ModRetro’s M64, an FPGA ode to the Nintendo 64, is supposedly on the way, though who knows when that will ship, or even go on sale, for that matter. In the meantime, however, we’ve got ourselves what seems to be a permanent restock of the retro revival company’s premium Game Boy and Game Boy Color-compatible handheld.
After selling out months ago, you can now buy the coveted Chromatic yet again, and in a new colorway, too, one that’s simply dubbed Cloud (which is different than the GameStop variant). The fresh hue brings to mind the North American Super Nintendo motif, although if you’d rather have something a little bolder, the original rainbow options are still available, but they won’t sport the notable ‘1st Edition’ stamp found on units from the initial Chromatic production run.
Since its inception, one of the big selling points of the Chromatic has been its extremely durable sapphire display, and interestingly enough, this restock arrives with an additional, cheaper screen option: Gorilla Glass. Chromatics with sapphire displays are priced at $299.99 ($100 more than they were at launch, by the way), while Chromatics with a less desirable Gorilla Glass offering will set you back $199.99. Both handhelds still come bundled with a physical cartridge of Tetris.
Full disclosure: ModRetro kindly sent me a Chromatic months back for testing and I’ve only just gotten around to actually using it. I can honestly say it’s a very solid Game Boy homage, if a little on the small side for my massive hands. The display quality is fantastic, and so are the springy buttons—I really like how they feel. The unit build-quality gives off tiny tank energy (did anyone ever play that weird PS1 title?) and I think it’s worth the asking price, maybe even the increased $300.
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In many ways, I’d say I prefer it to the Analogue Pocket, although I do wish it played Game Boy Advance titles as well, even though that would go against the Chromatic’s ‘purest’ design philosophy, as it were. I wouldn’t doubt if ModRetro is working on a specific GBA follow-up for the future, though. Something with a horizontal hand-feel, no doubt.
There’s also a new rechargeable battery available on ModRetro’s website, alongside a branded link cable and a mod kit that will allow you to change out d-pads and other inputs. I might have to check out that Power Core, because while AA batteries are nostalgic, they’re sort of a pain to keep replacing. The link cable seems intriguing, too. I always loved playing head-to-head Pokémon with neighbors and siblings on my 1998 Game Boy Color. That said, let’s just hope ModRetro isn’t bringing back the Worm Light. Let’s collectively shudder at such a thought.
I’d guess translucent Chromatic colors are on the way at some point, especially since it would be a nice nod to Nintendo’s inaugural Atomic Purple, and also because competitor Analogue has dabbled in this type of variant with its own Pocket handheld. But the Cloud option is good for the time being, and I’m excited about putting my Inferno review unit to the test over the next few weeks. If only I could grab a second Chromatic and try out the link cable. I guess I’d need a friend, too. Perhaps ModRetro could supply this as well?
Stay tuned.
