This new FPGA handheld is set to arrive before Christmas.
The original DMG Game Boy holds a special place in my heart — so, when you get the chance to go hands-on with a modern take on such a device, you tend to go for it. Thankfully I got to do just that recently, with the Chromatic from ModRetro — a fresh entrant in the new-device-to-play-old-games category.
For the unfamiliar, the Chromatic — first revealed back in June — is an FPGA handheld that sports that classic, original DMG vertical form factor, but adds in a much-needed light to the screen, and a touch of colour thanks to several fun colourway options.
The handheld will be available in Midnight, Bubblegum, Wave, Leaf, Volt and Inferno finishes (that's black, pink, blue, green, yellow, and orange).
ModRetro's Chromatic has a bright, backlit 160 x 144 screen which is protected by a sapphire scratch-resistant front, and the body of the handheld is made from a magnesium alloy which makes for a really sturdy feeling product. The original Game Boy was pretty much a child-proof tank — you could throw that thing down the stairs (or blow it up...) and it would be fine. I'm not suggesting you try doing the same here, but it's fair to say the build quality here is sturdy.
If you care about getting gameplay footage off the device, it's also got a USB-C video out port. A nice option for those who need it.
Of course, the device can play pretty much all Game Boy cartridges (I even bought along my original copy of Tetris to try during the hands-on), along with the varied Game Boy Color library. So, if you have an old collection of physical Game Boy titles, the Chromatic looks to be an interesting, modern way to revisit those handheld gems. Additionally, this upcoming portable can also play ModRetro's own range of upcoming physical cartridges.
It's a faithful device that leans into its retro roots. It looks the part, is well built, and is the slightly more affordable FPGA option (priced at $199) when compared to the likes of the Analogue Pocket (at $220). If you grab it early, it also comes bundled with a Tetris cartridge (pictured below) — without doubt the essential Game Boy experience.
The Chromatic will launch later this year (it's promised before Christmas), alongside a range of new, modern Game Boy-esque physical ModRetro cartridges (nine have been announced so far), with more software launching throughout 2025.
I'm all for more ways to play classic games (preservation matters!) so to see more hardware players in this space is more than welcome.
Damien McFerran
The Chromatic looks to not only match the experience of playing the Game Boy, but elevates it via much-needed modern touches to make it viable today, all whilst retaining that retro charm.