Panic first introduced its upcoming tiny gaming handheld with a crank “Playdate” on May 22, 2019. Gamers then got an update last month stating that the company would put the console up for pre-order in July, but we remained in the dark for quite some time on when this date would actually occur. However, on July 22, the highly anticipated wait finally came to an end as the company finally gave fans the official pre-order date for this new quirky device. July 29 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, you’ll be able to secure unit through the site play. date for $179. Additionally, the Playdate Cover, a purple protective cover for the portable device, will also be available for pre-order for $29.
In a “Playdate Update” video posted to Panic’s Youtube channel, Cabel Sasser, Co-founder of Panic shared that the “sooner you order, the sooner you’ll get one, but we’re not going to close the door on you.” Insinuating that those who order on the first day of the pre-order are those who will most likely be receiving the first batch of consoles. The company has also stated that the first 20,000 or so units will begin to ship out towards the end of 2021, and orders after that will begin shipping out in 2022. Meaning that the new year will be filled with a lot of Playdate reviews, unboxing, and hopefully playthroughs.
For those unfamiliar with this new little console, here is some depth into how gaming will work on it. Playdate will receive new and exclusive games in waves called “seasons.” In the first season, you’ll get two games every two weeks on a 12-week schedule. Although Panic has kept quiet about the details of Playdate’s upcoming titles, we know that there will be a total of 24 games. Thumbnails in black and white have been released by the company, giving gamers a little sneak peek as to what’s coming from the seasons’ schedule.