Is the Playdate worth it?

It is worth it if you want a small, unusual handheld with crank-driven games. If you mainly want a big library or a bright color screen, a mainstream handheld suits you better.

Does the Playdate have a backlight?

No. The 2.7-inch 1-bit screen is unlit, so you need decent light to play. It is readable outdoors but dim indoors.

Can I add a memory card?

No. There is no external memory slot, and storage is fixed. Games are downloaded digitally over Wi-Fi.

What games come in the box?

The bundle includes the console and a USB-C to A cable. Crankin' Time Travel Adventure and Hyper Meteor are included games, and a season of weekly games is delivered over time.

How long does the battery last?

Panic rates standby clock use at up to 14 days. Actual play time is much shorter and depends on the game and screen use.

When is the Playdate cheapest?

Discounts are uncommon because Panic controls supply. Watch for seasonal sales and compare store prices, since the best price has recently been near the low end of its range.

Where can I buy the Playdate?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Micro Center, Walmart, eBay.

Panic

Playdate

Last price we saw

$166.97at Micro Center, last seen Nov 4

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the Playdate

The Playdate is a tiny yellow handheld from Panic with a 2.7-inch black-and-white, unlit screen and a physical crank on its side. It ships with two free games, Crankin' Time Travel Adventure and Hyper Meteor, and a season of weekly games. Its 1-bit display and crank make it unlike any other handheld, but the screen has no backlight and there is no expandable storage. The latest best price sits near the low end of its recent range.

Best forCollectors of unusual hardwareFans of small indie gamesPlayers who want a pocketable, distraction-free deviceCrank-based puzzle and arcade fans