ModRetro Chromatic Review: The Best Game Boy Yet?

If Lockheed Martin Made a Game Boy, Would You Buy One?

The 1990s was a time where military aircraft captivated the imaginations of many. It was the era when movies like Top Gun made iconic planes like the F-14 Tomcat a symbol of American coolness. But for some, the stealthy Lockheed F-117A and the legendary SR-71 Blackbird became the dream machines. As a kid, I would have eagerly snagged a jet-black Game Boy from Lockheed Martin. Fast forward to today, I find myself pondering the implications of such a purchase.

Lockheed Martin: A Different Kind of Gaming Connection

With nostalgia creeping back as I examine the ModRetro Chromatic – a modern homage to the classic Game Boy – I can’t ignore its connection to Palmer Luckey, the founder of ModRetro and the defense contractor Anduril. Known for creating weaponized drones, Anduril symbolizes the merging of tech innovation with military prowess. Despite the allure of high-tech gadgets, my appreciation for childhood gaming is overshadowed by ethical considerations regarding who creates them and their ultimate purpose.

Palmer Luckey: The Visionary Behind the ModRetro Chromatic

Palmer Luckey’s background adds complexity to the excitement of the Chromatic. His identification with the gaming world stemmed from a fondness for modding Game Boys, a passion that paved his way to creating the Oculus Rift. Presently, Luckey advocates for a closer relationship between tech and the military, arguing from a perspective that raises ethical questions for potential consumers.

The Chromatic: An Attempt to Capture Nostalgia

The ModRetro Chromatic aims to merge the original 1989 Game Boy with the 1998 Game Boy Color. Priced at $220, the Chromatic stands out with its premium materials: metal casing, sapphire screen, and PBT plastic buttons. Each design element echoes nostalgia, from the familiar slanted Start and Select buttons to the nostalgic gameplay, void of modern amenities like save states. The goal? To evoke the original gaming experience.

Authenticity in Design and Function

Although reminiscent of the classic handheld, it is designed for modern sensibilities. The device sports a bright IPS display, allowing for gameplay in any light, and just like the original handheld, it conveniently plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges.

• Bright Display: Enjoy games in full sunlight with enhanced visibility.
• Durable Build: Constructed from high-quality materials, promising durability.
• Classic Games Included: Comes with a brand-new copy of Tetris, featuring modern updates.

Performance vs. Ethics: A Complex Decision

Playing the ModRetro Chromatic rekindles the thrill of gaming as it should be experienced, stimulating both excitement and nostalgia. Yet, with every triumphant catch of a Pokémon or completion of a level, I grapple with the recognition of the product’s origins. Can I separate the joy of retro gameplay from Luckey’s commitments to the defense industry? Am I financially enabling practices I may fundamentally disagree with?

A New Era of Game Boy Titles

While the Chromatic currently caters to a niche market of Game Boy purists, Luckey reveals a plan to expand the library with original titles, capitalizing on the revival of classic gaming. However, many of these titles are already in development elsewhere and may be overshadowed by the ethical debate surrounding their delivery.

Modern Consumers’ Dilemma: Choose Wisely

In an era where tech is interwoven with moral implications, consumers face tough choices. Players must evaluate whether the nostalgia evoked by the Chromatic can outweigh the potential ethical dilemmas. As with every purchase, it’s important to consider who profits from each product, and the values that accompany their price tags.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

The ModRetro Chromatic certainly impresses with its build quality and nostalgic design, claiming its place as the best Game Boy remake. However, one should reflect on the broader implications of supporting a project linked to a defensive contractor. Balancing a love for nostalgic gaming against the reality of today’s defense landscape creates an argument that transcends simple product appreciation.

Final Thoughts

Purchases today aren’t just transactions; they’re reflections of our values. In considering whether to buy a device like the ModRetro Chromatic, or if I would support a hypothetical Lockheed Martin Game Boy, my answer hinges on deeper ethical convictions rather than the excitement of play.