Price Hike for Playdate Handheld Console, In-Device Store Launches

Panic, the developer of the Playdate handheld console, has announced a price adjustment to offset rising production costs. The manufacturer's increased expenses have led to a price hike, which will take effect on April 7. Despite aiming to keep the console affordable, the company has raised the price by $20, from $179 to $199, citing already narrow profit margins. To mitigate the impact, the current price will remain in effect for another month. Additionally, Panic has introduced Catalog, a marketplace for Playdate games, featuring over 12 titles, with more to come. The store will be accessible both online and through an app on the device. It's worth noting that each Playdate purchase includes the first season of 24 games, and users can also install over 425 games from platforms like Itch.io. Since its launch in 2022, the Playdate has distinguished itself with its unique hand-crank control, complementing the traditional buttons.