Forget the Apple Watch Series 10! If you crave a smartwatch that celebrates the iconic arcade game Space Invaders, then look no further than the Space Invaders: My Play Watch, currently making waves on Kickstarter. This innovative wearable takes the smartwatch concept in a playful new direction.
As the name suggests, the Space Invaders: My Play Watch’s standout feature is its built-in Space Invaders game, designed specifically for the watch’s tiny touchscreen and rotating crown. This collaboration with Taito, the company behind the original Space Invaders, brings a blast from the past to your wrist.
While it might seem like a quirky alternative to the Apple Watch, the Space Invaders: My Play Watch isn’t meant to be a direct competitor. As Jeff Hardy, co-founder of My Play Watch, explains in the press release, “We’re not competing with your phone-linked smartwatch. Our vision was to create a stylish, functional wearable that allows Space Invaders fans to wear their passion while experiencing both a simple gaming experience and essential modern features.”
The watch boasts a 1.86-inch touchscreen housed within a modestly sized case that’s 11mm thick. You can choose from four different 22mm bands, each sporting a unique Space Invaders design. Interestingly, the My Play Watch opts for a rectangular case, reminiscent of the Apple Watch, rather than a traditional round design.
Unlike many smartwatches, the Space Invaders: My Play Watch seems to operate independently of your phone, eliminating the need for a companion app. This suggests a promising battery life, although specifics are absent from the Kickstarter campaign details.
Surprisingly, the watch also includes fitness tracking capabilities, with a heart rate monitor visible on the back. When you’re not battling alien invaders, you can switch to one of the various Space Invaders-themed watch faces to display the time.
For those eager to snag this nostalgic device, the Space Invaders: My Play Watch can be backed on Kickstarter for $75, allowing you to choose your preferred band design. Alternatively, you can spend $200 to receive all the bands along with the watch. The campaign has already achieved its funding goal, and the watch is slated for December delivery.
As with all crowdfunding projects, there are inherent risks involved, including potential shipping delays or even project cancellation. Additionally, the lack of detailed information on technical aspects, like battery life, screen resolution, and operating system, is a bit frustrating.
My Play Watch envisions the Space Invaders watch as the first in a series of similar models, all celebrating different games or entertainment franchises. This ambitious plan aims to release new watches over the next year.
While not the first Space Invaders-themed watch (Timex introduced one in 2022), the My Play Watch stands out with its ability to actually play the game. This unique blend of nostalgia and modern technology promises to be a hit with retro gaming enthusiasts and smartwatch fans alike.
