Yes you can make your game from scratch but it must be able to run on a Playdate console and abides by the rules on the jam page. You can get the Playdate SDK at https://play.date/dev
I can’t offer much as a prize but the “prizes” are detailed here:
Playdate. Once upon a time was named Game Boy.
Now it depends on what seems to be an Esp32 or similar. Sold for less than 10€. Development and everything considered, why would anyone spend more than 50€ for it? I didn’t know anyone needs a device like this. Otherwise I would have invented something with an epaper display. And with a solar cell on it. Play as long as you want in the summer time. Oh, and with background light for playing at night time without disturbing anyone.
Oh, most of this is included in any ebook reader - that cost much less and has a bigger display.
What exactly is that Playdate thing for??
the cost of the device isn’t just for the processor. It has a crank which makes a very unique input and the SHARP memory LCD (not e-ink) can refresh far quicker than most e-ink displays. The cost also covers the 24 games that come with it. It would be hard to make them much cheaper since the hardware is actually pretty solid and unlike other console companies, they can’t afford to sell them at a loss and make money back through game sales. It’s a fun device and it’s really fun to develop for so while it is not for everyone, me and many others love them so I made a game jam about them.