Playdate - Official March 2023 Update Showcase

Welcome back to another Playdate update! We've got a lot of exciting things happening with our handheld game system, so let's dive right in and catch up on the latest.

Season One Bonus Games

First of all, we want to thank everyone who has enjoyed the games from Playdate's debut season. The response has been incredible! But hold on, because just when you thought the first season was over, we've got something even better in store for you. We are thrilled to announce that two brand new games, "Real Steel" and "Recommendation Dog," are now available as a bonus for every Playdate owner.

"Real Steel" is a heist game where you play as a thief armed only with a fishing pole. Your mission? Reclaim loot and justice from evil billionaires and leave your calling card behind. Talk about a fishing trip like no other!

On the other hand, "Recommendation Dog" is an adorable action puzzle game that puts you in the paws of a tiny dog working at a temp agency. Your job is to fulfill all sorts of lovely and wacky needs by making quick choices. Go out there, make connections, and get the pets you deserve. Good boy!

Playdate Shipping Progress

For those of you still waiting on your Playdate, thank you for your patience! We've shipped 25,000 units so far, and we're on track to fulfill all remaining pre-orders by early 2023. We know the wait can be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it. Hang in there!

Introducing Catalog: A New Way to Get Games

The number one question we hear from Playdate owners is, "Where do I get more games?" While we always remind them about the weekly season games and itch.io, we're excited to introduce a new way to get games for your Playdate: Catalog!

Catalog is a curated store that will be right on your Playdate's home screen. It's a hand-picked collection of games that we think you'll really like. To access Catalog, simply update your Playdate's system software to the latest version. You'll be asked to add a credit card to your Playdate account, and from there, you can browse and purchase games from the Catalog website on your computer or mobile device.

But wait, there's more! As a special thank you, we're giving Playdate owners two bonus games, "Real Steel" and "Recommendation Dog," for free in Catalog. No credit card required!

Sneak Peek at Catalog Games

Now, let's take a quick look at some of the exciting games waiting for you in Catalog:

1. Carl Jr's Snowboarding Adventure: Journey into the depths of the Earth's core and experience the world's most accurate snowboarding simulator game. This is snowboarding like you've never seen before, and it's all made possible by our patented child's got our technology. Get ready to shred the gnar!

2. Direct Drive: Step into the music industry of 1927 as an intern at DAC Vector, the world's greatest recording company. Your task is to crank the music at just the right speed using a broken motor. Keep it in the middle to keep the famous soprano happy. Can you crank your way to success?

3. Playmaker: Unleash your creativity with this fun and quirky creative app. Paint pictures, compose music, play with blocks, and so much more. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and endless hours of fun.

4. Grand Tour Legends: If you're a fan of bicycle racing, this game is for you. Manage your stamina to match the rhythm of the track and pedal your way to victory. Are you ready for the ultimate cycling challenge?

These are just a few examples of the amazing games waiting for you in Catalog. Update your Playdate system and start browsing now!

Playdate Stereo Dock Update

We haven't forgotten about the Playdate Stereo Dock. This cute little accessory that doubles as a charging station and Bluetooth speaker is still in the works. Our team has been hard at work, and we're excited to announce that we've received early beta samples. We're testing them out, fine-tuning the EQ, and working on certifications. Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get your hands on the Stereo Dock.

Playdate Price Increase

Now for some bummer news. Due to inevitable price increases from our factory, we will be raising the price of the Playdate for future customers from $179 to $199. We've done our best to absorb these increases, but unfortunately, this one was unavoidable. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we want to assure you that existing orders will not be affected by this change.

However, we understand that it wouldn't be fair to those who have been considering purchasing a Playdate if we suddenly increased the price today. So, the price change will go into effect next month. If you've been on the fence, you still have a little time to secure a Playdate at the current $179 price.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for your continued excitement and support for the Playdate platform. We truly appreciate the Playdate community and want to express our deep thanks for enjoying what we do. Be sure to stay updated through our website and Twitter for all the latest Playdate news.

That's it for now! We hope you enjoy the new games, the upcoming Playdate Stereo Dock, and the exciting opportunities that Catalog brings. Keep playing, keep exploring, and keep having fun with your Playdate. See you soon with more news and updates. Bye for now!