Amaya Toman Panic is a company that has been developing apps for iOS and macOS for two decades. They are behind, for example, the Coda software for both platforms, the Transit application for Mac, or even the Firewatch game. Now the company has announced that it intends to venture into the waters of the hardware industry as well, with the new Playdate handheld gaming console.
The device is equipped with a four-way control cross (D-pad) and buttons A and B. On the side of the console there is a mechanical hand crank, the function of which will also be incorporated into the games. "It's yellow. Fits in your pocket. It has a beautiful black and white display. It's not super cheap, but it's not super expensive either," writes Panic about its upcoming console, adding that Playdate will feature plenty of new games from great creators. “For over 20 years, Panic has been making mostly macOS and iOS software. Twenty years is a long time, and we wanted to try something new," says Panic.
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The price of Playdate will be 149 dollars, i.e. roughly 3450 crowns. The console will be sold with 12 native games, with more new titles added over time. Charging will take place via a USB-C port, the Playdate will also be equipped with a headphone jack and offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection support. The device was designed by Teenage Engineering, whose workshop also produced a number of accessories for the iPhone.
In a way, the device resembles the popular Nintendo GameBoy. The question is whether it will be able to achieve the same success among users in the era of smartphone games and Apple Arcade-type platforms. For details on the Playdate handheld console, visit Panic website.
