Panic Podcast – Episode 6: The Story of Playdate

Panic Podcast – Episode 6: The Story of Playdate

Find out how an offhand idea to mark the 15th anniversary of a software company launched a decade-long saga of twists, turns, and mini-boss battles that led to the creation of a handheld gaming console as surprising and unique as its creators. Pre-order day is finally here, but it’s dangerous to go alone. Take this adorable yellow box, and let’s get crankin’… on the story of Playdate.

Whether you plan on snagging a Playdate console or not, I think this episode of Panic’s aptly named podcast is worth a listen. It offers a delightful look into the creative process of designing hardware and software.

I love the edit of the show too. Tightly packed with knowledge, interviews, and fun jokes. Definitely something I admired while listening. Plus, the show notes are excellent with snazzy photos cataloguing the development cycle.

Playdate Initial Lot Sells Out in 17 Minutes

Congratulations Panic for selling all 20,000 Playdates in the first lot. Not quite as fast as the Analogue Pocket, but definitely much smoother. I managed to snag an order quite easily (and thankfully). This has definitely been the smoothest pre-order experience I have had probably since the Animal Crossing Switch for my wife or a brick and mortar store pre-order. Can’t wait to get my hands on this thing later this year.

Playdate Details Revealed

✨ Playdate Update — 6/8/2021 on YouTube

Oooooo baby! The Playdate has been on my radar since its initial announcement. I think I have signed up for notifications across three different email addresses, just by accident. I have loved seeing little teases from Panic and devs that have their hands on one, like davemakes from Mixolumia! No more teases though, as Panic just put out a Nintendo Direct-style video revealing all sorts of goodness. 

Season 1 Has Doubled

A unique part of Playdate is that the games for it are being released weekly as a part of Season 1, which is included with the Playdate. The games are yours to keep, no subscription here for the first season. That quantity of games has doubled from 12 to 24! Devs I recognized were Zach Gage, Bennett Foddy, and davemakes. Lucas Pope, creator of Return of the Obra Dinn and Papers, Please is also making a game for it too!

There’s a Dock/Speaker/Pen Holder

I want this on my desk ASAP.

Poolsuite FM is gonna be there

Yes. Give me.

Pre-orders Start in July

Sounds like Panic is making an initial order of 20,000 Playdates and selling them for $179. No word on the cost of the Dock. Panic will give everyone a week’s notice to the pre-order date. First come, first serve, with a goal to start shipping later this year. Orders won’t shut down though, if the initial order is sold through. Panic is keeping orders open!

The Created a Game Making App too

Playdate Pulp is a web-browser based game maker. People can whip up games for their Playdate and put them right on the console! It’s very cute and reminds me a lot of Mario Maker and Mario Paint

As Panic’s first foray into hardware, it really looks like they are hitting the nail on the head. Wholly unique in a refreshing way. I am really eager to get my hands on this console and that sweet, sweet crank.