Key Takeaways
1. The Playdate’s price will increase from $199 to $229 starting March 25 due to higher production costs from a new manufacturing facility.
2. Accessories for the Playdate will not see a price increase at this time.
3. Refurbished Playdate units will be available on March 25 for $179, but stock will be limited.
4. Refurbished units will be fully restored or have minor cosmetic flaws and come with a six-month limited warranty.
5. There is a sale on games ending March 20, making it a good time to purchase before the price increase.
Panic’s Playdate stands out in a crowded market of handheld gaming devices from brands like Nintendo, Anbernic, Retroid, Lenovo, and Asus. This yellow handheld, which features a quirky crank, was launched in 2022 at a price of $199, and it has maintained that price since. However, a price increase is coming soon.
Price Increase Announcement
Panic has confirmed that the Playdate’s price will rise from $199 to $229, effective March 25. The company stated that this price hike is due to a shift to a new manufacturing facility, which has informed them that it will be more expensive to produce the Playdate compared to the previous factory. This is the reason behind the adjustment in pricing.
Accessories Pricing
While the main device will see a price increase, there hasn’t been any news regarding a rise in the prices for accessories like cases, USB cables, or the official charger that was released late last year. There are still a few days left before the new price takes effect, making it an ideal time to purchase the device if you were thinking about it.
Refurbished Units Available
On March 25, Panic will also introduce refurbished Playdate units, which will be priced at $179 each. However, stock will be quite limited. According to Panic, these refurbished units will include those that have been fully restored at the factory and others with minor cosmetic flaws. They are fully functional and come with a six-month limited warranty.
If you decide to buy a new unit now or wait for a refurbished one, don’t forget to grab some games that are on sale. The sale ends today, March 20, so you’ll need to act quickly.
Source:
Link
Leave a Reply