The Chromatic is a Game Boy-inspired handheld that supports the classic cartridges but adds a new twist thanks to ModRetro. They’ve re-released old titles but also introduced some new, innovative originals. You have to see it all in action to get the nostalgic feel, but once you do, you’ll fall in love all over again.
When my parents moved our family from New Hampshire to Florida many years ago, they stipulated that my two brothers and I each receive a Game Boy for the long trip. It would give them peace of mind, keeping us occupied, but help soften the blow of the move. We went to the store, picked out our Game Boys, and the rest is history. I have so many fond memories, not just of that trip, but playing those handhelds absolutely everywhere. The thought of reliving some of those glory days has me just a little excited.
Now, I do own a Steam Deck and a couple of Anbernic retro consoles, but they don’t really give that nostalgic feeling. They do, but also, they don’t. It’s tough to explain, but I’m sure a few of you know what I’m talking about. Enter ModRetro’s Chromatic, a Game Boy-inspired device that brings those experiences crashing back and upgrades them a little.
Now, the console is a big deal, yes. Chromatic comes in several colorways, and it’s designed to be like the handheld console you know and love. But where it really sets itself apart is a mixture of retro, relived classics and originals. These aren’t digital titles, they’re actual physical cartridges, just like back in the day. ModRetro has re-released old fan-favorites like Toki Tori, Project S-11 and Baby T-Rex, but also offers an excellent dose of originals. They’re challenging, fun, original titles built specifically for the handheld and anywhere-play. There’s Chantey, a rhythm-combat and top-down mashup. Dragonyhm, an epic RPG and vivid fantasy tale a-la the best-of-the-best classics. In the Dark 2, Traumatarium Penitent, Patchy Matchy, and more. And more still are coming. They work directly with some great indie developers, namely to create a curated collection of launch titles like we’ve seen.
ModRetro is the real star here, but why?
I firmly believe that the console, in this case the Chromatic, is only the entry-point to your experience. It’s the games that really matter, and when it comes to nostalgia, especially for those older titles, it’s the games themselves that solidify the true, classic experience. That’s precisely why so many people are focused on emulating older titles but with a core experience that matches the original console and games. The Chromatic and ModRetro are making that happen, more so than any other comparable system, I’d argue.
But also, they’re making it possible to make entirely new memories. Why does that matter? Many of those gamers, like me, now have children, nieces, nephews, or even younger family members. We can make new memories, inspired by our classic experiences, with the people we love and care about, on a system that almost entirely mimics those legendary times. Even better, it improves upon those older experiences in several ways.
It plays the old classics, including Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. The new stuff and the re-releases are simply Chromatic cartridges in the same vein. The sunlight-readable backlit display makes it possible to play anywhere, plus it’s scratch-resistant. The magnesium alloy shell is durable and can take a beating. Finally, it takes custom lithium-ion rechargeable batteries — and they come with the console. It also supports USB-C lagless video out to PC, has a backwards compatible IR link, and link cable ports, and a 3.5mm headphone output. You can even buy matching headsets to match your Chromatic color. All I’m going to say is hell, to, the, yeah.
Who is it for?
Gamers of all ages, but mostly those pining for a nostalgic, handheld feel like the glory days where times were much simpler. You can also make new memories with the ModRetro originals. They’re really, really good.
Where to buy?
MSRP: $199 (Chromatic), $30 to $45 (Games/Cartridges)
