Greetings, fellow retro gaming enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey back in time, a time when the iconic Game Boy Color reigned supreme. But hold on tight, because we’re not just revisiting the past; we’re experiencing it through a modern lens with the Modretro Chromatic. This isn’t your average emulator or ROM-loaded device; it’s a brand-new, meticulously crafted handheld console designed to play your original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges in all their pixelated glory.
A Blast from the Past, Reimagined
The Modretro Chromatic is a love letter to the Game Boy Color, a faithful recreation with modern enhancements that elevate the retro gaming experience. Imagine holding a Game Boy Color that feels as solid as a tank, boasts a vibrant backlit display protected by sapphire crystal, and delivers crisp, clear audio through its mono speaker. That’s the Chromatic in a nutshell.
But it’s not just about aesthetics and build quality. The Chromatic is powered by an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a hardware emulator that replicates the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color hardware with remarkable accuracy. This means your favorite games will run just as you remember them, with no lag, glitches, or emulation quirks.
The Chromatic comes in a sleek, minimalist package that exudes a premium feel. Inside, you’ll find the console itself, nestled snugly in protective foam, along with a USB-C charging cable (though the console itself uses AA batteries), a quick start guide, and a Modretro-produced Tetris cartridge. Yes, you read that right; the Chromatic comes bundled with a physical copy of Tetris, a nostalgic nod to the Game Boy’s roots.
The console itself is a sight to behold. Available in six vibrant colors reminiscent of the original Game Boy Color palette (Inferno, Bubblegum, Volt, Wave, Midnight, and Leaf), the Chromatic’s magnesium alloy shell feels incredibly sturdy and well-made. The buttons and d-pad are responsive and tactile, providing a satisfying click with each press. The volume wheel, a classic Game Boy staple, is present and accounted for, adding to the authentic feel.
One of the Chromatic’s standout features is its custom-designed display. Modretro has gone to great lengths to create a screen that faithfully recreates the Game Boy Color’s 160×144 pixel resolution while enhancing it with modern technology. The result is a vibrant, crystal-clear image that’s a joy to behold.
The display’s backlight is evenly distributed, eliminating the dark spots and uneven illumination that plagued the original Game Boy Color. The sapphire crystal cover adds a layer of durability, ensuring that your screen remains scratch-free even after countless hours of gameplay.
Under the hood, the Chromatic is powered by an FPGA, a type of integrated circuit that can be configured to behave like different hardware. In this case, the FPGA emulates the Game Boy and Game Boy Color hardware, ensuring that games run flawlessly.
I tested the Chromatic with a variety of Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, including classics like Pokemon Gold, Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Super Mario Land. Every game ran smoothly, with no noticeable lag or performance issues. The FPGA emulation is spot-on, capturing the authentic feel of the original hardware.
In a nod to the past, the Chromatic is powered by three AA batteries. While this adds to the nostalgic charm, it also introduces a level of inconvenience that modern gamers might not be accustomed to. Rechargeable batteries are a must-have for extended play sessions.
However, the battery life itself is quite impressive. Modretro claims up to 24 hours of playtime on a single set of batteries, and my experience largely confirmed this claim. Still, the need to swap out batteries periodically can be a bit of a hassle.
The Chromatic’s biggest limitation is its reliance on physical cartridges. While this adds to the authentic retro experience, it also means you’re limited to the Game Boy and Game Boy Color game library. This excludes a vast number of titles released for later Game Boy models, such as the Game Boy Advance.
While Modretro is producing new cartridges for the Chromatic, featuring both classic titles and new IPs, the selection is still relatively small. This might be a dealbreaker for gamers who want access to a wider range of games.
The Modretro Chromatic is a unique and well-crafted handheld console that caters specifically to nostalgic Game Boy Color enthusiasts. Its faithful recreation of the original hardware, combined with modern enhancements like a backlit display and durable shell, make it a joy to use.
However, its limitations, such as the reliance on physical cartridges and the lack of Game Boy Advance compatibility, might make it a niche product. If you’re looking for a wider range of games or more modern features, the Analogue Pocket might be a better choice.
The Modretro Chromatic is a fantastic device for retro gamers who want to relive the glory days of the Game Boy Color. Its build quality, display, and performance are top-notch. However, its limited game library and reliance on AA batteries hold it back from achieving a perfect score.
