playdate-dev

Installation
SKILL.md

Playdate Dev

Overview

Build Playdate games in Lua using the official Playdate SDK. The Playdate is a small yellow handheld with a 400×240 1-bit display, a physical crank, A/B buttons, and a D-pad. Understanding its constraints and unique input is essential.

Hardware specs:

  • Display: 400×240 pixels, 1-bit (black/white only)
  • Memory: ~16 MB RAM (aim for <8 MB peak usage)
  • CPU: 180 MHz Cortex-M7 (device is slower than simulator — always profile on hardware)
  • Input: A button, B button, D-pad (up/down/left/right), crank, menu button
  • Audio: 44.1kHz stereo, Synth + SamplePlayer APIs
  • Accelerometer: 3-axis, opt-in to save battery

Quick Start Workflow

  1. Clarify the request scope (gameplay goal, target device vs simulator, SDK version, release vs prototype).
  2. Choose inputs and accessibility (buttons, crank, accelerometer; provide non-crank alternatives; respect reduce-flashing setting).
  3. Choose rendering approach (sprites vs immediate draw, image sizes, refresh rate, 1x vs 2x scale).
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Installs
14
GitHub Stars
5
First Seen
Mar 8, 2026