Also, some of the hardware choices are really stupid. No LCD backlight is ridiculous. Playing to nostalgia goes only so far. When it actively hinders the enjoyment of the product, the product just isn’t very good.
I'm a bit confused here. In the beginning of your comment, you imply that you haven't used one. Then at the end, you state that the lack of a backlight "actively hinders" the product.
How would you know if the lack of a backlight actively hinders the product, if you haven't used it?
The review indicates that the lack of a backlight isn't a problem at all. That's from someone who's actually used it. How is it that you know more about this product's usability when you haven't used it?
31 comments in, and 90% of the posts here are people who have never used the product complaining how bad it is based on their pre-conceived assumptions, or making wild guesses.
I miss the old days of HN when people would post when they had something substantive to add, not just to slake their vanity by seeing their words in print and pretend they're an expert on things they know little about.
Is it your “take” that without testing just about every product out there, people are not allowed to form and opinion, and post about it on the internet?
Edit: as for why there isn't a front light (like the first GBA SP):
> So unlike an LCD, which has transparency to let a backlight shine through, ours is extremely reflective on the back and lets NO light shine through, so backlight isn’t possible! We tested a front light solution and it was… not great. But we’ll keep researching for future models!
That's a good point, but how fair is the comparison really when the Gameboy's screen is at least 20 years old and has surely degraded during that time? With that said, neither look great under the dimmer lighting even if the Playdate is a step up.
Informed opinions are awesome. Uninformed opinions are not. They're just noise.
The fact that you think this is anything like the Gameboy screen shows that you not only didn't read the article, but that you haven't used the product. Therefore your "opinion" is uninformed, and therefore nothing more than what the children today call "a hot take."
>"the contrast ratio on this screen is magnificent, which means ambient daytime light will generally do the trick, as opposed to needing a Game Boy-esque light bulb bolted over the screen"
Think I'm gonna pass on this one; my money is better spent on an Analogue Pocket or something.
I also ordered one because it looks neat and I can probably make my own games for it.
By all accounts, I should be smack dab in their target demographic.
Yet, for some reason I don't fully understand, I have no interest in the Playdate.
The design of the main device is super slick. I want to want to play games on it. Even the idea of the crank has some appeal. I can imagine Stardew Valley style fishing, or some Zelda mini games fitting right in with it.
Then I look at it all together and my heart gives it a big old meh that I can't explain.