Key Takeaways
1. Playtiles is a credit-card-sized gamepad that provides physical buttons for mobile gaming without adhesives, batteries, or Bluetooth.
2. The device is compatible with any modern iPhone or Android phone that is wider than 68mm and supports repositionable on-screen controls.
3. A QR code included with Playtiles leads to a browser-based OS with a catalog of games, including 12 weeks of retro titles for Season 1 backers.
4. Early users are generally pleased with the compact design and durability, enjoying the tactile experience it offers over touch controls.
5. While some users found it basic in design, the pricing at $12 for the basic pack and $28 for the pack with games is considered a good deal for retro gaming fans.
Playtiles, the nifty gamepad that has grabbed the attention of countless mobile gamers since its pre-orders kicked off in July, is finally shipping its initial batch to early supporters. The first reviews are in, and while it might have seemed too good to be true or just another crowdfunding dream, Playtiles is indeed real, priced at only $12.
A Unique Device
For those not familiar, Playtiles is designed as a small, credit-card-sized piece of plastic equipped with a D-pad and two action buttons, which adheres to your phone’s screen. What’s fascinating is that it doesn’t need any adhesives, batteries, or Bluetooth to operate.
Playtiles simply presses on your virtual on-screen controls, providing gamers with physical buttons for any phone, almost like a modern handheld console. It works with any contemporary iPhone or Android device, as long as it’s wider than 68mm and the game allows for repositioning of on-screen controls.
Accessing Games Made Easy
Another interesting aspect of Playtiles is the QR code it comes with. When scanned, this code opens the browser-based Playtiles OS, allowing gamers to access a catalog of titles to enjoy. Those early backers who grabbed the Season 1 bundle will receive 12 weeks of short retro games developed in GB Studio.
Production for Playtiles scaled up in October, with content creators receiving review units first, followed by Season 1 developers, and then the pre-orders were fulfilled. Now, as we reach mid-December, the first shipments are already arriving in backers’ mailboxes throughout the US and Europe.
Positive Feedback from Early Users
Early supporters are quite pleased with Playtiles, with many appreciating its compact design and the ability to run their own Game Boy Color (GBC) ROMs. Some users remarked on how durable Playtiles feels for a device the size of a credit card.
A few customers faced minor issues when trying to access the Season 1 titles, but a quick rescan of the QR code sorted them out. Overall, early adopters of Playtiles are enjoying a tactile upgrade that allows them to pass the time by playing games on their phone screens without dealing with touch controls.
Some users criticized the product for being a bit too basic up close, but at just $14 for the basic Lagoon Pack or $28 for the pack that includes Season 1 games, it’s a bargain for retro gaming enthusiasts.
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