The Chromatic is a modernized Game Boy Color that looks, plays, and feels like the real thing.
For the subset of retro gamers who crave authenticity, the Chromatic is an undeniable success.
It’s also one of the best-built portable devices I’ve ever used.
Most are emulation devices that can offer solid experiences for budget prices.
It takes “paying homage” to the next level.
ModRetro was founded by Palmer Luckey, who is best known as the creator of the Oculus Rift.
Anduril Industries manufactures AI-powered military devices such as drones and sells them to the Department of Defense.
The Chromatic plays all Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges as well as Chromatic-branded carts.
This also means all Chromatic carts are simply Game Boy carts with different branding that work on original hardware.
The Chromatic has a 2.56-inch backlit IPS LCD made of sapphire crystal.
The Pocket is an openFPGA handheld with support for a long list of retro platforms.
The build quality isseriouslyimpressive.
A quick Google search will tell you that Sapphire can cost 10 times as much as Gorilla Glass.
But instead of plastic, ModRetro used injection molding to craft the Chromatic’s magnesium alloy shell.
Analogue, for instance, released a limited-edition Pocket with an aluminum shell for $499 earlier this year.
The Chromatic, unsurprisingly, is heavier than a Game Boy as a result.
When you pop in three AA batteries, the Chromatic is closer to 9 ounces.
And the metal shell is important here–I definitely wouldn’t trade it for plastic.
The Chromatic is without a doubt the sturdiest handheld I’ve ever used.
It’s extremely well-made, with no weak points, creaks, or inconsistencies of any kind.
The remarkably premium feel does come with one caveat.
As mentioned, it mirrors the Game Boy Color in size.
The Chromatic is comfortable to hold–for me at least.
The screen and shell size might be an issue for you, depending on your eyesight and hand size.
As with the rest of the build, the buttons are also made of premium materials.
It’s a superb D-pad with fast action and consistent travel distances with each tap.
I suspect the injection molding helped with getting the perfect fit.
Where the Chromatic’s layout differs is on the sides and top.
The power switch is located on the top-left corner.
It’s pitched as a “custom ultra-loud speaker module,” which is an accurate description.
More importantly, the audio is crisp.
The Chromatic has one button you won’t find on Game Boys.
When you flick the power switch, you’re booted right into the cartridge, just like old times.
But there is a button on the right side that pulls up a small tweaks menu.
As mentioned, there are only two controls here: Frame Blend and Color Correction.
The frames would, in essence, blend together.
you’re able to connect the Chromatic to your PC via USB-C to stream gameplay with OBS.
Out of the box, the Chromatic is powered by three AA batteries.
It comes with three Chromatic-branded batteries and is compatible with rechargeable AA batteries.
I’d definitely recommend rechargeable Duracell or Energizer batteries to save money.
ModRetro rebuilt two of the best puzzle games of the Game Boy era for the Chromatic’s launch.
Yes, actual, officially licensed Tetris.
This sprawling top-down adventure is a fun mix of Pokemon and Zelda that’s definitely worth checking out.
If you like Wonder Boy, you’ll probably like this.
The Chromatic looks just as good up close as it does in pictures.
The packaging for the Chromatic might be the coolest I’ve seen for a handheld.
The bottom line
ModRetro’s Chromatic is a truly superb recreation of the Game Boy Color.
But this is a bargain for averyspecific throw in of retro gamer.
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