# pd-usb: reconstructing Playdate USB commands

> pd-usb implements Playdate USB communication in a JavaScript WebSerial library using commands recovered through packet sniffing. It reads device status, controls and screen data, sends bitmaps, and exposes command and compiled-Lua payload operations.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-08
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/cranksters/pd-usb>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/cranksters/pd-usb/blob/a200e8a139ebc104e415c2856354f57b3aedcf17/readme.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/pd-usb-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/pd-usb-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/pd-usb-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A Playdate connected over USB and a browser with WebSerial support in a secure context.
- **License:** MIT License.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/cranksters/pd-usb/blob/a200e8a139ebc104e415c2856354f57b3aedcf17/readme.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.