Why settle for an Apple Watch Series 10 when you could have a smartwatch that celebrates the classic arcade game Space Invaders? If that sounds like your vibe, check out Kickstarter, where you’ll find the Space Invaders: My Play Watch—a fun, retro take on modern wearables.
As the name suggests, this smartwatch lets you actually play Space Invaders, specially adapted for the watch’s tiny touchscreen and rotating crown. It’s not just a gimmick either; the game was developed in partnership with Taito, the original creators of Space Invaders, so it’s legit.
Now, if you’re thinking this is a direct competitor to the Apple Watch, it’s not really aiming for that. Jeff Hardy, co-founder of My Play Watch, explains in a press release: “We’re not trying to replace your smartwatch that’s synced to your phone. Our goal was to make a stylish and functional watch for fans of Space Invaders, where they can enjoy a simple gaming experience alongside essential modern features.”
So, what kind of features are we talking about? The watch comes with a 1.86-inch touchscreen in a slim 11mm case, and you can choose from four different 22mm bands, each with its own unique Space Invaders design. The case is rectangular, similar to the Apple Watch, which is pretty standard these days. One notable difference, though, is that the My Play Watch doesn’t need to be linked to your phone. There’s no companion app, which means it’ll likely have decent battery life (though the Kickstarter campaign doesn’t specify how long it lasts or how it’s recharged).
Beyond gaming, the watch also tracks fitness and includes a heart rate monitor, which you’ll find on the back. When you’re not blasting away aliens, the time is displayed on a variety of Space Invaders-themed faces, keeping the retro vibe going even when you’re not playing.
If you want in, the Space Invaders: My Play Watch is available on Kickstarter for $75, and you get to pick your favorite band design. Or, if you want to splurge, $200 will get you all the bands and the watch. The project has already hit its funding goal, and the watches are expected to ship in December. Of course, as with any crowdfunding campaign, there’s a bit of risk—shipping delays or even cancellations are possible. Plus, some key details about the watch, like battery life, screen resolution, and the operating system, are still missing from the description.
Looking ahead, My Play Watch is planning to release more smartwatches celebrating other games or entertainment franchises over the next year. Interestingly, this isn’t the first Space Invaders-themed watch either; Timex dropped one in 2022, but that one didn’t let you actually play the game.
In short, if you’re a fan of the classics and want a unique smartwatch that lets you wear your love for Space Invaders on your wrist, this could be the one for you!
