Playdate

The crank is a gimmick for sure, but the way certain game designers cleverly implemented it is really fun and I'm interested to see what uses come of it in future games. That being said, ergonomically it's definitely a bummer to use for some of the more crank-intensive games, and the screen's lack of a backlight can be a frustrating limitation. But you know what? The Playdate charmed me and I am now fully under its spell.

The Playdate's rawness and rough edges are defining qualities here, with creative experimentation fueling a kind of fun you won't get from a smartphone or Switch.

Playdate offers something entirely unique. It’s not a necessary device, one that will transform gaming in the long run, and I don’t expect the next Switch or iPhone will come with a crank for playing games. Instead, it’s more like a strange evolution, a handheld left in the gaming version of the Galápagos Islands to develop in its own way, apart from industry trends. If you want to get away from live service games and microtransactions and the never-ending graphical arms race, the Playdate is the place to do it. Its games are as weird as its design — and that’s what makes them so interesting.

The Playdate is just a fun, snazzy-looking console that doesn't cost very much; it's a great way to pass some time on your commute. If you have fond memories of toting around a Game Boy as your mom dragged you through the mall, you'll feel right at home. Well, as long as you're patient enough to wait until your Playdate actually ships.