You know the company Panic Inc.? If you are active in the world of video games, you will probably know them through the Untitled Goose Games video game. In 2019, the Playdate mobile console was announced. What makes this console interesting is that it is produced in a Malaysian factory located in Kedah.
In addition, what is unique about the Playdate is that it is the first console to include a crank control device. The console also focuses on indie games with Pulp development tools and the Catelog game store. Most recently, after years of searching for a solution to sell Playdate in Malaysia, Panic is likely to sell it starting February 13.
For now, this is still unofficial. Playdate representatives told us via email that they are trying their best to bring this Malaysian-made console to the local market. The console uses a high-contrast 400 × 240 pixel 1-bit monochrome screen without any backlight, meaning it can only be played under bright light.
Playdate comes with a directional control button, two A and B buttons, a control crank and a power button. It also has Bluetooth and WiFi support, mono speaker, microphone, 16MB RAM memory and 4GB internal storage, powered by a 168 MHz Cortex M7 chip and an 8-hour battery with USB-C charging.
With every purchase, two official Playdate games will be given free every week for 12 weeks. If you don't want to wait, free or paid games are included in the Catalog. The selling price in the United States is $199 which is around RM948. Not sure if February 13th is the exact date this console will be sold and how much it will cost. With the Nintendo Switch already considered an affordable portable console, are you interested in this more unique Playdate?