ModRetro Launches the Chromatic: A Modern Tribute to Classic Game Boy Gaming

2024

ModRetro has announced the launch of the Chromatic, a device that aims to revolutionize the retro gaming experience. The Chromatic is the only device that offers pixel-accurate compatibility with Game Boy® cartridges, blending nostalgic design with modern technology.

The Chromatic device, unveiled in a film directed by Michael Squier, promises to be a significant addition to the retro gaming market. Founder Palmer Luckey, who has spent nearly seventeen years perfecting this device, describes it as the ultimate tribute to the Game Boy®. The device includes features such as a sapphire screen cover, a custom LCD that replicates the Game Boy® Color display, and a magnesium-aluminum alloy shell. Additionally, the buttons and d-pad are made from PBT semi-crystalline polymer, ensuring durability and a premium feel.

The Chromatic supports all Game Boy® titles and includes full link cable and IR transceiver implementation. These features aim to provide an authentic gaming experience, reminiscent of the original console. According to Luckey, the Chromatic is more than just another clone; it is designed to be the definitive way to play Game Boy® games.

The Chromatic features a 2.56-inch display with a resolution of 160x144 pixels, protected by a sapphire screen cover. This display ensures that game art is shown as originally intended, providing a nostalgic yet high-quality visual experience.

CEO Torin Herndon reflects on the transformation of media over the past few decades. He notes that the Chromatic brings back the unique charm of older technologies, offering an engaging and memorable experience. The device aims to bridge the gap between past and future gaming.

The Chromatic appeals to both retro gamers and a new generation seeking a simplified gaming experience. It harkens back to an era without microtransactions and frequent updates. ModRetro supports indie developers by allowing them to create and sell cartridge-based games, ensuring fair profit distribution.

The Chromatic will be exclusively launched at the Classic Tetris World Championship, held at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event will feature a Tetris tournament and a mystery celebrity. Tickets are limited and available online, with the event also being live-streamed on YouTube and Twitch.

Attendees of the SoCal Gaming Expo on June 8th and 9th can experience the Chromatic firsthand. Visitors can preorder the device at the booth and receive a limited-edition shirt. The expo offers a chance to rediscover retro gaming with the Chromatic.

ModRetro aims to blend nostalgic experiences with modern enhancements, creating high-quality electronic devices. The company focuses on rekindling cherished memories while providing superior products.

Before founding Oculus and later Anduril, Palmer Luckey was a Nintendo Game Boy modder. His passion for the Game Boy led to the creation of the Chromatic. Priced at $199, the device is set to ship this holiday season. It features a magnesium alloy case, sapphire crystal cover glass, PBT buttons, and a pixel-perfect IPS screen.

The Chromatic includes an FPGA for accurate gameplay and comes with a new, fully licensed Tetris game developed by Luckey’s team. The device supports Link Cable multiplayer, has a 3.5mm headphone jack, and offers USB-C for lagless video output. It runs on three AA batteries, with an optional lithium-ion pack available. The device even supports recharging NiMH AA batteries over USB-C.

The Chromatic features mono speaker audio with a custom ultra-loud speaker module. ModRetro has partnered with Koss to provide color-matched retro Porta Pro headphones. The design and components of the Chromatic are all custom-made, reflecting a commitment to quality.

Luckey claims that the Chromatic is more authentic than other devices like the Analogue Pocket. The color temperatures, clock rate, and pixel structure are designed to replicate the original Game Boy experience accurately.

ModRetro will also sell original "Chromatic" cartridges with new games. These include re-releases of classic Game Boy titles, new IPs from indie developers, and previously canceled games.

Luckey indicates that the Chromatic will be produced in limited quantities. GameStop will carry some units, but the focus will be on fulfilling preorders. The Chromatic is presented as a tribute to the Game Boy, designed to be a lasting legacy rather than a profit-driven product.

The ModRetro Chromatic represents a blend of nostalgia and innovation, offering a unique gaming experience. With its high-quality construction and authentic gameplay, the Chromatic is set to become a cherished device for retro gaming enthusiasts.