Overview: ModRetro Chromatic Is So Shut To The Actual Factor You’ll Suppose Nintendo Made It

Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time ExtensionIt would possibly look like a relic from a bygone age for your conventional smartphone-using teen, however the humble Sport Boy nonetheless has the facility to captivate and entertain, even after many years of technological development. We have now noticed a network develop up round modding and upgrading Sport Boy techniques, and Nintendo has tipped the hat to the hand held’s legacy on a couple of instance, making Sport Boy video games to be had digitally on its 3DS and Transfer consoles.
On the other hand, something Nintendo hasn’t executed but is produce a modern day variant of the gadget, because it did with the NES and SNES Vintage Editions. That has left an opening out there for quite a lot of choices, from reasonable Chinese language-made emulation gadgets to higher-end choices, just like the FPGA-based Analogue Pocket, which is even able to accepting authentic Sport Boy and GBA cartridges.
The Analogue Pocket is getting a rival this 12 months within the form of the ModRetro Chromatic, a Sport Boy Colour clone that still makes use of FPGA tech and runs bodily carts. Costing $199 / £160, this fascinating tool boasts the “international’s simplest 160×144 pixel sunlight-readable backlit show”, a magnesium alloy shell and fortify for excellent, out of date AA batteries, similar to the unique Sport Boy Colour (those will ultimate round six hours, possibly extra in the event you cut back the display screen brightness).
However, in a global the place the Analogue Pocket exists – along a myriad of GBC consoles modded with backlit displays and rechargeable batteries – does this new hand held have a spot? Let’s to find out…

In this web page: Overview: ModRetro Chromatic Is So Shut To The Actual Factor You’ll Suppose Nintendo Made It1.ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Specs2.ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Design3.ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Display4.ModRetro Chromatic Overview: The Games5.Will have to You Purchase The ModRetro Chromatic?

ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Specifications
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension

Show

160X144 pixel 2.56” IPS backlit LCD with Sapphire show entrance crystal

Measurement
5.2x3x1.2 inches

Weight
6.2 oz.

Fabrics
Magnesium alloy thixomolded shell, PBT buttons

Audio
Customized ultra-loud speaker module, 3.5mm headphone output

Energy
3x AA batteries (approx six hours battery existence) / Suitable with not obligatory lithium-ion pack, rechargeable via console

Compatiblity
Runs all Sport Boy, Sport Boy Colour and Chromatic cartridges. Suitable with legit Sport Boy / Sport Boy Colour equipment

CPU
FPGA-based structure

I/O
Backwards appropriate hyperlink cable port, Backwards appropriate IR hyperlink, USB-C lagless video out to PC

ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Design
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
The very first thing you understand whilst you pick out up the ModRetro Chromatic is its weight. That magnesium alloy thixomolded shell in point of fact has some heft and, in line with the producer, is “indestructible.” We naturally don’t seem to be silly sufficient to place this beautiful object beneath a sledgehammer and we would believe there is a restrict to how a lot excessive punishment it might take, however it is truthful to mention that it is most likely to resist bumps and scrapes a bit of higher than a plastic-shelled hand held.
In relation to total measurement, the ModRetro Chromatic is a detailed fit to the unique Sport Boy Colour however is smaller than each the unique 1989 Sport Boy and the Analogue Pocket. The entrance of the unit is ruled by way of that 160×144 IPS pixel display screen and lines the standard D-pad and button inputs, along Get started and Make a choice instructions. The buttons themselves are formed from high-strength PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) plastic and really feel nice. The D-pad could also be some of the easiest we now have used on this sort of tool; it has the easiest quantity of shuttle and responsiveness.
Pictures: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
Turn the ModRetro Chromatic round, and you’ll be able to discover a bulge the place the battery compartment is positioned. That is extra pronounced than at the authentic GBC, which is because of the truth that the gadget calls for 3 AA batteries relatively than two. When positioned face-up on a desk, the ModRetro Chromatic does not lie flat and has a tendency to tip backwards, which might or won’t trouble you, relying for your non-public desire.
The battery compartment is secured with a locking mechanism which prevents it from opening at inopportune moments and holds both 3 AA batteries or the legit ModRetro Chromatic rechargeable battery pack, which is offered one at a time. This pack may also be charged by way of the Chromatic’s USB-C port, however same old AA rechargeables can not.
We would love to have noticed the rechargeable battery pack incorporated with the tool, for the reason that it is regimen for contemporary handhelds to have energy cells you’ll be able to rate, however we additionally like the truth that the ModRetro Chromatic avoids the “deliberate obsolescence” that has turn out to be the norm within the trade nowadays. It manner the tool will have to be capable to lasting for much longer than one thing just like the Analogue Pocket, which has an inner rechargeable battery that’s not as simple to switch.
Pictures: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
The ground edge includes a unmarried speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack and the aforementioned USB-C connection, which acts as a video-out port in addition to an influence socket, permitting you to attach your ModRetro Chromatic to a appropriate display screen. You can additionally be capable of use this port to replace the gadget’s firmware at some point. In a groovy contact, the console will prioritise USB-C energy if same old AA batteries are incorporated, so you’ll be able to steer clear of draining them whilst you occur to be with reference to a supply of mains energy.
At the best, you have got the facility transfer, IR port (some of the authentic GBC’s coolest options) and cartridge slot. The left aspect has the hyperlink cable port, whilst the appropriate aspect has a quantity dial and menu button, the latter of which brings up the ModRetro Chromatic’s relatively restricted settings menu. From right here, you’ll be able to regulate the brightness, tinker with some display screen choices, view controls and check out which firmware the tool is lately operating.
There is not any MicroSD card slot in this tool, so it sort of feels not likely that ModRetro goes to practice Analogue’s instance and switch this tool into an FPGA powerhouse. The point of interest could be very a lot on taking part in Sport Boy video games, so do not be expecting the similar roughly expandability this is provide within the Analogue Pocket. On the other hand, opening up the tool unearths that there are WiFi and Bluetooth chips at the mainboard, which hints at thrilling capability to return.
ModRetro Chromatic Overview: Show
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
A lot has been made by way of ModRetro of the Chromatic’s display screen, and with excellent explanation why. The crew at the back of this tool has expended a large amount of effort and time ensuring the show is as with reference to the unique as conceivable, whilst concurrently providing trendy comforts that avid gamers in 2024 be expecting from their display screen generation.
The IPS LCD’s 160×144 pixel solution and 10:9 facet ratio are an actual fit to the unique Sport Boy Colour, which is beautiful distinctive; maximum modded GBC consoles use shows with a lot larger resolutions that merely ‘scale down’ to check the unique pixel depend of Nintendo’s hand held. That is as a result of no person is making shows with one of these low solution anymore, which makes ModRetro’s quest for true authenticity all of the extra commendable.
In addition to providing the very same pixel density as the unique {hardware}, the ModRetro Chomatic’s show packs an actual punch – some distance awesome to the most productive Sport Boy show Nintendo ever made, the only noticed within the AGS-101 GBA revision. In truth, at max brightness, the Chromatic’s display screen could also be too tough; we needed to tinker with the settings to get the optimum point. Color replica could also be very good, in spite of this now not utilizing OLED generation. It is usually completely usable in direct daylight.
Pictures: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
It was once simplest herbal that we examine the ModRetro Chromatic’s show to that of its closest rival, the aforementioned Analogue Pocket. Probably the most important distinction – outdoor of the truth that the Pocket’s LCD show has a 1600×1440 solution – is the entire measurement.
The ModRetro Chromatic’s display screen measures 2.56 inches from nook to nook, which makes it ever-so-slightly better than the two.3-inch display screen of the unique GBC. The Pocket, alternatively, has a three.5-inch display screen, and even though it isn’t an actual fit relating to solution, it does a excellent task of creating Sport Boy and GBC video games glance wonderful.
Pictures: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
If you happen to recall, the unique GBC presented the facility to modify the color of the display screen utilizing button instructions at boot up. The ModRetro Chromatic keeps this talent however with some further shade choices that mimic the enduring pea-soup show of the 1989 Sport Boy (grasp left, A & B when switching at the gadget).
Those are cool choices to have, even supposing they fall quick of what is presented by way of the Analogue Pocket, which lets you simulate the glance of the Sport Boy Pocket and Sport Boy Mild, in addition to the unique DMG-01 Sport Boy. We would additionally say that the Analogue Pocket’s sport of the DMG-01’s display screen is extra placing, in order that’s one thing to bear in mind if you are having a look to play numerous monochrome Sport Boy carts.
ModRetro Chromatic Overview: The Video games
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The headline information referring to tool is that the ModRetro Chromatic is appropriate with all Sport Boy and Sport Boy Colour video games. As it makes use of hardware-level emulation by the use of its FPGA chipset, the enjoy is equal to taking part in the true factor.
You can additionally to find that the ModRetro Chromatic is appropriate with all Sport Boy equipment, together with the Sport Boy Digicam and the unique hyperlink cable. Heck, we even controlled to attach up an Analogue Pocket with the Chromatic for some two-player link-cable motion. It is usually price noting that the ModRetro Chromatic is absolutely appropriate with flash carts, just like the Everdrive.
It is price noting that there is no save state capability incorporated within the ModRetro Chromatic, a minimum of for now. If you happen to’ve been emulating Sport Boy video games for the previous few years on PC, 3DS and even Transfer, then this may increasingly without a doubt have turn out to be a well-liked characteristic, because it lets you play a recreation in chunks, selecting up the place you left off relatively than having to begin from the start.
Pictures: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
The Analogue Pocket helps save states throughout all Sport Boy video games, however ModRetro has obviously prioritized authenticity over comfort with the Chromatic. We have now requested ModRetro about this omission and feature been instructed that not anything within the gadget’s structure prevents save states from operating, so lets see them at some point by the use of a firmware replace.
Curiously, ModRetro could also be generating its personal line of Chromatic cartridges, which can be absolutely appropriate with authentic Sport Boy {hardware}. In what feels to us like a masterstroke, ModRetro has even advanced its personal model of Tetris to package with the system, similar to the unique Sport Boy. Created with the whole blessing of The Tetris Corporate and permitting avid gamers to toggle between vintage and trendy laws, it is a nice iteration of the vintage puzzler and the easiest pack-in recreation – simply love it was once again in 1989.
Chromatic could also be liberating video games corresponding to Toki Tori Final Version, Traumatarium Penitent, Stories of Monsterland DX, Dragonyhm, Patchy Matchy and In The Darkish 2 in bodily shape, entire with full-colour manuals and a different allure which may also be tied to the highest of your ModRetro Chromatic gadget.
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
There are many different video games within the pipeline, too, which is a canny industry transfer from ModRetro. Those releases now not simplest lift consciousness of the Chromatic however, as a result of they paintings on authentic Nintendo {hardware} as neatly, will have to promote beautiful briskly, given the burgeoning marketplace for new Sport Boy releases.
From day one, ModRetro has been very transparent that the Chromatic is meant for taking part in Sport Boy and Sport Boy Colour video games simplest, and says GBA video games deserve a devoted FPGA-based hand held. That is one house the place the Analogue Pocket unquestionably trumps ModRetro’s effort, because it now not simplest performs all Sport Boy video games proper out of the field (together with GBA) however, by the use of not obligatory cartridge adapters, can play Sport Tools, PC Engine / TG-16, Atari Lynx and Neo Geo Pocket video games.
On best of that, the Analogue Pocket advantages from the OpenFPGA gadget, which permits customers to load up community-made FPGA cores for just about each and every unfashionable platform on the earth – together with consoles, handhelds, computer systems and far, a lot more. This is likely one of the maximum interesting sides of proudly owning an Analogue Pocket, and, in the meanwhile, the ModRetro Chromatic can not compete on this regard.
Will have to You Purchase The ModRetro Chromatic?
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
It is obtrusive that there is a massive urge for food for brand new Sport Boy {hardware} within the trendy age, for the reason that we now have noticed a raft of fan-made upgrades during the last few years – in addition to ‘new’ techniques, just like the Analogue Pocket and FunnyPlaying’s FPGBC. In case you are merely in search of some way of leveraging your selection of bodily cartridges, then the Chromatic comes extremely advisable. It is a glorious replication of the Sport Boy Colour and delivers some of the original hand held studies you’ll be able to get outdoor of actual Nintendo {hardware}.
It is unattainable to discuss the Chromatic with out addressing its closest competitor on this house, the Analogue Pocket – as you’ll be able to understand by way of the collection of occasions we now have referenced it all the way through this overview. Analogue’s hand held is appropriate with a much wider vary of cartridges, boasts OpenFPGA fortify for brand new cores, and has a bigger display screen – in addition to deeper and extra tough customisation choices.
On the other hand, additionally it is barely costlier than the ModRetro Chromatic ($220 vs $199) and lacks the robust magnesium alloy shell and pack-in Tetris recreation. We would additionally say that the Chromatic’s D-pad is awesome to that of the Analogue Pocket.
Symbol: Damien McFerran / Time Extension
On the other hand, for all of those comparisons, the 2 gadgets are rather other within the audiences they are geared toward. The Analogue Pocket is offered completely by the use of Analogue’s on-line retailer, and, till very lately, was once onerous to protected because of it being produced in very small batches. The ModRetro Chromatic could also be offered on-line, however ModRetro has additionally inked a care for excessive side road store GameStop to present it a lot wider distribution.
The method with this tool could be very a lot about interesting to people who have fond recollections of the Sport Boy and wish to go back to their bodily selection of carts with the good thing about trendy creature comforts, corresponding to a backlit display screen and TV-out – it isn’t geared toward seasoned FPGA lovers who wish to monitor the newest traits in hardware-level emulation.
ModRetro’s project with the Chromatic was once to present each hardcore and lapsed Sport Boy enthusiasts a modern day take at the gadget which is as trustworthy as conceivable to Nintendo’s authentic imaginative and prescient, and in that regard, it has succeeded – and the truth that it is supporting the tool with its personal vary of video games is commendable.
In case you are simplest all in favour of unlocking the Sport Boy and Sport Boy Colour libraries, it comes extremely advisable. On the other hand, if you wish to have a hand held that has the similar accuracy with added advantages, the Analogue Pocket may well be a more sensible choice. This a lot is obvious, despite the fact that: the truth that each gadgets exist is glorious information for Sport Boy enthusiasts.

Incredible design and construct high quality
Brilliant and vibrant pixel-accurate display screen
Provides the choice of AA or rechargeable batteries, fending off obsolescence

Most effective performs Sport Boy and Sport Boy Colour video games
No save states (nowadays)

Nice 8/10

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Damien has been writing professionally about tech and video video games since 2007 and oversees all of Hookshot Media’s websites from a piece of writing standpoint. He is additionally the editor of Time Extension, the community’s latest web site, which – mockingly – is all about gaming’s previous glories.

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