A comprehensive review of Playdate Season 2, featuring the top games on the unique console.

The new portable console with a hand crank controller has finished its second season and the games are just as strange as the device itself.

July 30th 2025.

A comprehensive review of Playdate Season 2, featuring the top games on the unique console.
The Playdate handheld console has certainly caught the attention of many with its unique design. The black and white device, complete with a hand crank as a controller, has just wrapped up its second season, and it's safe to say that both the hardware and the games have left a lasting impression on its players.

It's been over three years since the Playdate was released, and although it may not have taken the gaming world by storm, it has amassed a dedicated fan base. The initial launch included a "season" of 24 games, which were released in pairs every week. It was a delightful introduction to the system, but as time went on, most players found themselves moving on from the games after the first few weeks.

The second season, however, is only half the size of the first, with 12 games and one interesting "curio" called Blippo+. Despite its smaller lineup, the variety and originality of the games continue to impress. It's truly fascinating to see how developers have adapted to the system's limitations, and this season has some real standouts.

Let's take a closer look at some of the games from the first few weeks of the second season. To kick things off, we have Blippo+, which is not a game at all. Instead, it's a series of video streams from the fictional planet of Blipp, showcasing bizarre and trashy cable TV content from the 80s. The slightly grainy visuals surprisingly suit the tiny device, and although the purpose of Blippo+ may be unclear, it's a strangely captivating experience.

Next up is Fulcrum Defender, a circular tower defense game from Subset Games, known for their popular titles FTL and Into the Breach. What sets this game apart is its unique use of the crank for aiming. You must prevent various shapes from reaching the center of the screen, all while dealing with different flight patterns and employing power-ups and special weapons. The fast-paced gameplay, accompanied by hypnotic beats, creates an immersive experience that's hard to put down.

One of the more complex games in the lineup is Dig! Dig! Dino!, where players take on the role of a paleontologist on a mission to unearth dinosaur bones and alien artifacts. The game's clever use of black and white textures effectively mimics the layers of soil and upgrades to your tools keep you engaged. It's easy to get lost in this addictive game once you get the hang of it.

Moving on to week two, we have Wheelsprung, a challenging trials bike game that requires precision and skill to navigate through 34 side-scrolling tracks. Each track is filled with obstacles that will test your balance, throttle control, and braking abilities. With its physics-based gameplay, Wheelsprung offers a deep and subtle experience for dedicated players.

Another game from week two is The Whiteout, set in a post-apocalyptic world covered in snow. As you scavenge through the remains of humanity, you must also navigate through treacherous encounters with other survivors. This game's melancholic atmosphere and inventory puzzles are punctuated by moments of brutal violence, making for a gripping and emotional journey.

Week three brings us CatchaDiablos, a game that utilizes the hand crank in a unique way. Players control a cat with a hoop, tasked with capturing unsuspecting creatures by encircling them with a swift turn of the crank. The mechanics and locomotion in this game are unlike anything else, providing a fresh and challenging experience for even the most seasoned gamers.

In just a few short weeks, Playdate's second season has already proven to be just as odd and intriguing as its first. With its innovative hardware and captivating games, it's no wonder that this handheld console has garnered a devoted following. Who knows what surprises the rest of the season holds? One thing's for sure, Playdate is anything but ordinary.
The Playdate handheld console has been making waves in the gaming world with its unique design and odd games. Now in its second season, the black and white device with a hand crank as a controller continues to capture the attention of gamers everywhere.

Since its release three years ago, the Playdate has garnered a loyal following, despite not being a mainstream success. Its initial season of 24 games, released two at a time, was met with much enthusiasm. However, as time went on, many players found themselves drifting away from the games after the first few weeks.

The second season, which consists of 12 games, has once again impressed with its variety and originality. Among the highlights is Blippo+, a curious addition that offers a glimpse into the bizarre world of the planet Blipp through video streams. Although it may take some time for the streams to load on the Playdate, the grainy quality somehow adds to the overall experience.

Another standout game in this season is Fulcrum Defender, a tower defense game that utilizes the hand crank for aiming. Developed by Subset Games, makers of popular games such as FTL and Into The Breach, this game challenges players to defend the core in the center of the screen from various shapes that fly in from the edges. With its fast-paced gameplay and techno beats, Fulcrum Defender is a must-try for Playdate users.

One of the more complex games in this season is Dig! Dig! Dino!, which puts players in the role of a paleontologist excavating dig sites for dinosaur bones and alien artifacts. The game's use of black and white textures effectively portrays the different layers of the dig sites, while the addictive upgrade system keeps players engaged for hours.

Moving on to the second week of the season, we have Wheelsprung, a physics-based game that challenges players to maintain balance and control while riding a tiny trials bike through 34 side-scrolling tracks. With each track becoming increasingly difficult, players must carefully strategize their approach to avoid crashing and destroying their bike.

In The Whiteout, players are taken on a post-apocalyptic journey through a snowy wasteland, scavenging for supplies and trying to survive in a world void of human civilization. The game's eerie atmosphere and inventory puzzles make for a gripping experience, although the slow walking pace and backtracking may frustrate some players.

CatchaDiablos, released in the third week of the season, is a unique game that requires players to use the hand crank to control a cat with a hoop. The goal is to capture unsuspecting creatures by encircling them with the hoop and turning the crank rapidly. This game provides a refreshing and challenging gameplay experience that is unlike anything else.

With its second season, Playdate continues to impress with its odd yet captivating games that take full advantage of the console's limitations. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this quirky handheld device. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the buzz is about? Sign up for the GameCentral newsletter for exclusive analysis and reviews, and stay up-to-date on all the latest Playdate releases.

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