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ModRetro

ModRetro Chromatic

Compiled by Sepehr Sabbagh-pour, maker details checked Oct 2026

2.56 in
IPS screen

USD199.99 at the maker's store

Price as the maker shows it, checked Oct 2026. No UK price listed yet. Gorilla Glass display, bundled with a Tetris cartridge. The Sapphire display option is listed at $299.99. Only the Cloud colour showed as available.

UK availability is not stated by the maker.

View at ModRetro (official store)All buying options

Specifications

Performance

Chip
Not stated by the maker
RAM
Not stated by the maker
Operating system
Not stated by the maker

Display

Screen
2.56 in 160x144 pixel 2.56 inch IPS backlit LCD, Gorilla Glass or sapphire cover
Resolution
160x144

Battery and storage

Battery
Not stated by the maker
Storage
Not stated by the maker

Connectivity and size

Wi-Fi
Not stated by the maker
Bluetooth
Not stated by the maker
Weight
176 g
Colours
Cloud, Midnight, Wave, Leaf, Inferno, Volt, Bubblegum

Games

Systems
Game Boy, Game Boy Color

How it compares

The Chromatic lists a 2.56 inch IPS backlit LCD at 160x144 and plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges on an FPGA-based architecture. The Pocket is also FPGA-based but lists a 3.5 inch LCD at 1600 x 1440 and 4300 mAh, whereas the Chromatic runs on AA batteries. The RG28XX lists a 2.83 inch IPS at 640 x 480 and 3100 mAh on an H700 and weighs 125 g, a lighter body than the Chromatic's 6.2 oz.

Compare all 3 side by side

Strengths

  • FPGA-based architecture
  • 160x144 pixel 2.56 inch IPS backlit LCD
  • Plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges
  • Runs on 3 AA batteries, or the maker's Rechargeable Power Core
  • USB-C video out to PC, Mac or Oculus Quest

Limits

  • Needs cartridges; the console has no built-in games listed
  • Battery life in hours is not stated
  • Sapphire display costs $100 more than Gorilla Glass (maker prices)

The page lists the console price per display material and per colour, with Gorilla Glass at the lower figure. It states weight as 6.2 oz and size in inches, and the gram figure here is a plain unit conversion. The maker gives no chip name, only an FPGA-based architecture, and no battery life.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ModRetro Chromatic's architecture?
The maker lists an FPGA-based architecture and does not name a chip.
What screen does the Chromatic have?
The maker lists a 160x144 pixel 2.56 inch IPS backlit LCD under Gorilla Glass or a sapphire cover.
What games does the Chromatic play?
The maker lists compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, and with its own Chromatic cartridges.
How is the Chromatic powered?
It ships with 3 AA batteries. The maker also lists the ModRetro Rechargeable Power Core, and USB passthrough so it can run while plugged in.
How big and heavy is the Chromatic?
The maker lists 5.2 x 3 x 1.2 inches and 6.2 oz, in a magnesium alloy shell with PBT buttons.
What extras does the Chromatic list?
The maker lists a link cable port, an IR link, a 3.5mm headphone output and USB-C video out to PC, Mac or Oculus Quest.

Guides that mention ModRetro Chromatic

Where to buy ModRetro Chromatic

Sources

View at ModRetro (official store)