Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 27, 2026

ModRetro

ModRetro is an American consumer electronics company founded by Palmer Luckey and Torin Herndon. The company designs and manufactures the ModRetro Chromatic, a retro handheld console inspired by the Nintendo Game Boy. It also operates an independent game publishing studio, producing both newly developed titles and physical re-releases of existing games.

Last revised
May 27, 2026
Read time
≈ 5 min
Length
1,081 w
Citations
51
Source
Wikipedia ↗
ModRetro
Company type
Private
Industry
Founded2023
Founders
HeadquartersUnited States
Key people
Torin Herndon (CEO)
ProductsChromatic, M64
Websitehttps://modretro.com

ModRetro is an American consumer electronics company founded by Palmer Luckey and Torin Herndon. The company designs and manufactures the ModRetro Chromatic, a retro handheld console inspired by the Nintendo Game Boy.1 It also operates an independent game publishing studio, producing both newly developed titles and physical re-releases of existing games.

History

ModRetro began as an online forum founded by Palmer Luckey in 2009, where users modified and built custom video game consoles and handhelds.2

In 2023, Luckey re-established ModRetro as a hardware company.3

In June 2024, ModRetro announced the Chromatic, a handheld console inspired by the Game Boy Color.3 The system uses open-source components from the MiSTer FPGA project.4

In July 2025, ModRetro permanently restocked the Chromatic after the initial First Edition sold out. The relaunch introduced additional color variants, optional Gorilla Glass models, new accessories, and additional game releases.5

The permanent restock introduced seven standard color variants: Cloud, Midnight, Wave, Inferno, Bubblegum, Volt, and Leaf.6

The Chromatic has also been sold in bundles that include Tetris for Chromatic.7

In 2025, ModRetro announced the M64, an FPGA-based recreation of the Nintendo 64. The console is planned for release in 2026.8

In April 2026, ModRetro announced that the M64 would begin shipping in July 2026 from its warehouse in Southern California.9

Reception

In March 2026, multiple publications reported that ModRetro was seeking new funding at a valuation of approximately $1 billion.1011

ModRetro's hardware has been covered by several media outlets, including The Verge, Vice, Wired, Popular Mechanics, and GamesRadar+.121314

Some outlets have expressed concerns over the association with Luckey's defense technology company, Anduril Industries.151617

Games and publishing

ModRetro publishes new titles and reissues games in physical cartridge format.18

Platform Category Title Year Ref
Chromatica Original Dragonyhm 2024 19
Patchy Matchy 2024 19
In The Dark 2 2024 19
Traumatarium Penitent 2025 19
Hermano 2025 20
Chantey 2025 21
Gravitorque DX 2025 22
Wicked Plague 2025 22
Self Simulated 2025 22
First Contact Protocol 2025 22
Tales of Monsterland DX 2025 23
Buck and the Cursed Cartridge 2025 24
Re-release Toki Tori - Ultimate Edition 2024 25
Rayman 2024 26
Croc: 25th Anniversary Edition 2024 25
Baby T-Rex 2025 27
Project S-11 2025 28
Sabrina: The Animated Series - Zapped! 2025 22
Atari '90s Rewind Collection 2025 29
Croc 2: 25th Anniversary Edition 2026 30
Chikyū Kaihō Gun ZAS 2026 31

Accessories

ModRetro has released several accessories for the Chromatic, including rechargeable battery packs, replacement parts, carrying cases, and multiplayer link cables.32

The Rechargeable Power Core accessory provides up to 16 hours of gameplay and charges over USB-C.33

ModRetro also released the Mod Kit, a collection of replacement buttons, membranes, and repair tools intended for customization and maintenance of the Chromatic.34

The Chromatic supports USB-C video capture functionality, multiplayer connectivity through a dedicated link cable, and compatibility with original Game Boy Color link accessories.3536

In 2025, ModRetro collaborated with Koss Corporation to release limited-edition versions of the Porta Pro headphones in colorways matching the Chromatic handheld.37

The company also released a dedicated carrying case featuring cartridge storage and a water-resistant nylon shell.38

M64

The M64 is an FPGA-based home console designed to play Nintendo 64 cartridges on modern displays.39

The console includes four original-style controller ports, HDMI output, three USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot.40

According to ModRetro, the M64 features wireless OTA updates, fanless cooling, and support for 4K output.41

Notes

Notes

  1. Compatible with Game Boy Color systems.
References

References

  1. Ashworth, Boone (November 20, 2025). "ModRetro's Chromatic Is an Easy Way to Play Game Boy Games—If You Look Past Its Founder". WIRED. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
  2. "The Official ModRetro Forums". The Official ModRetro Forums. January 5, 2026.
  3. "The Future is Retro". ModRetro. July 9, 2025.
  4. "MiSTer-devel". GitHub.
  5. Liszewski, Andrew (July 10, 2025). "The ModRetro Chromatic Game Boy is now permanently back in stock". The Verge.
  6. Liszewski, Andrew (July 10, 2025). "The ModRetro Chromatic Game Boy is now permanently back in stock". The Verge.
  7. "Chromatic + Tetris Bundle". ModRetro.
  8. Hayton, Phil (July 24, 2025). ""Inflation isn't nostalgic" - Modretro's FPGA N64 console will arrive later this year for $199.99, but I'm curbing my retro console enthusiasm". GamesRadar+.
  9. "M64 – Mega Update and Ship Timelines". ModRetro. April 23, 2026.
  10. Ha, Anthony (March 8, 2026). "Palmer Luckey's retro gaming startup ModRetro reportedly seeks funding at $1B valuation". TechCrunch.
  11. "Palmer Luckey's $1bn pitch to reboot 1990s video game consoles". Financial Times. March 7, 2026.
  12. Hollister, Sean (December 21, 2024). "ModRetro Chromatic review: an arms dealer's Game Boy is among the best ever made". The Verge.
  13. Cichacki, Shaun (December 9, 2024). "The ModRetro Chromatic Is the Bespoke Game Boy We Deserve as Adults (Review)".
  14. "This Modern Day Game Boy Is the Best Device I've Found for Playing the Old-School Titles". Popular Mechanics. October 21, 2025.
  15. Extension, Time (December 19, 2025). "Site News: Why We Won't Be Covering ModRetro Products Moving Forward". Time Extension. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  16. Martínez, Rubén (January 12, 2026). "Una Game Boy a prueba de bombas: así es la polémica ModRetro Chromatic Anduril Edition que usa materiales de drones militares". Meristation (in Spanish). Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  17. Shepard, Kenneth (December 19, 2025). "ModRetro Sells Handheld Made Of The Same Metal As Attack Drones". Kotaku. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  18. "No Distractions. Just Play". ModRetro.
  19. "ModRetro Chromatic Release Titles Bundle Impressions". GBAtemp.net. March 21, 2025.
  20. "Hermano Game Boy Review". Nintendo World Report. March 31, 2025.
  21. "Chantey - DEMO by Gortyn Code". itch.io.
  22. "Modretro launches 4 new Game Boy Color games and one re-release today". GoNintendo. July 10, 2025.
  23. "Tales of Monsterland DX". ModRetro.
  24. "Buck and the Cursed Cartridge". ModRetro.
  25. "Re-Released Classics". ModRetro.
  26. "Rayman". ModRetro.
  27. "ModRetro re-releases retro games Baby T-Rex and Project S-11". GBAtemp.net. March 5, 2025.
  28. "Project S-11". ModRetro.
  29. "Atari '90s Rewind Collection". ModRetro.
  30. "Games". ModRetro.
  31. "ModRetro drops two new classic titles: Croc 2 and ZAS". GamingTrend. April 7, 2026.
  32. "Accessories". ModRetro.
  33. "ModRetro Rechargeable Power Core and Link Cable Impressions". GBAtemp.net. September 12, 2025.
  34. "ModRetro Chromatic Returns with New Extras". CGMagazine. July 10, 2025.
  35. "Link Cable". ModRetro.
  36. Hollister, Sean (December 21, 2024). "ModRetro Chromatic review: an arms dealer's Game Boy is among the best ever made". The Verge.
  37. "ModRetro Porta Pro". Koss.
  38. "Chromatic Case". ModRetro.
  39. Liszewski, Andrew (November 28, 2025). "ModRetro recreated the N64 controller for its M64 console". The Verge.
  40. Liszewski, Andrew (November 28, 2025). "ModRetro recreated the N64 controller for its M64 console". The Verge.
  41. "M64 – Mega Update and Ship Timelines". ModRetro. April 23, 2026.