Okay, there’s nothing wrong with new companies getting into the console gaming industry. New consoles usually try to mimic what works. The team at Panic Games is, well, doing something different.

For over 20 years, Panic has mostly made Mac and iOS software. After awhile, they became known for the obscure and unique, which is still central to this new console. Some of their latest projects have been innovative games like like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game. Twenty years is a long time, and the company is trying to “make the most of what they have to offer” with a new console called the Playdate.

The idea behind the Playdate is the “celebration of the video game,” according to the company. Developers like Keita Takahashi, Zach Gage, Bennett Foddy, and Shaun Inman are on tap to make games for the new console. Playdate is set to release 12 new games for the console, one per week, all of which will be hidden until they show up on the console.

“We’d like to keep them a secret until they appear on your Playdate. We want to surprise you. Some are short, some long, some are experimental, some traditional. All are fun,” a press release for the Playdate reads.

When the Playdate lights up with a brand new game delivery, players will “unwrap” the game and get thrown into the new experience. The console looks a lot like an elongated GameBoy, but oddly enough, a giant crank sits on the side of the game’s casing. The Playdate will cost USD $149, and all twelve games in Season One will be included with purchase. It will ship in early 2020, and to be honest, it’s tough to understand what is going to become of the Playdate. The company says limited consoles will be available, and encourages all to pre-order ASAP.

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