embedded system. It’s kind of similar to a Game Boy however it doesn’t use cartridges, it has an internal memory and games and downloaded and stored in the flash memory. It has an operating system and it has software which can be used by students, programmers, indie developers and budding programmers to create games for the system.
System Specs
- Main CPU: ARM Cortex-M7 (STM32F746) running ~168–180 MHz
- Architecture type: Fixed-function microcontroller (SoC)
- Memory: 16 MB RAM with 8 KB L1 Cache
- Storage: 4 GB flash eMMC (micro SD card)
- Secondary chip: ESP32 used for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Display: 2.7-in, 400×240, 1-bit, 173 ppi
- Input: D-pad, 4 × buttons (A, B, Sleep, Menu), accelerometer, microphone and crank
Games are distributed online and in “seasons” to encourage gamers to experience every game that the platform has to offer. The creator of James Channel, a friend of mine has created a very good video which includes an unboxing and first look style review. It serves as a great introduction and review of the console for new and prospective Playdate owners. Check out the video if this console interests you, it is linked just below.
Ordering a Playdate
As James mentions in the video this little console is a whopping $199 USD which is equivalent to a staggering $377 AUD at the time! For what you get it’s quite a hefty sum of money, so if you want one and are going to buy it from the official Playdate website expect for there to be a big hole in your savings account afterwards.
However if you are willing to go with an unofficial source to buy it you can actually get it for a reasonable price which is the actual price this thing should actually be sold for in the first place. Our affiliate is selling these for much cheaper or this alternative option. Check out the Relevant Links section below for an affiliate link as an option to buy the console as well as the official website.
“This AliExpress listing is cheaper than buying from the official Playdate store because the seller ships directly, often from bulk stock in other regions, and doesn’t include full official warranty or support. It’s the same console featured in reviews like James Channel’s, and many buyers have safely purchased it through this listing, making it a solid option if you’re looking to save money.”
Relevant Links
- Buy a Playdate on AliExpress [https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7035&awinaffid=2713790&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aliexpress.com%2Fitem%2F1005009285189040.html] Significantly cheaper than the official website
- Playdate Official Website [https://play.date/] Check out the official webpage for the Playdate portable gaming console.
- Playdate Official Web Store [https://play.date/shop/] Purchase the Playdate for $229 USD
Very cool little console. 199$ USD is like 280 AUD… but if thats not including shipping, it would be about 370 AUD including shipping and international tax.
Sorry yes to clarify it is for sale for $199 USD but after postage it cost James $377 AUD all by the time he received it. Postage must have been incredibly overpriced. You can obtain it for a far cheaper price by clicking the affiliate link I have referenced in the article.