I recently had the chance to get my hands on the ModRetro Chromatic, and let me tell you, this device is a nostalgic trip with a modern twist. If the original Game Boy had a glow-up, this would be it. Time to discover your new favorite piece of hardware!
Let’s talk about the design
Right off the bat, the Chromatic’s build impresses. It’s got a magnesium alloy shell, making it feel both premium and durable. Unlike the old plastic Game Boy, this one could probably take a beating without flinching although I wouldn’t recommend testing that theory. The device is offered in six vibrant colorways (think “Inferno” for a fiery orange or “Bubblegum” for a playful pink), each with a backlit 2.56-inch IPS screen. This screen is not just any ordinary display; it’s got a sapphire lens, ensuring it’s scratch-resistant and durable enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use. I love how it takes the orginale Game Boy design and takes it to the next level with litteraly eveything. It has that nice kind of weight to comfortably hold it in your hands and the bumb that you get from the battery cover is just at the right location to make you feel super comfortable while holding this device. Once I got my hands on it during Gamescom, I was instantly teleported back to my early Game Boy days and was hit with some huge nostalgia. You know how wel all remember our childhood games to look better in our memories than in reality? Well, the Chromatic makes your Game Boy games shine in ways you never tought possible, easily making it the ultimate device to play your Game Boy games.
The ultimate Game Boy
Where the Chromatic really shines is in its ability to play the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color library straight from the original cartridges. I popped in an original “Kid Icarus” cartridge and it was like stepping into a time machine where everything looked better and played smoothly. The screen’s 160 x 144 resolution perfectly replicates the pixel structure of the original, but with a brightness that makes it usable in any lighting condition, even on the backseat of the car while driving through tunnels. It’s how we all imagined a modern Game Boy would be like when we were still kids and it’s amazing to hold ModRetro’s dream come true in my hands.
As if the original Game Boy games weren’t enough to convice you, he device also supports ModRetro’s own range of new cartridges, which are designed specifically for the Chromatic. This opens up possibilities for new retro-style games that fit perfectly within the Game Boy’s legacy, I’ll talk more about some of the upcoming games in a dedicated article. For those who love sharing their gameplay, the Chromatic even includes a USB-C video out port, making it easy to stream or record gameplay sessions. Oh and if you want to trade Pokémon the oldskool way… The Link cable still works too!
Another nod to the past is the inclusion of an ultra-loud speaker module, delivering that iconic chiptune sound with a clarity that would make any retro gamer smile. Plus, if you’re feeling even more old-school, it runs on AA batteries. But don’t worry, ModRetro hasn’t forgotten modern conveniences; you can also use a rechargeable lithium-ion pack if you’re not up for the constant battery swapping although batteries are forever and built-in packs might die years later.
Early conclusion:
The ModRetro Chromatic isn’t just another Game Boy clone; it’s a love letter to retro gaming, designed with both collectors and new gamers in mind. Priced at $199, it’s more affordable than competitors like the Analogue Pocket, but with features that make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to relive (or discover) the Game Boy’s golden era. The attention to detail here, from the screen to the buttons, makes this device feel like it’s truly honoring the legacy of the Game Boy while bringing it firmly into the 21st century.
