Taito Corporation, known for creating the classic game Space Invaders over 45 years ago, has teamed up with Floor 84 Studio to introduce a watch that combines retro gaming with basic health tracking. The Space Invaders: My Play Watch is available for early supporters on Kickstarter, starting at US$60 for the first 48 hours of the campaign.
A retro gaming watch with a familiar design
The My Play Watch, which was teased earlier this month, looks similar to the Apple Watch at first glance. It features a 1.86-inch touchscreen display, although it's a little thicker than the sleek Series 10 but not as bulky as the Ultra 2. The watch's retro look is completed with two watch straps that match its gaming theme, and it's compatible with standard 22mm straps for more customisation options.
However, this watch stands out because of its Space Invaders theme. The watch faces feature pixelated graphics, fonts, and even authentic sounds from the original arcade game. It's not just a simple timepiece, though—it includes basic health tracking features like a heart rate monitor, step counter, and calorie burn estimates to help you monitor your daily activities.
But the true highlight of this watch is that you can play a custom version of Space Invaders directly on it. You can control the game through the watch's touchscreen or the crown dial, giving you a nostalgic gaming experience right on your wrist.
What you can and can't do with the My Play Watch
While the My Play Watch offers fun features, it's not intended to be a direct competitor to popular smartwatches like the Apple Watch or the Pixel Watch. One major difference is that it doesn't connect to your smartphone. This means you won't get notifications for messages, emails, or calls and won't be able to use it for tasks like locating a lost phone. Additionally, all the health data it gathers stays on the watch itself, as there's no syncing with a phone app or other devices.
Although Space Invaders fans may be drawn to the nostalgia, it's worth noting that several versions of the game are already available for smartphones, including some for Apple's watchOS. The My Play Watch seems to rely heavily on retro appeal, aiming to attract backers who want to support the project as it's still in development and not yet in production.
Crowdfunding and potential delays
For early backers, the yellow and red versions of the My Play Watch can be pre-ordered for US$60 during the first 48 hours of the Kickstarter campaign. After that, the price increases to US$75, matching the cost of the blue version. The creators hope to ship the watches as early as December, although this timeline may need to be more optimistic. They have admitted that developing the watch's custom operating system is ongoing, which could delay production.
Many Kickstarter projects, especially those involving electronics, face unforeseen setbacks between development and production. Some are delayed by several months, while others never deliver the final product, leaving backers needing what they pledged for. This makes it a watch worth watching, but perhaps not one to count on until it's ready to ship.
