Panic New Firmware Update Adds ‘Catalog’ Store To The Playdate, Retail Price Increase To $199 Next Month

Back in 2019, Firewatch publisher Panic announced its new effort to create a new revolutionary handheld that would recenter the craze for reflective screens for new purpose. In that, the Playdate was unveiled and it came with a quirk: a crank that plays directly into the experience to bring unique gameplay to the user. By spring 2022, Panic officially rolled out its first line of units for pre-order holders.

From our hands-on with the Playdate back at PAX West 2019, we wrote: “my experience with the PlayDate even up to writing this truly grabbed my interest into anticipating for the handheld’s pre-order information officially going up. With interesting enough titles and scheduled release seasons planned for the game’s unique library, I am more than ready to pay the $149.99 for this new device.”

For the release of the Playdate came with its own string of free content in the form of ‘Season One’ as 24 free titles rolled out. However, a proper storefront has yet to be implemented. Leaving users to sideload games and purchase new games via Itch.io directly from the creator. Now, a native store ‘Catalog’ is here and with it delivers a list of titles up for purchase. You can read the full list below:

A Joke That’s Worth .99¢
Bloom
Carve Jr
Down the Oubliette
Direct Drive
Eyeland
Grand Tour Legends
Hidey Spot
Playmaker
Skew
Swap Machina
Tapeworm Disco Puzzle
The Botanist
Word Trip

Noted, there will be an additional two free titles available for owners to grab as of the new update that went live on March 7th – Reel Steal & Recommendation Dog. During the latest Playdate Update, the official dock for the device is reassured to be in development. With ongoing pressure manufacturing, focus is said to slowly recenter on the accessory over at Panic.

Also in a statement from Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser revealed an adjustment to the pricing of the Playdate. Due to increasing costs on producing the crank-equipped handheld, the cost is now going up to $199. He does elaborate that the official move will be executed a month from the announcement – April 7th.

Are you excited from the new update that rolled out for Playdate?

Source: Panic