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Tetris Watch: Fun Game, Flawed Controls
12 Dec
Summary
- Tetris watch offers a themed UI but frustrating touchscreen controls.
- Basic fitness tracking, heart rate sensor accurate, but no smartphone connectivity.
- Poor battery life, draining quickly with minimal Tetris gameplay.
The Tetris: My Play Watch aims to capture the essence of the classic puzzle game with a deeply Tetris-themed interface and customizable watch faces. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the device falls short due to significantly frustrating touchscreen controls that hinder gameplay. Navigating the interface relies solely on a touchscreen and a side crown, with other smartwatch functionalities being rudimentary.
Beyond Tetris, the watch includes a stopwatch, timer, calculator, and basic fitness tracking, including step counting and calorie estimation. While its heart rate sensor matches that of an Apple Watch Series 9, it lacks crucial features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smartphone notifications. This isolation makes it a unique option for those seeking a smartwatch look without digital distractions, but at $79.99, its primary draw is playing Tetris.
Unfortunately, the touchscreen implementation for Tetris is problematic, often misinterpreting gestures like swipes and taps, leading to unwanted rotations or piece drops. These control issues cannot be resolved via software updates as the watch lacks connectivity. Battery life is also a concern, with extended Tetris play significantly draining the battery, lasting only about 6.5 hours at maximum brightness and volume.
