Playroll for Playdate is a free game designed for the Playdate handheld game console and emulators. The mechanical crank of Playdate sets the console apart from the rest.

Like other Playdate games, including Loituma Girl and Bird and Beans, Playroll is controlled using the device’s crank and directional buttons, which resemble the Nintendo Gameboy controls with a twist. Users are met with a physics puzzle that can be activated with the crank when starting the game. However, they may be surprised at what they find once the ball gets rolling.

What is the objective of Playroll for Playdate?

While Playroll is disguised as a simple puzzle game that involves rolling a ball with the help of a crank, it’s so much more. Readers, be warned — spoilers ahead!

Playroll is actually an elaborate prank that will “Rickroll" unsuspecting players when activated! Instead of kicking off a challenging physics puzzle, a pixelated version of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up" will begin to play at a speed that matches the crank speed.

Who is Playroll for Playdate intended for?

Designed to be played with no former knowledge of the prank, Playroll for Playdate is best when users know as little as possible. As a result, it’s a great game to show friends who are none the wiser.

It’s also a great way to get illicit reactions, whether the player knows about the “Rickrolling” phenomenon or not —- a longstanding internet prank and meme in which users are unknowingly linked to the popular music video.

Fun and appropriate for all ages

For both young and old, Playroll for Playdate is a simple, fun way to play harmless pranks on unsuspecting friends or family members. When showing the game to friends, they don’t need to know how to use the Playdate device or its controls - all they have to do is turn the crank and watch.