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.
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.
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?
@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.
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 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
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
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! ❤️🎮
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. 😁
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.
@@jed1nat I wouldn't call it an excellent device, honestly. It's an ok device. It's an interesting device. It's a device that might be right for some people. But there are enough little things wrong with it that I wouldn't call it excellent.
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!
I ordered one and, while waiting for it to arrive, I was starting to doubt and reconsider my purchase. However, your review has actually reassured me and made me feel better about my purchase. I know there are tons of other devices available to play games, but I don't think that's the point. The point of this device is for people who want something that is as close as possible to a Game Boy. Call it nostalgia, or maybe just a preference for a certain hardware design, but the Analog Pocket or other devices don't accomplish the same objective, so they check different boxes.
Man I love everything about this. The correct screen, the color, the batteties, the io... I would love to play my beloved Crystal once more on this device, but seeing as how it's the only gameboy game I have left I'm not gonna pay $200 for it. I do wish you had compared it to a gameboy color screen.
better do it soon. The company has already said they are losing money manufacturing the screens and they may not make more. It was a passion project for the CEO
This is by far my favorite channel. And Metal Jesus, you truly deserve the recognition for doing honest reviews. That's something I really appreciate about you and your content. You really do rock!
love your channel. my take is this, i think it’s impossible to expect the custom display, metal housing and sapphire lens for much less than $200. if they did a plastic version down the road, sure. but i compare it to the aluminum analogue pocket when thinking price point.
@@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 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. 😊
@@MetalJesusRocksat this point, i think its a race to see who does a proper gba first. Likely either analogue or them. The anbernic sp device lacks a screen that can do proper integer scaling and pixel grid effects.
The screen, and speaker test really make this feel worth it. I'm not sure if they made a specific effort for it, but that Kirby intro screen OST sounded identical to my old DMG
This was a great review, best one for this handheld device. I really want to buy one to compare it to my custom made Gameboy color where it is scratch resistant, water proof, backlit, rechargeable battery, it even plays GBA games, region free. The price for chromatic is a little ridiculous and even I paid a little more for my custom handheld device but I would buy this product when it comes on the shelves at GameStop
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.
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.
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 multi-system and ROM 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, d-pad and buttons made exactly for the intended purpose, etc. If it were just say £100 then I'd get it in a heartbeat. If they ever come out with a GBA Chromatic and it's as well made as a real GBA, I might just get it. I mean, that's assuming I wouldn't just be better off buying one of the actual original GBAs, and if you can even get those in great condition and at an affordable price.
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.
Im more excited for modretro as a games publisher... but yeah, I want to see gba hardware and gba games more than gbc. However, Im definitely buying their games and might buy a chromatic.
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.
I might have missed it, but I'm not sure you covered that it has video out support to be able to record footage both for video creation or streaming purposes. That is one of the things I am most excited about with the Chromatic. I do wish it had save states though like you mentioned.
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 truth is an original gameboy color relied on the ambient lighting to light up the screen. So how the colors looked was directly affected by whether you were indoors under flourescent light for example, or out in the sun. If i had to hazard a guess, analogue tuned the pocket to show colors as they appeared under direct sunlight. Even then though, its still too yellow. I noticed the yellow tint a few months ago when i tried a zelda game on my original gbc. I compared them both, in both lighting conditions, and even compared to an original gbc under direct sunlight, the pocket is noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light it's much much yellower. That being said, it is not too far off from the sunlight version and is still a great experience all things considered.
The truth is an original gameboy color relied on the ambient lighting to light up the screen. So how the colors looked was directly affected by whether you were indoors under flourescent light for example, or out in the sun. If i had to hazard a guess, analogue tuned the pocket to show colors as they appeared under direct sunlight. Even then though, its still too yellow. I noticed the yellow tint a few months ago when i tried a zelda game on my original gbc. I compared them both, in both lighting conditions. Even compared to an original gbc under direct sunlight, the pocket is noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light it's much much yellower. That being said, it is not too far off from the sunlight version and is still a great experience all things considered.
Thanks for the direct comparison with the pocket. Exactly what I needed to see to stick with mine. Very interested in the new games they are planning to release for the chromatic, they are made in GB studio so they should work on other gameboy hardware as well (and the pocket).
Rough review mate. Focusing too much on it not playing games for a console you like better is a really bizarre angle to take. Or comparing next to more general purpose machine.... yup it's a pricey luxury item for GB(C) fans, very fair assessment... but not playing GBA games is a criticism you can level at most consoles 😆
I have the Pocket, and while it does have more features, over time, I found that I wasn't quite satisfied with my gaming experience. But while I still want the Chromatic, the price is a little high. However, I may be willing to pay more than MJR's $120 suggested price
I don't think it's fair to knock it for not playing GBA. It is obviously meant to be a modern Game Boy Color. Thank you for the review though! I think it looks great.
@@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!
Analog Pocket also supports game gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and, Turbo Graphics. I think we all can see the better option here quite clearly, but this new installment of another retro handheld is pretty Jazzy imo.
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
@@lnkd61what are you talking about. There are three modes, and they arent that different, original, analogue (modern), and gbc plus. He was using gbc plus. He was entirely accurate on the yellow tint. I noticed it months ago on my pocket after pulling out my original gbc to compare. Even in direct sunlight, its noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light, its very different.
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.
i didn't expect you would be so honest about it, considering was a sponsorized video, but let me tell you that i'm exactly on your same idea. Even $ 50 less would be more affordable, but for that price i stick with my analogue pocket!
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.
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 think it's for people who's absolute favorite console is the gb/gbc, and have all the games. 200 smackers is still a chunk of change, but maybe worth it to those people who want the best experience you can get, and want the true colors on dat screen
I also agree on the price because I already have a bunch of Game Boy games and I'm literally for the Game Boy Color that I bought new screen buttons a full rebuild and a new screen on it that's backlit for $115 that's what a couple games as well
So you're paying for the screen feature.. which is supposed to be the unique feature.. but the analogue pocket has the same screen pixel setting it just needs to be set up and nobody is talking about that.. the analogue reads more than just gbc like NPC etc, for a couple bucks more .. no thanks, it's just strange to me
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.
@@senate4242 Yeah the pocket can play GBA games out of the box but that device comes with it's own problems as opposed to either buying a stock gbc and upgrading the screen vs buying this unit. The pocket will do the job but when you compare this device to the pocket, this one comes off as better built all round and you won't have to worry if the glue on your screen will melt and cause it to come away from the body. The biggest up this device has is video out, chassis and the screen.
I want to honest as someone who grew up with the original Game Boy and still having this device: The whole current GB Cartridge resale market feels like a mafia clan trading with gold bars. For every new "old" cartridge, I can buy one Anbernic or even Retro Pocket Devices. Old school in all honesty, but I am happy that my 60 bucks Plastic-Retro PowKiddy RGB20SX comes with a nice big 4-inch screen and just plays all the Game Boy Games that I had as a kid and partly lost them over the years. I totally understand some "collection" factor to the whole thing. For people who already own a lot of the old cartridges, for sure this seems to be a nice handheld.
This one actually really appeals to me, and I would pay $200 for it. I was a huge original gameboy player but never had a Gameboy Advance. Nowadays, if I want to play GBA games, I use my DS Lite. I wouldn't want or need the Chromatic to do any more than it does. Just play Gameboy games authentically and have good build quality and I'm happy. I also like its design more than the Analogue Pocket. If the build quality is a good as it sounds, I think $200 is a reasonable price.
It's almost like I said that on purpose to get comments on the video, increasing engagement for the video so TH-cam picks up on that and pushes it into the algorithm... Naw, I just misspoke. 😂
100$ android phone emulates every ps1, dreamcast, gbc, nes snes game, 25$ bluetooth controller with phone holder and uve got great console, 200$ phone will emulate gamecube, psp
Not sure if you're into Funkos. I'd be interested in seeing you go tour the Everett store. I've always wanted to check it out but any time I was up north I never found the time.
I just bought a Retroid Pocket 5 for a similar price. If you’re rich and/or really this invested in getting specifically the best Game Boy experience you can I can understand why you’d go for this, but I’d rather buy something more flexible for retro gaming.
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 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.
@ I just excluded one stupid series that’s aimed at children. It’s a reasonable restriction. And here’s the deal, if you take out Pokémon, people struggle to make a “best of list” for Gameboy…. because the library is weak af. Edit: Also, I personally think Pokemon sucks. But I know people will put it on their list because it’s “well known”.
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.
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.”
@@reeldeelz2940 If you buy ANY video games or cell phones you cannot complain. Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, and Sony have ALL manufactured things for defense contractors and governments around the world for military purposes. The left just cries.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
6:33 metal jesus trying to convince us he didnt already own two copies of barbie game is hilarious omg
You don't?! 😂
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.
Excellent take
FYI the 35xxSP emulation device runs Linux not android. Doesn’t affect the video but putting it out there.
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?
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.
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 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
@@robertpeacock894 gamestop employees aren't hired based on their gaming knowledge AT ALL
@@robertpeacock894 your hardcore that you already preordered from GameStop
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 strongly recommend an Everdrive or even a Chinese knockoff.
You can buy and play new homebrew games, and there are ones that are great and free.
I was literally just looking this thing up and saw your video posted 21 seconds ago! Good timing ;)
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.
The battery option is actually a neat feature
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! ❤️🎮
Based on some of the mods sold at my local retro gaming stores, this price falls in line with them.
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. 😁
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 😃
You can get an FPGBC for $80. Which is an excellent device.
@jed1nat You get what you pay for.
@@jed1nat I wouldn't call it an excellent device, honestly. It's an ok device. It's an interesting device. It's a device that might be right for some people. But there are enough little things wrong with it that I wouldn't call it excellent.
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 😂
MJR is just the best when reviewing games stuff, the years in the industry shows the love of the hard work needed to create hardware and software
I ordered one and, while waiting for it to arrive, I was starting to doubt and reconsider my purchase. However, your review has actually reassured me and made me feel better about my purchase. I know there are tons of other devices available to play games, but I don't think that's the point. The point of this device is for people who want something that is as close as possible to a Game Boy. Call it nostalgia, or maybe just a preference for a certain hardware design, but the Analog Pocket or other devices don't accomplish the same objective, so they check different boxes.
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
I appreciate any time a TH-cam review takes the price into consideration.
Always. 👍
That portable is awesome! It might not do it all but it's a quality product. Good review and cool video MJR!👍
Man I love everything about this. The correct screen, the color, the batteties, the io... I would love to play my beloved Crystal once more on this device, but seeing as how it's the only gameboy game I have left I'm not gonna pay $200 for it. I do wish you had compared it to a gameboy color screen.
I love this actually. I would consider buying one of these.
better do it soon. The company has already said they are losing money manufacturing the screens and they may not make more. It was a passion project for the CEO
This is by far my favorite channel. And Metal Jesus, you truly deserve the recognition for doing honest reviews. That's something I really appreciate about you and your content. You really do rock!
Wow, thanks!
love your channel. my take is this, i think it’s impossible to expect the custom display, metal housing and sapphire lens for much less than $200. if they did a plastic version down the road, sure. but i compare it to the aluminum analogue pocket when thinking price point.
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.
You are the target audience. Me too :)
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!
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.
@@MetalJesusRocksat this point, i think its a race to see who does a proper gba first. Likely either analogue or them. The anbernic sp device lacks a screen that can do proper integer scaling and pixel grid effects.
The screen, and speaker test really make this feel worth it. I'm not sure if they made a specific effort for it, but that Kirby intro screen OST sounded identical to my old DMG
This was a great review, best one for this handheld device. I really want to buy one to compare it to my custom made Gameboy color where it is scratch resistant, water proof, backlit, rechargeable battery, it even plays GBA games, region free. The price for chromatic is a little ridiculous and even I paid a little more for my custom handheld device but I would buy this product when it comes on the shelves at GameStop
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.
stop it. get some help
No, I've pre-ordered it and will enjoy playing it on the plane while I tour Europe. @@sempre8135
@sempre8135 No, I pre-ordered it and will enjoy playing it on the plane while I tour Europe.
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.
Its pretty hilarious this thing exists when we have the pocket for about the same price.
Exactly.. and it does so much more and with the same screen setting lol
@@bangyokai2602 and yet people will buy this because its apparently selling at gamestop because they have no idea how to research anything.
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.
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 multi-system and ROM 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, d-pad and buttons made exactly for the intended purpose, etc. If it were just say £100 then I'd get it in a heartbeat.
If they ever come out with a GBA Chromatic and it's as well made as a real GBA, I might just get it. I mean, that's assuming I wouldn't just be better off buying one of the actual original GBAs, and if you can even get those in great condition and at an affordable price.
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.
Hey Jason, what´s that game at 4:33?. Looks nice.
Thanks. Edit: Found it, Montezuma's Return.
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?
@@leeartlee915 It depends on your point of view.
Im more excited for modretro as a games publisher... but yeah, I want to see gba hardware and gba games more than gbc. However, Im definitely buying their games and might buy a chromatic.
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!
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.
I might have missed it, but I'm not sure you covered that it has video out support to be able to record footage both for video creation or streaming purposes. That is one of the things I am most excited about with the Chromatic. I do wish it had save states though like you mentioned.
Exactly. You have to buy a $100+ dollar dock to do that with the pocket, and use a controller too.
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 truth is an original gameboy color relied on the ambient lighting to light up the screen. So how the colors looked was directly affected by whether you were indoors under flourescent light for example, or out in the sun. If i had to hazard a guess, analogue tuned the pocket to show colors as they appeared under direct sunlight. Even then though, its still too yellow. I noticed the yellow tint a few months ago when i tried a zelda game on my original gbc. I compared them both, in both lighting conditions, and even compared to an original gbc under direct sunlight, the pocket is noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light it's much much yellower. That being said, it is not too far off from the sunlight version and is still a great experience all things considered.
The truth is an original gameboy color relied on the ambient lighting to light up the screen. So how the colors looked was directly affected by whether you were indoors under flourescent light for example, or out in the sun. If i had to hazard a guess, analogue tuned the pocket to show colors as they appeared under direct sunlight. Even then though, its still too yellow. I noticed the yellow tint a few months ago when i tried a zelda game on my original gbc. I compared them both, in both lighting conditions. Even compared to an original gbc under direct sunlight, the pocket is noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light it's much much yellower. That being said, it is not too far off from the sunlight version and is still a great experience all things considered.
Thanks for the direct comparison with the pocket. Exactly what I needed to see to stick with mine.
Very interested in the new games they are planning to release for the chromatic, they are made in GB studio so they should work on other gameboy hardware as well (and the pocket).
Rough review mate. Focusing too much on it not playing games for a console you like better is a really bizarre angle to take. Or comparing next to more general purpose machine.... yup it's a pricey luxury item for GB(C) fans, very fair assessment... but not playing GBA games is a criticism you can level at most consoles 😆
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.
@2:50 Mickey's Speedway USA is such a gem!!!!
An ultimate Game Boy. I love the focus here. From the box, all the way to the AA batteries.
I have the Pocket, and while it does have more features, over time, I found that I wasn't quite satisfied with my gaming experience.
But while I still want the Chromatic, the price is a little high. However, I may be willing to pay more than MJR's $120 suggested price
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.
Thats a great point
I have no idea why but your intro always reminds me of the Jet Moto 2 intro. Either way it’s awesome
I don't think it's fair to knock it for not playing GBA. It is obviously meant to be a modern Game Boy Color. Thank you for the review though! I think it looks great.
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
😂
a truly hidden gem!
Sounds like perfect timing
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.
Analog Pocket also supports game gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and, Turbo Graphics. I think we all can see the better option here quite clearly, but this new installment of another retro handheld is pretty Jazzy imo.
Yeah for around $ 50 per adapter and that's three adapters....
@ I mean it’s only a one time thing, so it’s not the worst thing ever. Plus I would only get the Neo Geo turbo mod
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
@@lnkd61what are you talking about. There are three modes, and they arent that different, original, analogue (modern), and gbc plus. He was using gbc plus. He was entirely accurate on the yellow tint. I noticed it months ago on my pocket after pulling out my original gbc to compare. Even in direct sunlight, its noticeably yellower. Under flourescent light, its very different.
@viridionwaves the yellow tint is not due to the display, that's intentionally done by the filter/shader is my point.
@lnkd61 that doesnt change anything though?
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.
I wish I was collecting video games like you in the seventies and eighties
Wouldn't it be fairer to compare it to the Analogue Pocket Aluminum Editions?
Hmmm... Good idea! If I had one of those I probably would have.
@@MetalJesusRocks I just meant in terms of price. I think Chromatic might be one of the cheapest prebuilt non-plastic handheld you can buy.
Pre-ordered 2 (green and blue) of these months ago. Looking forward to them.
i didn't expect you would be so honest about it, considering was a sponsorized video, but let me tell you that i'm exactly on your same idea. Even $ 50 less would be more affordable, but for that price i stick with my analogue pocket!
It wasn’t sponsored. Sponsored would mean they paid me money which they absolutely did not. This is just a regular review.
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.
We all know that MetalJesus completed the Barbie Games multiple times since he found them 😅
This is true. 😂
Great video 👍 Just subbed!
Thanks for the sub!
I'm glad it only does GB/GBC. I'm not going to use a swiss army knife to gut a fish.
Elite level garbage? That's a new one.
Who said it was garbage?
I said it was too much $$$ and to market too late.
can tell its trash just by looking at it
Dumpster-dive to add one to your collection.
@@deelobloo1560 Your politics are showing
The anbernic device runs linux, not android.
Great video as always
I played this at an expo and I thought it was ok but I wouldn’t trade my pocket for it.
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 think it's cool but for a niche audience, the box design is excellent.
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
Looks like another way to play Game Boy and Color games.
A new video from metal Jesus ?? Yesssssssssssssssss
At that price, I think I’d prefer a GBC with a laminated IPS screen.
This is a luxury product
I think it's for people who's absolute favorite console is the gb/gbc, and have all the games. 200 smackers is still a chunk of change, but maybe worth it to those people who want the best experience you can get, and want the true colors on dat screen
Now all copies of Barbie magic genie adventure have skyrocketed.
I also agree on the price because I already have a bunch of Game Boy games and I'm literally for the Game Boy Color that I bought new screen buttons a full rebuild and a new screen on it that's backlit for $115 that's what a couple games as well
So you're paying for the screen feature.. which is supposed to be the unique feature.. but the analogue pocket has the same screen pixel setting it just needs to be set up and nobody is talking about that.. the analogue reads more than just gbc like NPC etc, for a couple bucks more .. no thanks, it's just strange to me
Great review! Product looks good but price is definitely a deterrent for me given the other options of competitors 🎮
That thing looks so good!
It looks so cool, I'd need save states though! Thx MJ
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.
@@senate4242 Yeah the pocket can play GBA games out of the box but that device comes with it's own problems as opposed to either buying a stock gbc and upgrading the screen vs buying this unit.
The pocket will do the job but when you compare this device to the pocket, this one comes off as better built all round and you won't have to worry if the glue on your screen will melt and cause it to come away from the body.
The biggest up this device has is video out, chassis and the screen.
I want to honest as someone who grew up with the original Game Boy and still having this device: The whole current GB Cartridge resale market feels like a mafia clan trading with gold bars. For every new "old" cartridge, I can buy one Anbernic or even Retro Pocket Devices. Old school in all honesty, but I am happy that my 60 bucks Plastic-Retro PowKiddy RGB20SX comes with a nice big 4-inch screen and just plays all the Game Boy Games that I had as a kid and partly lost them over the years. I totally understand some "collection" factor to the whole thing. For people who already own a lot of the old cartridges, for sure this seems to be a nice handheld.
This one actually really appeals to me, and I would pay $200 for it.
I was a huge original gameboy player but never had a Gameboy Advance. Nowadays, if I want to play GBA games, I use my DS Lite.
I wouldn't want or need the Chromatic to do any more than it does. Just play Gameboy games authentically and have good build quality and I'm happy. I also like its design more than the Analogue Pocket. If the build quality is a good as it sounds, I think $200 is a reasonable price.
I guess TH-cam doesnt do the screen justice? I liked the Analog pocket screen more. Hard pass on this, but I appreciate your review as always.
Really good video! You said Triple A (AAA) batteries. It uses three Double A (AA) batteries
It uses triple double A batteries :)
It's almost like I said that on purpose to get comments on the video, increasing engagement for the video so TH-cam picks up on that and pushes it into the algorithm...
Naw, I just misspoke. 😂
@@MetalJesusRocks Is that why you said that Anbernic 35xxSP runs android?
@imthebatking - Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 😜
You should play around with the analog pockets, different filters by holding the system button and tapping left or right
100$ android phone emulates every ps1, dreamcast, gbc, nes snes game, 25$ bluetooth controller with phone holder and uve got great console, 200$ phone will emulate gamecube, psp
Not sure if you're into Funkos. I'd be interested in seeing you go tour the Everett store. I've always wanted to check it out but any time I was up north I never found the time.
Great for Gameboy fanatics !
I just bought a Retroid Pocket 5 for a similar price. If you’re rich and/or really this invested in getting specifically the best Game Boy experience you can I can understand why you’d go for this, but I’d rather buy something more flexible for retro gaming.
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 still play game boy advance sp. I want this!
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.
I think people are not ready for that conversation
the gameboy has like 10 really good games...but thats it
@@sempre8135 Thats a load of BS
@@Trashboat4444 Go on, list the amazing titles on the console. And if you put a Pokemon game on there, so help me God, I will disqualify your list.
@@leeartlee915so he can make a list but only if its skewed by your rules/subjective opinion? okay buddy
@ I just excluded one stupid series that’s aimed at children. It’s a reasonable restriction. And here’s the deal, if you take out Pokémon, people struggle to make a “best of list” for Gameboy…. because the library is weak af.
Edit: Also, I personally think Pokemon sucks. But I know people will put it on their list because it’s “well known”.
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.
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.”
@@reeldeelz2940 If you buy ANY video games or cell phones you cannot complain. Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, and Sony have ALL manufactured things for defense contractors and governments around the world for military purposes. The left just cries.