Last March, I received a Playdate which is a mobile game console manufactured in Malaysia. Having been waiting for this console for a long time, I continue to sell the Nintendo Switch OLED because I am confident and believe that Playdate is the best replacement for busy people like me who enjoy entertainment without having to buy expensive games many times. There's no denying that Playdate is fun and I've played all kinds of games. But one thing I was wrong, Playdate is not a Switch replacement and I miss it.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Playdate
Screen 2.7″, 400 × 240 1-bit, Monochrome
168 MHz Cortex M7 processor
The SDK supports Lua, C
RAM 16MB
4GB storage
8 KB L1 Cache
Battery 8 hours of play
14 hours standby time
Mono audio
Stereo with accessories
WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth WiFi 2.4GHz, None, Bluetooh (coming soon)
Yellow Sale Price
Priced around RM1,200
This 2.7-inch 1-bit monochrome screen is quite attractive because it supports fast and smooth movement. Each animation looks beautiful, unique and satisfying because it is different from the others. For a simple game, it's very interesting but an adventure game will make your eyes a little sore. The disadvantage of this console screen is that it does not support backlight so it can only be seen under high light reflection and will be dim when there is a lack of light.
Playdate was designed by Teenage Engineering with the idea of bringing back retro portable game consoles like the Gameboy. Simple control buttons are only limited to direction, A/B, power button, power button and crank as a strange yet unique control. It is made of plastic and feels sturdy even though it is light. The crank and power button are made of iron that easily catches oil stains.
This console is designed with a square shape so that it is easy to store and take anywhere. The battery lasts up to ten hours with Always-on Display support. Charging is USB-C, there is a mono speaker with a 3.5mm audio jack port, supports WiFi and will soon support Bluetooth connection.
The back of the Playdate has four small iron points and three of them are holes. This is for the magnetic protective frame which is sold separately. The hole was to insert the pin on the frame and the iron point was to strengthen the frame on the Playdate. The Aqua-colored frame that I use is able to protect the yellow plastic surface from dirt, but if you sweat quickly like me, this frame will easily trap the effects of climbing.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
Ever since Playdate launched, I saw its potential as a Switch replacement that I rarely use. I already have three Nintendo Switch from the first generation model, Lite and also OLED. I sold everything and have bought so many games that thousands of ringgit were spent but only 2-3 games I managed to finish during the time I owned this console.
A few months ago, after I started playing with Playdate I felt happy and satisfied that I was able to finish a lot of games in a short period of time. I also really like games that can be controlled with a crank because they are unique and also teach me a deeper meaning of patience. This crank can't be turned fast and it's like a control on the PlayStation DualSense, turn fast it moves fast and turn slow the other way around.
The game in Playdate is quite interesting. In my opinion it is more like the first in a smartphone. Each game usually takes around 5-10 minutes to finish, some are just fighting for the highest score list. Some take around 30 minutes to an hour, some take a long time. Games also have various categories from horror, horror, funny, puzzles and many more.
My issue with Playdate is the software. Playdate uses a 168 MHz Cortex M7 chip with 16GB RAM memory. It is a lightweight system and this means that the process of downloading content and installing it into the device takes a long time. For example, the way to download is to go to the Playdate website to access the Catalog game store or add a credit/debit card to a Playdate account to easily buy games from within the device.
Then, I have to open the device's system settings and find a list of new games that have been synced to the account. The download process for a game that is around 100MB in size sometimes reaches 1 hour even with fast Internet.
Not only that, when I've been facing a monochrome screen for months I start to feel bored and my creativity level is getting lower because I often lack ideas compared to playing the OLED Switch with a beautiful color screen. I also miss games with high graphics and in a more interactive 3D form.
GAME COLLECTION
Playdate is like Nothing or OnePlus. They care about independent developers and user communities. But what's special about this Playdate is that they also collaborate with popular developers who have developed games for other, more advanced consoles. Playdate games can be developed with nova, proprietary software Playdate Caps, Designing for Playdate, Swift for Playdate, Libraries and Tools and Playdate SDK. Forums and communities for developers are also provided.
All in all Catalog and Itch.io list around over 800 games. The cheapest is free. Then the price of paid games is between $1 (~RM4.77) and $13 (~RM62). A Playdate can hold up to 300 games and so far I have installed almost 40 games. On this review unit, Playdate gives free access to most games.
BATTERY
Playdate lists their console as having a battery that lasts up to 8 hours for play and 14 hours when closed. Throughout my use, I received a battery that reached 8 hours when playing daily for around 30 minutes a day. Whereas when I just keep it in a bag and use it to check the calendar, it lasts almost two weeks. Charging time with a USB-C cable with a PD 65W charger is around 1 hour 30 minutes from 0% to 100%.
ECOSYSTEM?
Playdate doesn't have an ecosystem like PlayStation. It only has some software for development. This console can also be connected to a computer or laptop to broadcast content on the Playdate screen to the screen of another device. Interestingly, the controls are virtually lag-free. Coming soon, the Playdate Stereo Dock will be launched as a stereo speaker-cum-charging dock that can hold a pen. This is Panic's strategy to further expand the line of accessories for Playdate.
CONCLUSION
Don't be mad because I've changed my mind from wanting to make Playdate a Nintendo Switch replacement to going back to missing this Nintendo portable console. It's not that I don't like Playdate but no mobile console is absolutely perfect. I miss the Switch because of the color screen and 3D game options. While the issue with Playdate is that it MUST be played in a bright place and the game download process is slow.
Even so, after reassessing my spending and whether or not it's worth owning one of the consoles I still say the Playdate is the portable console for me. This is because I am not a gamer. I only play Switch, PS5 and Playdate to get rid of boredom or want to be free for a while from the stress and fatigue of work. So for that, it's better for me to choose Playdate whose games are simpler, cheaper and I can finish them quickly compared to Switch and PS5 where the games are expensive and it takes days to finish one title.
If I have a Nintendo Switch OLED and 10 interesting games, I need to spend around RM1400 for the console and within RM1000 for the games. That's not including the accessories I'm already out of RM2400. For Playdate, the price per unit is around RM1200 and with an additional RM1000 I can have around 50 games or more. It's true that the price of this Playdate is still expensive and the sales target is not for everyone. But if you give it a chance and try it, you will feel attracted to this console.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
Unique and attractive design.
Control using a special crank.
Other game options than competitors.
Long lasting battery.
Each game is very simple.
Reminiscent of retro portable consoles.
Active developer and community support.
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
The screen has no lights and is not bright enough.
Charging takes a long time.
Fast software, but slow download and install games.
Cranks and power buttons get dirty easily.
The selling price is quite expensive and it is difficult to convince people to buy it.