Playdate
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Playdate.
Latest coverage
Don't panic, but there's a Playdate Update Showcase tomorrow
Panic announced a Playdate Update Showcase event scheduled for tomorrow, which will reveal a new season of games for the handheld console. The showcase will provide details on upcoming titles for the platform.
Sony And Microsoft: We’re Keeping Tariff Refunds For Ourselves And You’ll Get Nothing
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in court that they are not obligated to provide refunds to consumers for price-hiked consoles related to US tariffs, choosing to keep the money themselves. This stance contrasts with companies like Panic, which is passing tariff refunds onto its Playdate customers. The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction with this decision, especially following recent price increases on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Panic refunds tariff fees, 1047 Games pivots from Splitgate, and Gamescom Dev grows - Patch Notes #67
This week's gaming news covers the prevalence of generative AI at Gamescom, Panic's refund of tariff fees for the Playdate handheld, and Rockstar Games' response to the Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. Additionally, 1047 Games is ending development on Splitgate Arena Reloaded and Empulse, CAA launched an indie game fund, and actor Tim Curry passed away. Gamescom Dev saw growth, and No More Room in Hell 2 surpassed one million players.
If You Thought Console Prices Were Too High, Things Could Get Even Worse
The US administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on imported computer chips, which could lead to increased prices for gaming consoles, laptops, and servers. This potential move aims to encourage foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants within the US. Previous tariffs have impacted console prices, with companies like Sony and Nintendo benefiting from tariff refunds, though these were not passed on to consumers.
Unlike The Big Console Makers, Playdate Is Refunding You Those Tariff Fees
Panic, the maker of the Playdate handheld console, is refunding customers the tariff fees it previously added to the product's price. This move contrasts with larger console manufacturers like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, who have not passed on similar government refunds to consumers. Panic stated that the tariff fees were not their money to keep and that refunding them felt like the right decision.
Check out this nifty 3D Playdate game demo
A new 3D game demo has been released for the Playdate handheld console. The demo adds new dimensions to the device's capabilities.
"I was told you couldn't do 3D on the Playdate, so I did it" - Gamedev creates a 3D renderer for Panic's tiny monochrome handheld that makes even Mirror's Edge inspired levels possible
Developer Cristina Ramos has created a 3D renderer for the Panic Playdate handheld, enabling games like her first-person Metroidvania, Katavatis, to run on the monochrome device. Despite the Playdate's limited hardware, Ramos's renderer achieves visuals comparable to the 3DO or Sega Saturn, and has even been used to run DOOM. Katavatis will also be available on Steam and Itchio.
Check out Meshchera, an atmospheric match-three game for Playdate set in a haunted marsh
Meshchera is an atmospheric match-three puzzle game set in a haunted marsh, developed for the Playdate console. The game features spooky elements like spiders and skeletons, appealing to fans of horror themes.
Vampire Crawlers, Peter Molyneux's return and other new indie games worth checking out
This article rounds up several new and upcoming indie games, highlighting Vampire Crawlers, Masters of Albion, Snap & Grab, Indoor Baseball, Crashout Crew, Kick, Elfie: A Sand Plan, and Clockwork Ambrosia. It also touches on hardware limitations and the creativity fostered by the Playdate console.
ChatGPT code snuck onto the Playdate, but don't worry, handheld creators Panic are now barring AI games
Panic Inc., the creator of the Playdate handheld, has announced a new policy barring the use of AI in games developed for the platform, including art, music, writing, and code. This decision comes ahead of the Playdate Season 3 game releases and aims to preserve the indie spirit of the device. The company's head, Greg Maletic, highlighted the Playdate for Education program as a reason to encourage human-led game creation.
Panic says the Playdate Catalog won't accept games made with generative AI
Panic, the company behind the Playdate console, announced that its game catalog will no longer accept titles that use generative AI for art, audio, music, text, or dialogue starting this month. While AI assistance for coding is permitted and will be disclosed, the use of large language models and AI image/audio generators for creative assets is prohibited. Previously approved games using generative AI will remain with a disclosure.
Ubisoft union workers agree settlement, legal advice for game devs, and is Xbox Game Pass too expensive? - Patch Notes #48
Union workers at the shuttered Ubisoft Halifax studio have reached a confidential settlement. Xbox's new gaming chief, Asha Sharma, reportedly believes Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive. Additionally, the article touches on the winding down of Ludum Dare, a potential Fortnite extraction shooter with Disney characters, Roblox's new age-based accounts, Among Us surpassing one billion downloads, legal advice for game developers regarding generative AI and IP, and the upcoming Playdate Season 3.
Return of the Obra Dinn developer Lucas Pope doesn't feel comfortable talking about new projects because maybe they'll be "slurped up by AI"
Indie developer Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, is hesitant to discuss his upcoming projects due to concerns about them being "slurped up by AI" or copied. He expressed this sentiment on the "Mike & Rami Are Still Here" podcast, noting a general discomfort with revealing work-in-progress details in the current climate. Pope also reflected on his past successes and whether he should continue developing new titles.
Veteran indie developer scared to reveal new game in case it gets "slurped up by AI"
Veteran indie developer Lucas Pope, known for Papers, Please and The Return of the Obra Dinn, expressed concerns about announcing his next game due to the rise of generative AI and potential idea theft. He feels less comfortable discussing his work in progress, fearing it could be copied or used by AI models. Pope also grapples with the pressure of following up his critically acclaimed past titles.
Devils on the Moon brings the score-chasing of pinball to the Playdate
Devils on the Moon Pinball brings a detailed score-chasing pinball experience to the Playdate, inspired by Pokémon Pinball. Developed by Amano, the game features stylized physics, a three-tiered table design with boss battles, and a top-notch audio-visual presentation without lag, making the Playdate an ideal platform for its gameplay.
Ratcheteer DX Review | NoobFeed
Ratcheteer DX is a fast-paced top-down action-adventure game that has been made more accessible on consoles from its original Playdate release. The game features short, well-paced gameplay, smart tool-based discovery, bright retro-inspired graphics, and catchy chiptune music.
Ratcheteer DX Review | NoobFeed
Ratcheteer DX is a fast-paced top-down action-adventure game that successfully brings its niche Playdate origins to consoles. The game features short, well-paced gameplay, engaging tool-based discovery, vibrant retro-inspired graphics, and a catchy chiptune soundtrack.
Review: Ratcheteer DX Calls Back to Classic Legend of Zelda Action
Ratcheteer DX, a Game Boy Color-style action RPG reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda, has been released on Nintendo Switch and PC. The game features a rookie maintaining colony machines, dealing with hostile creatures, and solving puzzles. While the DX version offers updated visuals and soundtrack, the original monochromatic Playdate version is also noted as a unique experience.
Pixel Ghost announce the official remake of legendary noir adventure Déjà Vu™ is coming to Playdate in 2026
Pixel Ghost has announced Déjà Vu PD, a remake of the classic noir adventure game Déjà Vu, for the Playdate console, scheduled for release in 2026. The remake will feature updated controls, refined interface design, and new music while preserving the original game's puzzles and story. Zojoi, who previously worked on ports of the MacVenture series, is also involved in the project.
A Two Parter! – The TouchArcade Show #613 – TouchArcade
This episode of The TouchArcade Show covers the mobile game Primrows by Tursiops Studios, discussing its free-to-play model and premium unlock. Topics also include the Nintendo Switch 2, a Mario Kart Direct, Playdate Season 2 announcements, and retro handhelds. The podcast recording was split into two parts due to internet issues.