The Chromatic from ModRetro Uses FPGA to Play GameBoy Games
Colin Smith — June 5, 2024 — Tech
References: modretro
The Chromatic, offered by ModRetro, is a cartridge-based gaming handheld designed to be compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Chromatic cartridges. It boasts the world’s only 160x144 pixel sunlight-readable backlit display, which is protected by a super scratch-resistant sapphire front crystal. The device is encased in a magnesium alloy shell and features ultra-durable PBT buttons. For sharing gameplay moments, it includes a USB video out. The Chromatic is celebrated for its FPGA-based emulation, ensuring games play exactly as their creators intended.
The Chromatic is set to start shipping around Christmas 2024 and is currently available for preorder. The device is priced at $199, which includes a bundled Tetris cartridge. This pricing positions the Chromatic as a competitive option in the retro gaming market, offering a blend of nostalgic gameplay with modern construction and durability.
Image Credit: ModRetro
The Chromatic is set to start shipping around Christmas 2024 and is currently available for preorder. The device is priced at $199, which includes a bundled Tetris cartridge. This pricing positions the Chromatic as a competitive option in the retro gaming market, offering a blend of nostalgic gameplay with modern construction and durability.
Image Credit: ModRetro
Trend Themes
1. Fpga-based Emulation - The Chromatic’s use of FPGA technology for game emulation ensures precise gameplay fidelity, setting a new standard for hardware replication in retro gaming.
2. Sunlight-readable Backlit Displays - Featuring the world’s only 160x144 pixel sunlight-readable backlit display for handheld gaming devices, the Chromatic addresses usability issues often faced in bright environments.
3. Durable Premium Materials - Encased in a magnesium alloy shell and equipped with ultra-durable PBT buttons, the Chromatic highlights the growing trend of premium, long-lasting materials in gaming hardware.
Industry Implications
1. Retro Gaming Hardware - The Chromatic’s compatibility with Game Boy cartridges taps into the expanding market of retro gaming enthusiasts looking for modern reinventions of classic devices.
2. Portable Electronics - By combining a scratch-resistant sapphire front crystal and a sunlight-readable display, the portable electronics industry sees innovative advancements in durability and outdoor usability.
3. Consumer Electronics - The introduction of high-quality materials and precise emulation technologies in the Chromatic showcases evolving consumer expectations for premium features in electronic devices.
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