Unleash Retro Revival with Modretro Chromatic: A Groundbreaking Game Boy Revival
Modretro Chromatic: A Blast from the Past
The Modretro Chromatic: A Two-Minute Review
The Modretro Chromatic is a 2024 take on the classic Game Boy Color, and it’s a remarkable handheld device that perfectly captures the nostalgia of playing retro games on the go. With its durable design, gorgeous backlighting, and ability to run physical Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, the Chromatic is a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts.
What’s the Chromatic all about?
The Modretro Chromatic is a product that’s all about nostalgia. It’s a modern device that’s designed to recreate the experience of playing retro games on the original Game Boy Color. With its magnesium alloy shell, the Chromatic is built to last, and its 160×144 pixel display is a nod to the classic Game Boy Color’s retro aesthetic.
How does it perform?
In my review, I put the Chromatic through its paces, testing it with a range of Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, including Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon Yellow, and Link’s Awakening. I also tested it with Modretro-produced games like Tetris, Toki Tori – Ultimate Edition, and Tales of Monsterland DX.
The verdict:
The Modretro Chromatic is an excellent retro gaming handheld that’s perfect for those who are nostalgic about the 90s. With its durability, gorgeous display, and ability to run physical cartridges, the Chromatic is a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts. However, its limitations, such as the lack of Bluetooth and emulation, may make it less appealing to a wider audience.
Key features:
- 160×144 pixel display
- Durable magnesium alloy shell
- Runs physical Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges
- No emulation
- No Bluetooth
- Three AA battery life
Availability:
The Modretro Chromatic is available now directly from modretro.com and is also on shelves this holiday season in GameStop stores around the US. Priced at $199 / £159 / AU$316, the Chromatic comes bundled with a newly produced Tetris cartridge as part of Modretro’s Chromatic First Edition release.
Comparison table:
| Modretro Chromatic | Analogue Pocket | Nintendo Switch OLED | Super Pocket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 / £159 / AU$316 | $219.99 / £199.99 | $349.99 / £309.99 / AU$539.95 | $59 / £49 |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 3 x 1.2in / 13.2 x 7.6 x 3cm | 5.8 x 3.4 x 0.9in / 14.7 x 8.79 x 2.1cm | 4 x 9.5 x 0.5in / 10 x 2.4 x 1.4cm | 3 x 0.5 x 1in / 7.8 x 1.25 x 2.5cm |
| Weight | 6.2oz / 175g | Up to 11oz / 315g | 14.88oz / 421.84g | 5.64oz / 160g |
| Compatibility | Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Chromatic | Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance | Nintendo Switch | Preloaded games depending on edition. Choose between Atari, Taito, Capcom, and Technos |
| Connection type | Game Link Cable, USB-C, Wired (3.5mm audio jack) | Wired (USB-C), Bluetooth (limited functionality with specific adapters) | Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C, HDMI output (in TV mode) | 3.5mm jack socket, USB-C for charging |
| Battery life | 3 x AA for up to 24 hours | Up to 10 hours | 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on usage | 4 hours |
| Features | 160×144 px modern display, native USB video out, durable PBT buttons, magnesium alloy shell, bundled with Tetris | 3.5-inch LCD (1600×1440 resolution), FPGA hardware for native cartridge support, Analogue OS, audio workstation with Nanoloop | 7.0-inch OLED multi-touch screen (1280×720 resolution), 64GB internal storage, stereo speakers, enhanced dock with built-in LAN port, adjustable wide kickstand | 2.8-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels |
| Software | Native OS | Analogue OS for seamless game playback and settings | Runs all Nintendo Switch games, access to Nintendo eShop and online services | Runs pre-loaded games for a dedicated OS |
How I tested the Modretro Chromatic:
- Tested for a month
- Compared it directly to other retro handhelds
- Tested across game types and cartridge types
Conclusion:
The Modretro Chromatic is a remarkable retro gaming handheld that’s perfect for those who are nostalgic about the 90s. With its durability, gorgeous display, and ability to run physical cartridges, the Chromatic is a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts. However, its limitations, such as the lack of Bluetooth and emulation, may make it less appealing to a wider audience.
