ModRetro Chromatic - Why I'm not convinced.

The ModRetro Chromatic promises to deliver the ultimate way to play original Game Boy and GameBoy Color cartridges. It's an extremely premium specification and although I was tempted, I won't be ordering one. Watch to find out why.

More info and promotional trailer here:

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Music: Joe Bleeps

Camera: Sony ZV-1F / Google Pixel 7a
Mic: Rode NT USB+
Hardware: MacBook Pro M3 Pro
Software: iMovie/Keynote

[DuBheasaFilms]

They released another color that’s exclusive to GameStop. It’s plain gray and it’s by far the best color.

[Magusguile]

I think if this was a GBA version of this, I would be much more tempted to make the purchase. GB and GBC are great, but GBA would open the list of games hugely and having something that could still connect to a Gamecube that would stay true to the link cable would be great these days.

[timbusbee]

So I've been playing the Chromatic for a week, and it's been amazing. The screen is the best between this, FPGBC, and Analogue Pocket. The button feels wonderful, and weirdly enough the battery cover is satisfying to open and close.

[ngantnier]

I really want the GBA version when it comes out. Looks gorgeous and by the time the GBA version is out any kinks will be ironed out. That OLED screen and metal body look glorious.

[depafeo]

i'm actually digging the color/design. It's the $200 price tag and $40 for new GBC game that has me scratching my head on this

[Androsynth]

I’ve seen the Chromatic up close at PRGE. While I’m not a huge fan of the color scheme, these things are super nice. Screen is glorious too.

But I also have a fpgbc and it’s really nice too, but half the price.

Either way though, the new game series coming with these things look extremely good so even if I don’t get one, I’ll get all the games

[RogerEssigArtist]

It'll be my first handheld. I do like how it seems engineered to last generations without degradation. I like it's one-of-a-kind approach to replicating sub-pixel arrangement. I can imagine these things to be highly sought after over the coming decades.

[methushael]

The colors are actually like that to match the colors of the Gen 1 starter pokemon

[Evercade_Effect]

Great video. You make some great points as I am looking for modern ways to play my GB and GBA carts. The screen size and the feel of the device were my 2 main concerns as well.

[otterdonnelly]

Whether this is THE console, I’m not sure however I am welcoming any device that aims to accurately play retro cartridges. I personally think physical cartridges will be the future for homebrew and indie games as major studios will keep trying to push incomplete, unoptimized games digitally. I think it’s a good thing for more gamers to realize older hardware hasn’t fully been explored or pushed to its limits. We abandoned every console gen as it really just getting started creatively.

[goob]

Thanks for mentioning Palmer’s other ventures, i didnt know what other thing he was involved with

[NoobixCube]

I am a big proponent of FPGA for the accuracy of the hardware simulation, and because it doesn't impact real hardware with modifications (like how you pointed out the modded Gameboys take original Gameboys out of circulation). That said, Gameboy (and Gameboy Color) is one of those consoles that is incredibly easy to emulate. We're at a point where emulation is pretty much indistinguishable from the original experience, just because we can throw more power at the job than we'd ever have dreamed possible in the 90s. If you just want to play the games, and you want some modern conveniences like save states, which are invaluable for games with password save, or no save at all, you can have backlit screens, you can scale, you can embrace blasphemy and put on smoothing filters, or interpolation. Emulation is totally good enough for Gameboy games.

Emulation also means you can play other contemporary stuff reasonably well. Gamegear, Lynx, Wonderswan, NeoGeo Pocket. The Analog Pocket gives you that option, too, with cartridge adaptors, but I think for the vast majority of gamers all over the world, the Gameboy is where the nostalgia really is, and the also-rans are really just bonuses (though the Lynx has its diehard fans).

Now, it's still a different story for even the SNES, never mind higher end consoles. It's gotta be original hardware to get the authentic experience, but you can't throw a rock on AliExpress without hitting something that can emulate the gameboy well, if not perfectly. I have my Gameboy Color, and my much-loved childhood DMG-1, both sitting in my cupboard, never getting any love, because emulation handhelds are totally good enough for me.

[jonathan]

I really like the look of this. I understand the differences from the Analogue Pocket and it’s something that appeals to me. I love that it’s sticking close to the original while upgrading what matters. I’d need confirmation that it works with the GB Everdrive before taking the plunge, and I’d want to wait for genuine, independent reviews first as currently it’s all just hype from ModRetro themselves. Unfortunately that might mean I miss the pre-order window and therefore miss out on it altogether. Oh well.

[JittikMieger]

I also don't have an Analogue Pocket, because I think it's an ugly piece of modern tech and the way the cartridge needs to be held in the device is a big - no, HUGE - design flaw IMHO! What were they thinking...

I preorderd a Chromatic. Ordered the orange one. Love the looks of them all, but the orange and pink ones stood out for me. The screen and the premium materials used and since I am a Gamboy fan, made me buy one. I like that it runs on AA batteries. These things are sold everywhere on the planet. I use rechargeables AA batteries a lot, so I always have charged spares in the house and or with me on the road/ camping trips.

I absolutely love the FPGBC! Nice, simple kit to build. It's my standard for playing GB and GBC games now, so I don't wear my OG devices too much. The OLED mod is great too! These are the devices I am currently developing my homebrew games on.

You can never have enough Gameboys!

[leobgoo]

5:16 This quickly turned into a FPGBC shoutout. 😸 ...sold! Going to get one right meow! 😹

[CoachCooney]

I’m on the fence guys, someone convince me! I sense Palmer is very genuine and passionate about retro gaming and equally has money to burn on something he’d love. Anyone else?

[kitestar]

I’m going to give Palmer the benefit of the doubt, purely on the preservation angle of these things. But also interesting is how they’ve given themselves into entering retail along side the typical triple-a slop

[Gamefreak]

I'm actually a bit excited for it. Never had modern retro hardware like an Analogue Pocket. Frankly, I very much favor the direction this project is going in with trying to match original hardware, although I am worried about the feel of the device due to material used. Seems like a cross between a gameboy pocket and color. The screen size spec is not of the GameBoy Color, it's of the GB Pocket, which is fantastic. Also I like that it takes AA batteries :P
GameStop was also announced to be an exclusive retail partner for it, and that's pretty cool. I do agree with you a bit about the color choices though

[samdoble]

Completly agree with the graphics on the console. I thaught the same before I even opened the video.

[JayrosModShop]

The features of this (Or lack-of, actually) doesn't warrant the high price tag, especially considering the entire package that the Analogue Pocket offers for just a little more.

I also hear Funnyplaying is working on an FPGBA for real, so that's exciting.