Here’s how to sideload Playdate games from Itch.io and elsewhere

sideload Playdate games

It’s surprisingly easy

Recommended Videos

Playdate devices are starting to ship out, and although all owners are getting a 24-game “season 1,” there’s more out there. Here’s how to sideload Playdate games and a few links to get you started.

How to sideload Playdate games online (the easiest consumer-friendly method):

  • Go to the Playdate website and log into your account after you register your unit (more on that here)
  • Select the “sideload” option above your account info
  • Once you’ve bought/acquired a game, you’ll just drag/upload a .pdx file directly to your account
  • Head to your device, look under “games” in your account, refresh the list at the top left, then scroll to the bottom (they can also automatically download over time)

That’s it! The .pdx file is actually just a folder containing the game itself, but you can upload the .zip directly to your Playdate account and access it from the cloud.

The sideloaded titles will be under “my games” at the bottom of your game menu.

How to sideload Playdate games via USB:

  • Get the Playdate SDK
  • Plug your Playdate into your PC via the included USB cable (or any USB C to USB A cable)
  • Load the Playdate Simulator and open the .pdx file directly
  • Select “Upload game to Device”

Playdate also has a third “data disk mode” option that I wouldn’t recommend: you can find those instructions, and info on other sideloading methods, here.

Where to buy/download Playdate games:

Since the process is so simple, finding games is arguably harder to do than actually loading them. Right now, your best bet is the Playdate Reddit, as well as Itch.io. But the Playdate developers will be spotlighting games as well as time goes on.

There are several games you can buy for Playdate now piecemeal that are not part of the “seasonal” run, which we’ll add to the list here:

Free Playdate games:


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article The next big Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter update is on April 12
What to expect during FFXIV LLXXX
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update
Related Content
Read Article The next big Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter update is on April 12
What to expect during FFXIV LLXXX
Read Article Helldivers 2 players receive Quasar Cannon and Heavy Machine Gun Stratagems to support Automaton obliteration
helldivers 2 heavy machine gun HMG quasar cannon stratagems unlocked
Read Article The Witcher 4 development is forging ahead at CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 4 update
Author
Chris Carter
Managing Editor - Chris has been enjoying Destructoid avidly since 2008. He finally decided to take the next step in January of 2009 blogging on the site. Now, he's staff!