Disclaimer: We received a review unit of the retail version of the Chromatic from ModRetro, complete with their launch titles and extra Game Boy (Color) cartridges for testing. ModRetro had no editorial influence on this review.
A few months back, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the Chromatic, a newly crafted Game Boy device from ModRetro. In my detailed preview, I explored what this device aimed to offer and how it distinguished itself from the myriad of emulated Game Boy handhelds flooding the market. ModRetro has bold ambitions, not just with the Chromatic but also with plans to release a mix of classic and new Game Boy games. As their flagship product, the Chromatic raises the question—what makes it a standout Game Boy device in 2024? I am thrilled to share that it’s one of the most delightful retro gaming gadgets I’ve experienced in years. Whether you’re new to the Game Boy scene or a returning fan, the Chromatic combines the nostalgic charm of the original device with modern enhancements done right, letting you (re)discover the incredible library of games in exceptionally high quality.
Let’s start with the design. The Chromatic is available in a range of colors, echoing the palettes of the Game Boy Color era. Its design fuses elements from both the original Game Boy and the Game Boy Color. The shape leans more towards the Color’s design, with the power button placed on top and the link cable port on the left side. This ergonomic design is further enhanced by a sleek magnesium alloy shell. It adds a pleasant weight and a cool touch, thanks to its metal construction, yet remains comfortable during lengthy gaming sessions. The speaker resides at the bottom alongside an LED power indicator and a USB-C port. A new menu button on the side lets you tweak settings like screen brightness and visual features for select games. A sapphire screen lens protects the pixel-perfect 160×144 screen from scratches. When you first hold it, the Chromatic exudes a premium feel. While I was initially unsure about the slightly smaller A/B buttons and a ridgeless D-pad, it turns out they offer a fantastic gameplay experience. The button press travel feels spot-on, providing the familiar tactile response you’d expect from analogue devices.
Given its mission to revitalize the Game Boy experience, the Chromatic is strictly dedicated to Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, without extra buttons for other systems. While it does use emulation via an FPGA core—updateable with firmware—some might be deterred, especially when comparing it to devices like the Analogue Pocket. While the Analogue Pocket is a well-made device aiming to cater to a wide audience with multiple system adapters, I found its extra buttons and cramped design less appealing. The Chromatic’s focused approach to just Game Boy games might seem limiting, but to me, its singular purpose, coupled with its premium build, makes it stand out. It’s built to endure, even utilizing AA batteries for power, though a rechargeable lithium battery is in the works. Sure, battery concerns are valid, but a power bank and USB-C cable can quickly alleviate them.
Ah, that screen! I’ve already sung its praises, but for good reason—the color grading, viewing angles, and accuracy to the original Game Boy Color are unmatched. The Analogue Pocket is admirable, but its slightly larger and warmer screen doesn’t quite match the vividness of the Chromatic’s display. If modding retro handhelds is your thing, you won’t find an aftermarket screen that rivals this. The viewing angles are superb; playing something like Kirby’s Tilt ‘N’ Tumble really showcases this. Plus, several palettes are available via firmware if you want a specific vibe, like the iconic green of the original Game Boy. While they’re not my cup of tea, the option is there for those who like to tinker. Brightness is another highlight—you can crank it up enough to use as a flashlight, or set it low for late-night gaming in bed.
Some nuances with the firmware need addressing, though. Accessing color palettes requires a start-up shortcut, with no menu indication of the selected palette. Features like frame blending and color correction are poorly explained and function only when the Chromatic is PC-connected via USB-C for gameplay capture. Annoyingly, the system doesn’t remember your last brightness setting, risking a blinding experience if you’re in a dark room. And, no save states or sleep mode exist; turning off the power means saving your game first. While reminiscent of the original Game Boy’s experience, it’s a bit of a throwback in terms of modern conveniences. ModRetro plans ongoing updates, but for now, expect a more retro gaming mindset.
Each Chromatic at launch includes an updated version of Tetris—a game that reaffirms its quintessential handheld status. This version introduces features like T-spin, bag holding, next piece preview, ghost piece, soft drop, and lock-down, making it arguably the finest Tetris for Game Boy Color. While it doesn’t include modes like Tetris 2 or Bombliss, it’s hard to beat for fans.
I also tested several ModRetro titles like Tales from Monsterland DX, Patchy Matchy, and Toki Tori: Ultimate Edition. While Tales might not be the most polished, its soundtrack shines. Toki Tori: Ultimate Edition features gameplay tweaks, like auto-jumping over ledges and a speed boost—making its tricky puzzles a delight. My top pick? Patchy Matchy, a satisfying tile-matching puzzle game. It’s addictive, focusing on completing over 20 achievements rather than just scoring high, and it even runs on the original Game Boy.
The Game Boy and Game Boy Color’s vast library is fully compatible with the Chromatic, including quirky titles like Pokémon Pinball and Kirby’s Tilt ‘n’ Tumble. I even dusted off the Game Boy Camera to test the Chromatic’s unique ability to capture gameplay. While not ideal for professional photography, it’s a fun way to transform your Game Boy Camera into a streaming webcam or to easily transfer photos to your computer. However, audio passthrough via OBS isn’t available yet—it’s a forthcoming update—meaning a line-in connection is needed for full audio capture. It’s a nifty way to play your games and use the footage for videos or streams.
So, who exactly should consider the Chromatic? With myriad options for playing Game Boy games out there—from versatile Android-based emulators like those from Anbernic to the Analogue Pocket and custom-modded original Game Boys—it’s a fair question. Each option has its advantages, but the Chromatic shines through its refinement, not feature overload. It nails the classic Game Boy vibe, focusing on the core experience of enjoying games at your own pace. While the multi-functional appeal of devices like the Analogue Pocket is great, they often leave you with too many choices, while the Chromatic’s dedication to just two kinds of games puts nostalgia center stage.
In my extensive time with the Chromatic, the device itself faded into the background, allowing the games to truly captivate me. It’s hard to articulate, but it just works. Its blend of luxurious details, like the screen and casing, alongside a minimalist approach, hits the mark. The buttons are responsive and intuitive, enhancing my gaming sessions.
Is it worth the premium price for everyone? Perhaps not. But for those who don’t want to mess with modding or are seeking the most authentic way to play their Game Boy collection, the Chromatic is an excellent choice for reliving the Game Boy’s original charm.
ModRetro hopes the Chromatic will rekindle the magic of the Game Boy for a broad audience. With new games on the horizon and partnerships with retailers like GameStop, it has the potential to reach gamers old and new. The Chromatic makes a compelling statement in today’s feature-rich tech landscape—sometimes less is more. Each time I fire up the Chromatic, the excitement of rediscovering my favorite games in their best form makes it all worthwhile. For those eager to revisit the Game Boy era or introduce it to a new generation, the Chromatic is as close to perfection as you can get.
