Introducing the Chromatic: A Top-Tier Entrant in the Retro Hardware Scene

In recent years, the floodgates to nostalgia have swung wide open, offering a treasure trove of gaming delights for those reminiscing about their gaming golden years. For those eager to revisit their pixel-laden past, an array of options now beckons from various companies. Among these, the latest entrant in the retro gaming scene might just be the most thrilling contender yet.

I’ve encountered a fair share of Game Boy-esque devices over time. Just a year ago, I delved into a review of the Super Pocket, an affordable and straightforward creation from the Evercade team. However, the gold standard remains the Analogue Pocket, a luxurious device that continually improves through updates. Enter the Chromatic, a new challenger that finds its place amongst high-end retro handhelds, with a uniquely distinct approach that sets it apart.

Let’s dive in with the basics: this device is quintessentially a Game Boy. Its iconic design—a familiar array of B and A buttons, Select and Start buttons, a D-Pad, power switch, and volume control—is all present. Its dimensions and feel are reminiscent of the Game Boy Color, though just different enough to maintain legal distinction. Essentially, we’re talking about a Game Boy Color here.

With that in mind, there are intriguing benefits and limitations to explore later in this review. But first, allow me to shower some initial praise: this is one of the most satisfying pieces of handheld gaming hardware I’ve encountered.

A significant reason for this praise is the device’s shell. Unlike the typical plastic casings of similar devices, the Chromatic boasts a magnesium alloy construction. Light yet luxurious, it’s a small detail but noteworthy. When I first opened the battery compartment—this device forsakes the now-standard rechargeable batteries for three traditional Double-As, although a rechargeable option is available—I was struck by its solid build and the satisfying click when closing it.

This device screams quality. Imagine the upscale business card scene from American Psycho; replace the cards with gaming devices. Consider an Abernic Android handheld, followed by the Analogue Pocket, complete with its OpenFPGA support. Then, the Chromatic, with its sleek metal body, takes the stage. It’s a tactile delight with features like an IR port that could make any enthusiast giddy.

The creators of the Chromatic assert its durability, showcasing images of a car rolling over it while continuing a game of Tetris, no less. I didn’t muster the courage to test this, but its robust feel and heft suggest the claim holds water.

The build is superb. Buttons provide that right blend of resistance, and the D-Pad has just the right amount of give. Speakers impress with their volume, and headphone audio is crisp. The IPS backlit LCD boasts clear, sharp visuals. Although it’s not the optimal season for real sunlight tests, its performance under artificial light suggests it will hold up in natural light too.

But, ultimately, the true test of such hardware lies in the gaming experience it provides. Here, the Chromatic’s choices become particularly intriguing.

Discussing the Chromatic inevitably means bringing the Analogue Pocket into the conversation. These two devices are such close competitors that they must be considered together.

As mentioned, this is a Game Boy Color. It plays original cartridges and supports the corresponding Infrared and Link Cable ports to interact with original Game Boys—and Analogue Pockets as well.

Side-by-side with the Analogue Pocket, the Chromatic doesn’t support Game Boy Advance games, doesn’t offer a broad operating system for diverse software, and doesn’t utilize physical adapters for games like Game Gear carts. It is purely a Game Boy Color, designed to play those old cartridges with almost perfect accuracy thanks to FPGA technology.

The philosophy here is one of intentional simplicity. The Chromatic may do less, but it strives to excel in what it does offer. A bottom-mounted USB-C port not only charges an optional battery pack—it also allows streaming the device’s screen to a PC. For streamers wanting to play authentic Game Boy titles without emulation, on hardware true to the original’s spirit, the Chromatic is a fantastic choice.

There’s something nostalgically satisfying about popping in a cartridge and flipping the power switch. This won’t appeal to everyone, particularly those without a collection of cartridges or who prefer to load ROMs from an SD card. Nonetheless, for those who relish the genuine experience, the Chromatic channels that original vibe beautifully. And for those in the know, it seamlessly runs an Everdrive.

The original gaming experience, combined with that striking metal shell, feels more like a sophisticated toy and less like a relic of the past.

With a $200 price tag (around £161 for those in the UK), it’s not exactly budget-friendly. However, for fans of classic hardware who already own a stack of cartridges, the price is justified by its quality.

Comparing its $200 price with the Analogue Pocket’s $220 highlights a tricky choice—both perform brilliantly, but the Analogue Pocket brings more versatility. Yet, its larger size makes it less pocketable than the Chromatic.

The differences and similarities make for an intriguing decision; each device has its niche appeal and market.

But here’s a game-changer: the Chromatic’s unique feature that could redefine its appeal in the coming years—its compatibility with Chromatic Cartridges.

These cartridges are essentially new Game Boy Color carts. The device includes a freshly ported version of Tetris that runs on any GBC-compatible machine. There’s potential for ModRetro, the brand behind Chromatic, to release more new games, classic reprints, and new ports on these cartridges, which is an exciting prospect.

Having access to modern cartridges lends the device a more traditional, media-centric aspect, reminiscent of Evercade’s successful cartridge ecosystem. Should this initiative gain traction, it could significantly enhance the appeal of the Chromatic.

In summary, the Chromatic is a delight. The price tag might deter some, but for those already inclined towards such a device, the investment feels well placed. It’s one of the finest handheld gaming tools I’ve explored, and it’s one I plan to keep using, which speaks volumes given my access to various gadgets.

The Chromatic is currently available for order and might just be the perfect holiday gift for any hardcore gamer with a penchant for the past—or for yourself, as you nostalgically edge closer to the realm of retro gaming glory.