In 2019, Panic introduced a tiny yellow handheld gaming device called the Playdate, which was originally supposed to launch in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now it is believed that the Playdate would launch later this year, with a price hike of $179 from $149 – probably due to massive global semiconductor shortage.
In a post on Twitter yesterday, Panic announced a new video update on its Retro-Modern handheld-gaming device Playdate – which is the first video update since it is announced. The video is supposed to cover a wide range of topics that will be including information on pre-orders, and “some surprises”. As per the company, the Update video showcase will be pre-recorded 15-minute presentation and will be conducted at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 8th on YouTube.
Clarifications of Panic regarding Playdate
In its tweets, Panic clarified a few things which include that the pre-orders won’t be going live immediately after the presentation. The Company conveyed to those who are eager to get their hands on one won’t need to worry about that. “We’ll give you plenty of warning before it’s gone time”.
Panic also clarified about the Playdate’s final price which is $179 which was previously announced to be $149.This price hike is supposed to be for the internal storage of the device that has been doubled to 4GB, and the number of games included in Season One has also been doubled to 24. These 24 games will be coming with every purchase without any extra cost.
Now, with the price hike which could be a no-brainer for some (i guess) because of extra titles and its increased internal storage, everyone has eyes set on Panic’s presentation next week to discover some new things about this new handheld gaming device.