Following a relatively short initial 1st Edition release six months ago,ModRetrois back with a notableChromaticrestock – and this time, it isn’t going anywhere.
For those unfamiliar with the Chromatic, it’s best described as amodern take on Nintendo’s Game Boy. It features a custom-built 160 x 144 pixel backlit screen, offering pixel-perfect visuals that match the original Game Boy Color, a premium-feeling magnesium alloy build, and very clicky buttons.
In every way – including its ability to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and ModRetro’s cartridges – the Chromatic is a grown-up version of the classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color (it even comes withChromatic Tetrisbundled with the handheld, just like the original Game Boy).
The Chromatic’s return includes a new white colorway called cloud that features subtle purple accents with matching buttons, alongside two display options with different price points. The first is the more scratch-resistant Sapphire screen offered with the Chromatic’s initial release for $300 (this is roughly $100 more than it was at launch), and the second is a cheaper Gorilla Glass display version for $200. Cloud joins inferno, leaf, bubblegum, volt, wave, midnight, and gray.
It’s important to note thatOculus co-creatorand currentarms dealer Palmer Luckeyis an undeniably controversial figure. Whether it’s hisAndurildefense technology company orreports surrounding his political donations, many – including myself – take issue with Luckey. This makes the Chromatic a moral quandary, despite it being an excellent throwback device.
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New games are on the way
ModRetro is bringing back more classics and launching new, original titles
Adding to the 10 games that already dropped for the Chormatic last year, ModRetro has revealed five re-releases and original titles that are heading to the handheld.
Below is a complete list:
Gravitorque – A gravity-bending platform puzzler
Genre: Platformer, Puzzle
Platform: Chromatic, Game Boy, Game Boy Color
Price: $39.99 USD
Developer: POLëT
Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped! – A fun, nostalgic platformer based on the classic cartoon series (re-released for Chromatic)
Genre: Puzzle, Platformer
Platform: Chromatic, Game Boy Color
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Wicked Plague - A Dark, atmospheric side-scroller with branching paths.
Genre: Metroidvania
Developer: Locus-motion
Self-Simulated – A Precision platformer with customizable difficulty
Developer: 2nd Law Games
First Contact Protocol – A story-rich sci-fi puzzle adventure
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Ben Jelter
I haven’t tried all the new games coming to the Chomatic, but I did get my hands on Sabrina: The Animated Series a few weeks early. It’s a surprisingly great-looking licensed platformer with snappy, responsive controls. It’s a little short and simple, even by Game Boy Color standards, but I’ve had a decent time playing the game over the past few weeks.
Along with the new titles, ModRetro is also introducing a Rechargeable Power Core for $30. It snaps into the back of the Chromatic and lasts up to 16 hours. Given the handheld’s price, it would be nice if this Power Core came included with the handheld, especially since similar throwback portable devices feature built-in batteries, like theAnalogue Pocket, for example.
Other new accessories include a $15 Link Cable, allowing you to, of course, evolve Kadabra into Alakazam in Pokémon Red, and a Mod Kit that includes replacement buttons. ModRetro is also still selling its cool-lookingKoss Porta pro headphones.
The Chromatic is such a good Game Boy remake it feels like Nintendo made it
If your goal is to play old school Game Boy games in the most authentic way possible, the Chromatic is one of the best options available.
ModRetro’s new game and re-release efforts are impressive
Playing new Game Boy games in 2025 feels great.
Over the past few months, I’ve gotten my hands on several of the Chromatic’s launch titles, includingToki Tori – Ultimate Edition, which I picked up at a GameStop Retro location in San Jose, California. The puzzle-platformer reminds me ofDonkey Kong (1994),my favorite Game Boy game, in a good way, though its gameplay is pretty simple. I’ve also spent a lot of time withDragonnym, a lengthy old-school turn-based RPG that’s definitely worth checking out. It feels like a game pulled directly from the late 90s. That said, it can be a little confusing when it comes to figuring out what to do next, but at the same time, that feels appropriate for the era.
I haven’t played an outright bad ModRetro-released title for the Chromatic, but some are certainly better than others.
I’ve also spent time withChantey, a rhythm-based pirate adventure,S-11, a top-down shooter, andTales of Monsterland DX, a compelling, surprisingly detailed 2D platformer. I haven’t played an outright bad ModRetro-released title for the Chromatic, but some are certainly better than others. My two key recommendations from the original release lineup are Dragonnym and Toki Tori – Ultimate Edition.
The Chomatic and several of the games included in this story were provided to Pocket-lint by ModRetro.
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