"I was told you couldn't do 3D on the Playdate, so I did it" - Gamedev creates a 3D renderer for Panic's tiny monochrome handheld that makes even Mirror's Edge inspired levels possible
in newsletterGamesRadar · 4 min read · top_stories
Developer Cristina Ramos created a custom 3D renderer for the Playdate handheld and used it to build Katavatis, a first-person Metroidvania that runs Mirror's Edge-inspired exterior platforming levels on Panic's monochrome device. The renderer is capable enough to run DOOM on the Playdate. Katavatis launches on Steam and Itch.io; Ramos documented the renderer development in a devblog comparing its capabilities to 3DO and Sega Saturn-era graphics.
Mentioned entities
3DFX Voodoo3DOARM Cortex-M7Cristina RamosDoomItch.ioKatavatisMirror's EdgePanicPlayStation 1PlaydateSega SaturnSteam
Appeared in 2026-07-22.