Palmer Luckey, the controversial tech entrepreneur known for his work in the weapons industry, has ventured into the realm of retro gaming with his hobby company Modretro. The company recently introduced its inaugural product, the Chromatic, a modern replica of the iconic Game Boy by Nintendo.
The Modretro Chromatic is designed to play original cartridges from both the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, offering a nostalgic gaming experience for enthusiasts. In a nod to the classic era of gaming, the device is equipped to run original games as well as new titles developed by Palmer Luckey’s team, such as ‘Tetris for Chromatic’ which comes bundled with the device.
Priced at 286 euros, the Chromatic is available for pre-order in various color options from Germany, with deliveries scheduled to commence from Christmas 2024. Palmer Luckey expressed his passion for the project, stating, ‘For almost 17 years, I have been working on developing the ultimate replica of the Game Boy. The Chromatic is my ultimate homage to the beautiful form, technical excellence, and cultural influence of the Game Boy.’
The device features a high-resolution display with a pixel structure mirroring the original Game Boy, ensuring an authentic visual experience for users. The IPS display is optimized to reproduce the vibrant colors of the Game Boy Color while offering enhanced brightness. Protected by sapphire glass, the display is durable and scratch-resistant.
Constructed from a robust magnesium alloy, the Chromatic boasts a sturdy housing designed to withstand daily use. Users have the option to connect wired headphones via the jack socket for audio output or enjoy sound through the built-in mono speaker. While lacking Bluetooth connectivity, the device operates on batteries, with a rechargeable battery pack available for purchase.
In addition to playing original cartridges, Modretro offers a selection of games specifically tailored for the Chromatic. Luckey shared with The Verge that the company collaborates with indie developers to create unique gaming experiences for users, expanding the library of titles available for the retro console.
