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Playdate Helps Keep Big Ben on Schedule

WireByte Staff · July 9, 2026

A clock mechanic for the Houses of Parliament, Andrew Strangeway, uses a Playdate handheld console to check the timing for Big Ben's iconic bells to ring. This is not the first time the device has been used for non-gaming purposes, with Strangeway previously using it to test the clock's New Year's Eve chimes in 2025.

Key points

  • Andrew Strangeway, a clock mechanic for the Houses of Parliament, uses a Playdate console to check the timing for Big Ben's bells.
  • This is not the first time the Playdate has been used for non-gaming purposes, with Strangeway previously using it to test the clock's New Year's Eve chimes in 2025.
  • Playdate is a handheld console known for its ease of programming and sideloadable capabilities.
  • The device's use in a non-gaming context highlights its versatility and potential applications beyond gaming.

Playdate, a handheld console known for its ease of programming and sideloadable capabilities, has found an unexpected use case in the world of clock mechanics. Andrew Strangeway, a clock mechanic for the Houses of Parliament, has been using the device to check the timing for Big Ben's iconic bells. This is not the first time the Playdate has been used for non-gaming purposes, with Strangeway previously using it to test the clock's New Year's Eve chimes in 2025.

The use of Playdate in this context highlights its versatility and potential applications beyond gaming. The device's ease of programming and sideloadable capabilities make it an attractive tool for a variety of tasks, from clock mechanics to other industries that require precise timing.

Playdate's developer, Alex Navarro, has expressed excitement about the device's use in this non-gaming context. In a statement, Navarro noted that the Playdate's capabilities make it an ideal tool for a wide range of applications, and that the company is eager to see how the device will be used in the future.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.