Gaming Playdate Keeps Big Ben's Bells Ringing on Time

When you think of the tools needed to maintain one of the world's most famous clocks, a bright yellow gaming device probably doesn't come to mind.

Andrew Strangeway, a clock mechanic for the Houses of Parliament, has found an unlikely assistant in keeping Big Ben's bells ringing on time. He's programmed his Playdate, a small handheld gaming console known for its playful design and hand crank, to help check the precise timing of the iconic clocktower's chimes.

The Playdate made its debut appearance at Big Ben during preparations for New Year's Eve 2025. Since then, it's become a regular part of Strangeway's toolkit for maintaining one of London's most beloved landmarks.

The gaming device recently got its moment in the spotlight when it appeared on the National Geographic travel show Best of the World with Antoni Porowski. During the Queer Eye alum's London visit, he toured Big Ben with Strangeway and viewers spotted the cheerful yellow gadget hard at work.

Why This Inspires

This story shows what happens when technology is designed with openness and creativity in mind. The Playdate wasn't built for clockwork maintenance, but its easy programming, user-friendly software development kit, and ability to run custom programs made it perfect for the job.

It's a refreshing reminder that the best tools often come from unexpected places. When designers create devices that people can tinker with and adapt, those creations find homes in ways no one could predict.

The Playdate company celebrated the cameo on social media, pointing out that this kind of "surprising magic" happens when hardware makers prioritize accessibility and creativity over locked-down systems. They've watched their invention, originally meant for gaming fun, become part of maintaining a piece of history that's stood for over 160 years.

From video games to world-famous clock towers, the little yellow device is proving that playful innovation and serious work make great partners.