Bottom Line: I really like it but it should be $120 MAX and probably come out 5 years ago when we didn't have so many other options. ALSO: it uses 3 AA batteries (not AAA) and that Anbernic runs Linux, not Android
you are right though. you have stuff like Anbernic that can play these games through emulation and more. The Chromatic is a good device but only for people that have carts on deck. This is not for the average person
@ I grew up with the OG Gameboy and I basically NEVER want to play those games again. In fact, my Gameboy collection is the only video games I’ve ever gotten rid of. I didn’t even resell it. I just gave it away like 10 years ago.
I love the box this comes in as well. They definitely have a good sense of design. The $200 price tag is definitely for a gameboy enthusiast. I believe GameStop retro will be carrying these along with new game cartridges.
Two of my local GameStops had no clue what I was talking about when I preordered. GameStop saves me shipping, and I think they have the best color so it’s a win/win
@robertpeacock894 I have the exact opposite experience. I use an Everdrive GB X7. I play tons of original games, ROM hacks, and homebrew games with no issues.
graphical glitches. There is a button in the options that corrects a lot of that for publicly released GBC games. I mostly notice the problem on Homebrew. I do also think playing on the Pocket is better overall than the FPGBC. But for $88 it’s an epic deal. The screen is good, and playing it on what’s basically a GBC shell feels more authentic than say a Pocket.
Like many have said, the market for this is the Gameboy enthusiast. The handheld market is so vibrant and it now caters to very niche markets. Really depends on use case and disposable income. The Chromatic never claims to be more than it is, a modern take on the Gameboy color. While criticism of its price and functionality are understandable in this space, it seems that the Chromatic biggest flaws are things it never intended to be or things that the community wished it could be. Thanks for the honest review. I appreciate the many opinions out there and am excited to be in a time where handheld gaming hardware has so many options and creative takes on our portable gaming hobby.
I wish mine would come, preordered it early June and just keep seeing channel after channel get theirs (I know, I know, review units, guess I'm not close enough to a gold button to warrant one haha).
I really want to get it because it looks like the ultimate gameboy experience, but I only have a couple GBC/GB games so I don’t know how much I would play it. I have a lot of respect and love for the craftsmanship
Analogue probably doesn't use off the shelf screens because it's a very odd type of screen, the resolution and the form factor doesn't exist anywhere else. Im pretty sure it's done specifically for the the Analogue pocket.
Also the color on the analogue is due to the filter to emulate the original display colors. There are different filters and shades to flip through and it was disappointing this was not mentioned. He did tweak some display settings but he didn't go through the filters/shaders
Beginning of video, "I'm gonna have some harsh words about this one". Proceeds to praise product for 95% of video. MJR just doesn't have a mean bone in his body!
The real breakthrough is the screen. If they made that available for modders and people restoring their vintage ones, it could dramatically lower the price. Maybe they'll make one for the GBA?
Fair points! I’m still getting one (I preordered the GameStop one 🤷🏼♂️) I’m a huge Game Boy fan, I got it when I was 12 back in 89. It was literally the system that kick started my love for gaming. I have an original Game Boy, a modded one with a modern screen and now I’ll have this. But I agree it’s not for everyone and a Pocket does check more boxes! Regardless though I’m excited and look forward to opening this and maybe feeling like I did when I was 12 lol. Great vid sir, thanks for doing the comparisons also! ❤️🎮
I've been looking for a device that captures that nostalgia of of GB/GBA and this appears to be it. Less is more and I pre-rdered the Game Stop version for Christmas. It's actually priced right. If you're wanting to get a moded GBC it will cost you between $250-$300 for all the bells and whistles. If you're wanting one with a metal shell expect to pay $400,
Exactly my thoughts - I loved the GBC in the 90's and have been wanting a proper tribute to it for years now. This was built with only one thing in mind, to be the ultimate Game Boy Color. I have to have it.
great video, but a missed opportunity to not compare with OG game boy / game boy color consoles side-by-side, especially when placing so much emphasis on the "white balance" difference between analogue & chromatic. I find it hard to believe it's more accurate than the analogue pocket?
The main thing that Chromatic has that makes it appeal to me so much more than any of those other options is literally the fact it doesn't do all the other crap. In fact, that's the one thing I'm truly feeling this need to get back to in modern times. I just want something something that does one thing exceptionally well, with not having to worry about navigating clunky menus, not installing or updating emulators or bios or whatever, no worrying about online, no setting up accounts, no signing up to anything, a screen and buttons made exactly for the intended purpose, etc. If it were just say £100 then I'd get it in a heartbeat.
A good quality GB Color clone with a native resolution screen, I've been hoping for a device like this to come along for years! So many replacement screen mods for the GB Color have ugly, non-integer scaling because no one makes display panels of the right resolution anymore. My Chromatic is on its way; can't wait to get my hands on it. 😁
To narrow in scope.... absolutely not! A master of one art, is always better than a jack of all trades, which is generally a master of nothing. The reviews have been nothing but stellar so far. If it is as good as people say, ships out on time and easy to pre-order, its already better than the analogue pocket. I also don't deal with companies that make their product hard to get overall like analogue or limited run.
I think it comes down to what you have most in your existing collection because of the limitations. It is cool that it kept the same form factor as the OG and even the fact that it takes batteries will bring you back to the 90's. If it was just a tad cheaper I bet they'd sell more just to experience a "brand new" game boy again and have peace of mind that you'll be able to play those carts for the rest of your life.
Just looking at your footage of the screen has justified my decision to buy this. I'm a huge fan of the GBC and wanted something that enchances the original experience of it. This looks like that device.
@@AlexanderShelestov i'm tempted to get another one and keep it unopened. But i guess i'd have to open it to take those AA batteries out. Then again, i might get another one for modding.
@@RogerEssigArtist In my case I bought the second one for my 19 yo son. He's a fan of Game Boy games. GBA mostly, but also has a dozen of GB/GBC games.
When you break it down, for £169 you're getting a premium chassis and screen with a hardware emulator at the core and a near 1:1 gameboy experience with the added filters and video out. The analogue pocket is far more expensive in the long run. it's $219.99 /£174 for the pocket, $129.99/£103 for the dock just for video out $130/£103 for all of the adapters to play additional games The pocket has had issues where the screen's come away from the body of the console. IF you want to play gameboy games using original hardware your best bet would be to get a gameboy color and swap the screen for a backlit one for $40, otherwise stick some roms on your phone/steam deck or get this if you want something premium
The analogue pocket can play all the games this does plus GBA games for ~20 dollars more. You dont need the adapters unless you are looking to play Game Gear or NeoGeo etc. This device does not even have that option. As for the base, that's only if you want to output to a TV and if you are buying a handheld, that's probably not top of your list of priorities. Not to mention the much higher resolution screen on the pocket, and all the different filters. I have compared to my wife's gameboy color the same games and it is leaps and bounds better looking, more vibrant. Plus an actual back lit display. Honestly I think the colors on this device look washed out, like the brightness is jacked all the way up. Its a neat device but I think the price point is wrong. For 100 dollars or so, this is a great device to play your old gameboy devices. But for 20 dollars more, the analogue pocket is the way to go in my opinion.
The price is reasonable, and I'm not saying this because of the materials and the custom screen that few manufacturers make these days. I'm saying this because if we compare it to prices from 7/8 years ago, yes, it is expensive, but if we take into consideration the correlation of prices with global inflation and the current prices of larger consoles, it is reasonable.
It's almost like I said that on purpose to get comments on the video, increasing engagement for the video so UA-cam picks up on that and pushes it into the algorithm... Naw, I just misspoke. 😂
The only complaints I’ve seen in reviews for the Chromatic so far have nothing to do with the device itself. People either complain about Palmer Lucky or offer the stock “just buy an Analogue Pocket”.
Aren’t these valid complaints? If their is already an FPGBC and Analogue Pocket one cheaper and the other that does more for $25 more is a credible conversation. As for Palmer Lucky it’s nice that people know about what they purchase and who it’s from. Personally I bought it, but if you’re say anti the idea of AI weapons used to bomb cities you can say “hey I don’t want to support that guy or that company.”
This looks perfect. If I am not going to use original hardware, I want the closest thing with QOL added. With the work and attention to detail they put in, I can understand the price point. It’s like the play date, if you are using a lot of stuff not “off the shelf” then yeah it’s going to be more and IMO it’s worth it.
I know this will sound rough but… I have almost ZERO desire to go back and play OG Gameboy games. Like, there a few games that hold up but it’s not many.
Probably. It's happening with cassette and cd players. The problem is that we're now paying premium prices for not so premium quality, due to the 'novelty' of the retro. The chromatic seems to be ok, but it's clearly catering to nostalgic adults with that price. Nintendo knew they were selling a device mostly for kids, and their prices reflected that
@@badboy-gn8fu Dude, it's perfect. Since it uses FPGA technology, it plays GB & GBC games with perfect cycle accuracy, so no software emulation. It also has a beautiful LCD screen, USB-C battery, and is made of all brand new parts. Check out some reviews of it online
I have preordered a Chromatic, but I also have a FPGBC. I also have a Pocket. I think the FPGBC is better than the Pocket. It's cheaper and the form factor has the nostalgia factor/ feeling! Great little device, that FPGBC!
@EsThirt33n And you're specifically looking for a broken one which makes the price dramatically lower. If you're modding it you'll be replacing the screen anyway so a broken screen is no issue on the OG.
I have been watching your Channel for years. Just wanted to say thank you especially for your honest opinions and in depth reviews. You should also check out the FPGA Funnyplaying Gameboy. 😊
I preordered one of these and I can't wait for it to arrive. I like devices that do one thing particularly well and the Chromatic seems like an heirloom quality device that really will provide me with hours of enjoyment for decades to come.
Also as far as the two hundred dollar pricetag goes folks should keep in mind that includes a new officially licensed version of Tetris which is sold by itself for over forty bucks, $150 doesn't seem that unreasonable when one considers that the original Game Boy Color retailed for eighty bucks which Nintendo probably sold at a loss and look at the difference in build quality between the GBC and the Chromatic.
i was really hoping you could compare original gbc screen with this new one. from this video i have to say the analogue has nicer looking colors, but that may not be as accurate to the original gameboy color. also analogue has different filters to try including original dmg green. so is there a block on comparing gbc screen to modretro? i tried looking around at other youtube videos and none of them have a comparison between original hardware and this one. weird.
Well I’ve been following the development then reviews etc for quite a while now and I have ti say that I appreciate and enjoy all the options we can get our hands on so I ultimately decided to preorder Midnight and Logan Paul colorways. With that all said I’m confident my Analogue Pocket will remain my go to for classic/retro gaming
Emulation is a tricky beast, I enjoyed it more as a kid because of that sense of wonder to use non-standard controls but this looks like it sidesteps that 😮
The title should be 'game boy for the nostalgic adults with too much money to spare'. The device looks nice, but $200? When the analog pocket does the same and more for a little bit more money? Only adults with severe nostalgia would buy that. And it'll probably go the way game boys do nowadays, displayed or stored somewhere, as most people don't really play their games, and there are so many ways to do so now
This effectively replaces a game boy color, if someone loves playing on that they can now play with a backlit screen and have a correct screen on a different system.
It looks pretty. But i bought a real Gameboy color and put a modern screen in it all for less than $200. There's no way a modern clone console should ever cost more than an orignal.
Nah, you're way off, dude. $200 for the best Gameboy ever made---and it is---is totally reasonable. And considering the build, I believe the price is justified. But, yeah, I certainly have no interest in a Gameboy, and neither do most people, I think. That's the real problem. Most people don't want a Gameboy, let alone the best one. When someone makes the best GBA though---of similar quality to this---I will definitely shell out $200.
It is pricey for only supporting the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color games. I have a lot of Gameboy games so this is right up my alley. I just wish the price was around $100.
You can do almost the same exact thing with the FPGBC. It's FPGA just like the analog pocket and it also: Plays GB and GBC Has a rechargable Li-ion battery Uses usb-c for charging AND firmware updates Has a modern backlit screen All for $99 bucks. The only difference is it doesn't come with Tetris. Oh, and you aren't supporting Palmer Lucky. I don't believe him one bit when he says he's not making money on this. It's twice the cost of other options and almost the same cost as an Analogue Pocket (It's only $20 more). This only exists as a "wow look at that" option for people who don't know any better.
Thanks for your review. It seems pretty premium but seems very limited not having GBA support. I think I'll stick with my Analogue Pocket that has GBA support (and having save states)
Very good review! But... I totally disagree. I love the focus! I prefer single purpose devices, preferably original hardware. I'd rather have a master, then a jack of all trades. I have a Pocket. I think it's a modern looking piece of hardware that doesn't give me that nostalgia feeling I get from original hardware, the FPGBC or this Chromatic. I even think my FPGBC is better than my Pocket and that was way cheaper! The Pockets D-PAD is flawed too and the way the cartridges sit in the device is a major design flaw IMHO. What were the thinking at Analogue!? I've had many times where I pop out the cartridge with my fingers that are on the trigger buttons... The Pocket is plastic. The Chromatic is a magnesium alloy. If you buy a metal Pocket, you need to rob a bank first: it's $500,- ! I preordered the Chromatic a while a go. This is going to be my standard device for developing my GB(C) homebrew games on.
I'm good with my Analogue Pocket, thanks. Also, you have to remember that natively, GBC games weren't lit at all, so arguing how "accurate" the screen is on either device when playing GB or GBC games is a moot point.
Yes and no. The screen of the Chromatic has the original size and resolution (160x144), color reproduction and pixel raster and can be played in full sunlight like the original. It's backlit. The original wasn't, but that's a QOL improvement. So all in all I would day it's closer to the original than the Pocket.
Real accuracy would be an unplayable crap handheld. It's the truth, these old gameboys were nearly unusable back in the day. Once the SP came out you could actually see the screen finally.
@@MetalJesusRocks You can do integer scaling with proper GB alike coloring and even ghosting effects - see Retro Game Corps' overlays video. Linux beeing android is new to me, some of these devices can boot either or into Android or Linux, but the operating system is completely different in that case. My takeaway from this video is that the Chromatic could be worth it for the purists considering the screen, but to me the Analogue Pocket offers nothing above an Anbernic while it really doeasn't have anything unique like the Chromatic - but somehow felt like you say the opposite.
i thought the analogue folks were obsessed with color and screen accuracy, could it be possible their more yellow color temperature for gameboy color games was a choice to bring it closer to hardware accuracy and not an inaccuracy?
how many devices play GBA as well as GBC and GB? I was thinking of getting the GB Player and Game Cube if I can find the doot disc. Is that my best option?
Now-a-days handheld video game devices that take cartridges and emulators should Always have rechargeable batteries. Without it the product is a deal breaker for me.
Bottom Line: I really like it but it should be $120 MAX and probably come out 5 years ago when we didn't have so many other options. ALSO: it uses 3 AA batteries (not AAA) and that Anbernic runs Linux, not Android
you are right though. you have stuff like Anbernic that can play these games through emulation and more. The Chromatic is a good device but only for people that have carts on deck. This is not for the average person
I agree
I disagree it’s high quality not cheap crap it’s perfect I grew up with gb this is what I wanted always ordered the green and blue
Also, you meant to say “3 DOUBLE A batteries”. Not AAA.
@ I grew up with the OG Gameboy and I basically NEVER want to play those games again. In fact, my Gameboy collection is the only video games I’ve ever gotten rid of. I didn’t even resell it. I just gave it away like 10 years ago.
I love the box this comes in as well. They definitely have a good sense of design. The $200 price tag is definitely for a gameboy enthusiast. I believe GameStop retro will be carrying these along with new game cartridges.
You were addicted to the new Tetris game last night!! It's a classic 👍
Two of my local GameStops had no clue what I was talking about when I preordered.
GameStop saves me shipping, and I think they have the best color so it’s a win/win
Everybody has forgotten about the funny playing fpga gbc, a great handheld👍🏻😎🍺.
@@Retro-cabin Absolutely agree. I keep mine in my pocket everywhere I go now.
It’s $100 cheaper, but I keep having issues with every GBC game I want to play. Mostly homebrew they all just have hitches.
@robertpeacock894 I have the exact opposite experience. I use an Everdrive GB X7. I play tons of original games, ROM hacks, and homebrew games with no issues.
@@robertpeacock894What kind of problems? I want to get one but it’s still $120 so I’m a bit on the fence
graphical glitches. There is a button in the options that corrects a lot of that for publicly released GBC games. I mostly notice the problem on Homebrew.
I do also think playing on the Pocket is better overall than the FPGBC.
But for $88 it’s an epic deal. The screen is good, and playing it on what’s basically a GBC shell feels more authentic than say a Pocket.
Like many have said, the market for this is the Gameboy enthusiast. The handheld market is so vibrant and it now caters to very niche markets. Really depends on use case and disposable income. The Chromatic never claims to be more than it is, a modern take on the Gameboy color. While criticism of its price and functionality are understandable in this space, it seems that the Chromatic biggest flaws are things it never intended to be or things that the community wished it could be. Thanks for the honest review. I appreciate the many opinions out there and am excited to be in a time where handheld gaming hardware has so many options and creative takes on our portable gaming hobby.
I wish mine would come, preordered it early June and just keep seeing channel after channel get theirs (I know, I know, review units, guess I'm not close enough to a gold button to warrant one haha).
Same here.😅
@@32_bit_gamer we just have to hang in there, sounds like they are about to start shipping.
I really want to get it because it looks like the ultimate gameboy experience, but I only have a couple GBC/GB games so I don’t know how much I would play it.
I have a lot of respect and love for the craftsmanship
I was literally just looking this thing up and saw your video posted 21 seconds ago! Good timing ;)
I really appreciate that they tweaked the colors on the chromatic, seems only appropriate for a handheld w such a name in a saturated market
The battery option is actually a neat feature
I like the AA batteries, because that means my device won't be dead in 10 years, when the manufacturer decides that they are done with it.
Very true! I worry about all the handhelds I have with lithium ion batteries that will ultimately fail.
its pretty easy to replace cells in a rechargeble battery pack.
Plus no dangerous spicy pillows.
@@BrickTamlandOfficial As long as someone is making a compatible replacement.
@@JohnKelly2 you can open the battery pack up and do a diy repair.
To me, This device isn't meant to be compared to anything other than an original Gameboy Color.
They said they're doing a Game Boy Advance some day.
Again...it may be too late and no longer needed. But we'll see...
@@MetalJesusRocks I think there's a market for a horizontal original GBA style. Surprised Analogue hasn't gone there yet.
Analogue probably doesn't use off the shelf screens because it's a very odd type of screen, the resolution and the form factor doesn't exist anywhere else. Im pretty sure it's done specifically for the the Analogue pocket.
Also the color on the analogue is due to the filter to emulate the original display colors. There are different filters and shades to flip through and it was disappointing this was not mentioned. He did tweak some display settings but he didn't go through the filters/shaders
They do actually, it´s the same screen that the valve index use
Beginning of video, "I'm gonna have some harsh words about this one". Proceeds to praise product for 95% of video. MJR just doesn't have a mean bone in his body!
Even when I give an unfavorable review I still like to keep it professional... unless it's just utter CRAP 😂
The real breakthrough is the screen. If they made that available for modders and people restoring their vintage ones, it could dramatically lower the price. Maybe they'll make one for the GBA?
Fair points! I’m still getting one (I preordered the GameStop one 🤷🏼♂️) I’m a huge Game Boy fan, I got it when I was 12 back in 89. It was literally the system that kick started my love for gaming. I have an original Game Boy, a modded one with a modern screen and now I’ll have this. But I agree it’s not for everyone and a Pocket does check more boxes! Regardless though I’m excited and look forward to opening this and maybe feeling like I did when I was 12 lol. Great vid sir, thanks for doing the comparisons also! ❤️🎮
I've been looking for a device that captures that nostalgia of of GB/GBA and this appears to be it. Less is more and I pre-rdered the Game Stop version for Christmas. It's actually priced right. If you're wanting to get a moded GBC it will cost you between $250-$300 for all the bells and whistles. If you're wanting one with a metal shell expect to pay $400,
Exactly my thoughts - I loved the GBC in the 90's and have been wanting a proper tribute to it for years now.
This was built with only one thing in mind, to be the ultimate Game Boy Color. I have to have it.
@jondixon4937 😃
great video, but a missed opportunity to not compare with OG game boy / game boy color consoles side-by-side, especially when placing so much emphasis on the "white balance" difference between analogue & chromatic. I find it hard to believe it's more accurate than the analogue pocket?
That portable is awesome! It might not do it all but it's a quality product. Good review and cool video MJR!👍
The main thing that Chromatic has that makes it appeal to me so much more than any of those other options is literally the fact it doesn't do all the other crap. In fact, that's the one thing I'm truly feeling this need to get back to in modern times. I just want something something that does one thing exceptionally well, with not having to worry about navigating clunky menus, not installing or updating emulators or bios or whatever, no worrying about online, no setting up accounts, no signing up to anything, a screen and buttons made exactly for the intended purpose, etc. If it were just say £100 then I'd get it in a heartbeat.
A good quality GB Color clone with a native resolution screen, I've been hoping for a device like this to come along for years! So many replacement screen mods for the GB Color have ugly, non-integer scaling because no one makes display panels of the right resolution anymore. My Chromatic is on its way; can't wait to get my hands on it. 😁
Man that new version of tetris looks soo good. Its gonna be a new addiction as soon as the public can play it.
Reggie was seriously addicted to it last night when I showed him the handheld.
Underrated value is this exclusive Tetris game. Only way to play Tetris on an original Game Boy with hold and hard drop.
The words “Elite” and “Game boy” in the same sentence make me smile! :D
Yeah, because the OG Gameboy is anything but elite?
Sounds like perfect timing
I wish I was collecting video games like you in the seventies and eighties
To narrow in scope.... absolutely not! A master of one art, is always better than a jack of all trades, which is generally a master of nothing. The reviews have been nothing but stellar so far. If it is as good as people say, ships out on time and easy to pre-order, its already better than the analogue pocket. I also don't deal with companies that make their product hard to get overall like analogue or limited run.
An ultimate Game Boy. I love the focus here. From the box, all the way to the AA batteries.
I think it comes down to what you have most in your existing collection because of the limitations. It is cool that it kept the same form factor as the OG and even the fact that it takes batteries will bring you back to the 90's. If it was just a tad cheaper I bet they'd sell more just to experience a "brand new" game boy again and have peace of mind that you'll be able to play those carts for the rest of your life.
Sell the Tetris game and get $40 back easily.
@briandadude yeah, there you go. I would be sad selling the pack in game tho.
@2:50 Mickey's Speedway USA is such a gem!!!!
Just looking at your footage of the screen has justified my decision to buy this. I'm a huge fan of the GBC and wanted something that enchances the original experience of it. This looks like that device.
I wonder though, if a pixel dies, will it be more obvious?
Probably, yes. We'll have to see long term if that's an issue yet once it gets into the hands of consumers.
I appreciate any time a UA-cam review takes the price into consideration.
Always. 👍
People paying $350-$500 for a metal Analogue Pocket. This is cheap by comparison.
That thing looks so good!
I ordered two and all the games their created. Cool device! (I also have two Analogue Pockets and all OG devices).
What colors did you order? I got the orange.
@@RogerEssigArtist BubbleGum (pink) and Midnight (black).
@@AlexanderShelestov i'm tempted to get another one and keep it unopened. But i guess i'd have to open it to take those AA batteries out. Then again, i might get another one for modding.
@@RogerEssigArtist In my case I bought the second one for my 19 yo son. He's a fan of Game Boy games. GBA mostly, but also has a dozen of GB/GBC games.
I was willing to pay the price although I agree it is expensive. I feel like it's worth the care and love that went into this.
Great video 👍 Just subbed!
Thanks for the sub!
I think it's cool but for a niche audience, the box design is excellent.
When you break it down, for £169 you're getting a premium chassis and screen with a hardware emulator at the core and a near 1:1 gameboy experience with the added filters and video out.
The analogue pocket is far more expensive in the long run.
it's $219.99 /£174 for the pocket,
$129.99/£103 for the dock just for video out
$130/£103 for all of the adapters to play additional games
The pocket has had issues where the screen's come away from the body of the console.
IF you want to play gameboy games using original hardware your best bet would be to get a gameboy color and swap the screen for a backlit one for $40, otherwise stick some roms on your phone/steam deck or get this if you want something premium
The analogue pocket can play all the games this does plus GBA games for ~20 dollars more. You dont need the adapters unless you are looking to play Game Gear or NeoGeo etc. This device does not even have that option. As for the base, that's only if you want to output to a TV and if you are buying a handheld, that's probably not top of your list of priorities.
Not to mention the much higher resolution screen on the pocket, and all the different filters. I have compared to my wife's gameboy color the same games and it is leaps and bounds better looking, more vibrant. Plus an actual back lit display. Honestly I think the colors on this device look washed out, like the brightness is jacked all the way up. Its a neat device but I think the price point is wrong. For 100 dollars or so, this is a great device to play your old gameboy devices. But for 20 dollars more, the analogue pocket is the way to go in my opinion.
The price is reasonable, and I'm not saying this because of the materials and the custom screen that few manufacturers make these days.
I'm saying this because if we compare it to prices from 7/8 years ago, yes, it is expensive, but if we take into consideration the correlation of prices with global inflation and the current prices of larger consoles, it is reasonable.
Really good video! You said Triple A (AAA) batteries. It uses three Double A (AA) batteries
It uses triple double A batteries :)
It's almost like I said that on purpose to get comments on the video, increasing engagement for the video so UA-cam picks up on that and pushes it into the algorithm...
Naw, I just misspoke. 😂
@@MetalJesusRocks Is that why you said that Anbernic 35xxSP runs android?
@imthebatking - Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 😜
The only complaints I’ve seen in reviews for the Chromatic so far have nothing to do with the device itself. People either complain about Palmer Lucky or offer the stock “just buy an Analogue Pocket”.
Snowflakes ❄️
if you are in America you cannot complain about any "Arms dealers" lol..
Aren’t these valid complaints? If their is already an FPGBC and Analogue Pocket one cheaper and the other that does more for $25 more is a credible conversation.
As for Palmer Lucky it’s nice that people know about what they purchase and who it’s from.
Personally I bought it, but if you’re say anti the idea of AI weapons used to bomb cities you can say “hey I don’t want to support that guy or that company.”
Looks like another way to play Game Boy and Color games.
This looks perfect. If I am not going to use original hardware, I want the closest thing with QOL added. With the work and attention to detail they put in, I can understand the price point. It’s like the play date, if you are using a lot of stuff not “off the shelf” then yeah it’s going to be more and IMO it’s worth it.
I know this will sound rough but… I have almost ZERO desire to go back and play OG Gameboy games. Like, there a few games that hold up but it’s not many.
Is this where we’re going? A dedicated machine for each system, to get it as close to authentic as possible?? I see it happening.
Probably. It's happening with cassette and cd players. The problem is that we're now paying premium prices for not so premium quality, due to the 'novelty' of the retro. The chromatic seems to be ok, but it's clearly catering to nostalgic adults with that price. Nintendo knew they were selling a device mostly for kids, and their prices reflected that
I'm still plenty happy with my $80 FPGBC 😊
im thinking about buying that. how does it play gb and gbc games?
@@badboy-gn8fu Dude, it's perfect. Since it uses FPGA technology, it plays GB & GBC games with perfect cycle accuracy, so no software emulation. It also has a beautiful LCD screen, USB-C battery, and is made of all brand new parts. Check out some reviews of it online
I have preordered a Chromatic, but I also have a FPGBC. I also have a Pocket. I think the FPGBC is better than the Pocket. It's cheaper and the form factor has the nostalgia factor/ feeling! Great little device, that FPGBC!
@@badboy-gn8fuIt's the greatest GBC in that price range. I have pretty much zero complaints. How much better do we need a GBC to be?
@@JittikMiegerAgreed. Pocket is good for other systems, like Turbografx, GG, NGPC and emulating SNES, Genesis, etc. FPGBC is the best GBC, period.
Just rescue a broken OG GB Color by modding it... Much more satisfying.
Keep the OG in its natural state and get one of these.
@briandadude No way. Especially if the OG is damaged.
If you can find an original gameboy color in the wild. Alot of people know what they are and have their prices up.
@EsThirt33n They might go down if all the norms just buy this console.
@EsThirt33n And you're specifically looking for a broken one which makes the price dramatically lower. If you're modding it you'll be replacing the screen anyway so a broken screen is no issue on the OG.
It looks so cool, I'd need save states though! Thx MJ
Analogue pocket has open FPGA.
Debate over.
I have been watching your Channel for years. Just wanted to say thank you especially for your honest opinions and in depth reviews. You should also check out the FPGA Funnyplaying Gameboy. 😊
I appreciate that!
I ordered one haha What game are you playing at 4:30?? Looks fun
That game is Montezuma's Return! based on the classic Montezuma's Revenge. It's great!
Thanks.....You rock!
I preordered one of these and I can't wait for it to arrive. I like devices that do one thing particularly well and the Chromatic seems like an heirloom quality device that really will provide me with hours of enjoyment for decades to come.
Also as far as the two hundred dollar pricetag goes folks should keep in mind that includes a new officially licensed version of Tetris which is sold by itself for over forty bucks, $150 doesn't seem that unreasonable when one considers that the original Game Boy Color retailed for eighty bucks which Nintendo probably sold at a loss and look at the difference in build quality between the GBC and the Chromatic.
That is one heck of a screen
I would love to see Frasier Fantasy for the gbc on it. The art is fantastic
i was really hoping you could compare original gbc screen with this new one.
from this video i have to say the analogue has nicer looking colors, but that may not be as accurate to the original gameboy color. also analogue has different filters to try including original dmg green.
so is there a block on comparing gbc screen to modretro? i tried looking around at other youtube videos and none of them have a comparison between original hardware and this one. weird.
Well I’ve been following the development then reviews etc for quite a while now and I have ti say that I appreciate and enjoy all the options we can get our hands on so I ultimately decided to preorder Midnight and Logan Paul colorways. With that all said I’m confident my Analogue Pocket will remain my go to for classic/retro gaming
Emulation is a tricky beast, I enjoyed it more as a kid because of that sense of wonder to use non-standard controls but this looks like it sidesteps that 😮
The title should be 'game boy for the nostalgic adults with too much money to spare'. The device looks nice, but $200? When the analog pocket does the same and more for a little bit more money? Only adults with severe nostalgia would buy that. And it'll probably go the way game boys do nowadays, displayed or stored somewhere, as most people don't really play their games, and there are so many ways to do so now
In a world with so many great emulation devices, I cant imagine a person that would want something so limited.
ME!
This effectively replaces a game boy color, if someone loves playing on that they can now play with a backlit screen and have a correct screen on a different system.
I think this thing looks great and Id want one for sure but its not at the top of my list especially at that pricepoint.
Great for Gameboy fanatics !
It looks pretty. But i bought a real Gameboy color and put a modern screen in it all for less than $200. There's no way a modern clone console should ever cost more than an orignal.
Wouldn't it be fairer to compare it to tbe Analogue Pocket Aluminum Editions?
Hmmm... Good idea! If I had one of those I probably would have.
Nah, you're way off, dude. $200 for the best Gameboy ever made---and it is---is totally reasonable. And considering the build, I believe the price is justified. But, yeah, I certainly have no interest in a Gameboy, and neither do most people, I think. That's the real problem. Most people don't want a Gameboy, let alone the best one. When someone makes the best GBA though---of similar quality to this---I will definitely shell out $200.
Hope all is well on your side of the cascades with that bomb cyclone that hit 2 days ago had to drive threw Snoqualmie pass got real ugly over there.
It is pricey for only supporting the original Gameboy and Gameboy Color games. I have a lot of Gameboy games so this is right up my alley. I just wish the price was around $100.
Based on some of the mods sold at my local retro gaming stores, this price falls in line with them.
We just need the screens!!!
And for the record, in 1989, the Gameboy launched at $90, and today that would be $229.11
Interesting observation. I hadn't considered that... 🤔
I dont get why Nintendo wouldn't just make an official game boy 2.0 with the look and feel of the original with every game on it
come on metal jesus, you don't have to hide your barbie fanaticism from us.
Make Barbie Magic Genie the official benchmark for Gameboys
It actually looks like it might be a pretty fun game.
@jondixon4937 yeah, it really does
😂
@TheRetroFuture , we really, really need your review.
We are living in the golden times of fpga handhelds and emulator devices. I would like to buy them all but i'm a cheapo that sticks to emulation !
The box and unit look very 70s. This is the perfect unit for game boy and has a nice big cross. I’ll be grabbing one of these.
You can do almost the same exact thing with the FPGBC. It's FPGA just like the analog pocket and it also:
Plays GB and GBC
Has a rechargable Li-ion battery
Uses usb-c for charging AND firmware updates
Has a modern backlit screen
All for $99 bucks. The only difference is it doesn't come with Tetris.
Oh, and you aren't supporting Palmer Lucky.
I don't believe him one bit when he says he's not making money on this. It's twice the cost of other options and almost the same cost as an Analogue Pocket (It's only $20 more).
This only exists as a "wow look at that" option for people who don't know any better.
Need the longer intro music please MJR🤞🏼
Next time for sure. Filming a new pickups video today 👍
I agree. Its nice but the ones I already have work just fine.
The anbernic device runs linux, not android.
I think with all these materials 200$ or near that is realistic. But I would buy it 😅
I like my Gameboy. Need to play it more.
Analogue is better and is flag and can run more cores.
I like this for the niche market of GBC
This is a luxury product
I played this at an expo and I thought it was ok but I wouldn’t trade my pocket for it.
We all know that MetalJesus completed the Barbie Games multiple times since he found them 😅
This is true. 😂
Thanks for your review. It seems pretty premium but seems very limited not having GBA support. I think I'll stick with my Analogue Pocket that has GBA support (and having save states)
Very good review! But...
I totally disagree. I love the focus! I prefer single purpose devices, preferably original hardware. I'd rather have a master, then a jack of all trades.
I have a Pocket. I think it's a modern looking piece of hardware that doesn't give me that nostalgia feeling I get from original hardware, the FPGBC or this Chromatic. I even think my FPGBC is better than my Pocket and that was way cheaper! The Pockets D-PAD is flawed too and the way the cartridges sit in the device is a major design flaw IMHO. What were the thinking at Analogue!? I've had many times where I pop out the cartridge with my fingers that are on the trigger buttons...
The Pocket is plastic. The Chromatic is a magnesium alloy. If you buy a metal Pocket, you need to rob a bank first: it's $500,- !
I preordered the Chromatic a while a go. This is going to be my standard device for developing my GB(C) homebrew games on.
Oww yess i’m a big fan of The Chromatics🎵🎶🥳🥳
I'm good with my Analogue Pocket, thanks.
Also, you have to remember that natively, GBC games weren't lit at all, so arguing how "accurate" the screen is on either device when playing GB or GBC games is a moot point.
Yes and no. The screen of the Chromatic has the original size and resolution (160x144), color reproduction and pixel raster and can be played in full sunlight like the original. It's backlit. The original wasn't, but that's a QOL improvement. So all in all I would day it's closer to the original than the Pocket.
FPGBC is an even better option.
Real accuracy would be an unplayable crap handheld. It's the truth, these old gameboys were nearly unusable back in the day. Once the SP came out you could actually see the screen finally.
Anbernics can be adjusted a lot for better display, but the fact MJR is not even aware that it is a Linux system andnot Android explains all.
I did adjust the display on the Anbernic for this video. As for Android... I mean Android IS a shell for Linux right? But yeah... I misspoke. DOH!
@@MetalJesusRocks You can do integer scaling with proper GB alike coloring and even ghosting effects - see Retro Game Corps' overlays video. Linux beeing android is new to me, some of these devices can boot either or into Android or Linux, but the operating system is completely different in that case.
My takeaway from this video is that the Chromatic could be worth it for the purists considering the screen, but to me the Analogue Pocket offers nothing above an Anbernic while it really doeasn't have anything unique like the Chromatic - but somehow felt like you say the opposite.
Your thoughts on the new Opeth album??
Listening to it right now...and LOVING it. Lots of energy and the GROWLS are back 🤘
@@MetalJesusRocks Agreed, Mikael is better than ever!
At that price, I think I’d prefer a GBC with a laminated IPS screen.
i thought the analogue folks were obsessed with color and screen accuracy, could it be possible their more yellow color temperature for gameboy color games was a choice to bring it closer to hardware accuracy and not an inaccuracy?
For that price, it would be better to buy an Anbernic RG353PS in the Game Boy style, which is much more comfortable to play
how many devices play GBA as well as GBC and GB? I was thinking of getting the GB Player and Game Cube if I can find the doot disc. Is that my best option?
I still play game boy advance sp. I want this!
Hi Metal Jesus, I need a cool little handheld
Now-a-days handheld video game devices that take cartridges and emulators should Always have rechargeable batteries. Without it the product is a deal breaker for me.