The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Palmer Luckey’s “Game Boy” is the ModRetro Chromatic, a cartridge-compatible handheld made by his ModRetro venture—not an official Nintendo Game Boy. The device connects his current consumer-hardware work to a hobby he says began before Oculus, while his other best-known company, Anduril, builds defense technology.
What is Palmer Luckey selling?
The ModRetro Chromatic is a handheld designed for Game Boy cartridges. Fast Company reported at its June 2024 launch that it also plays Game Boy Color cartridges. It is a new device inspired by Nintendo’s handhelds, not a Nintendo-made Game Boy.
ModRetro’s June 3, 2024 launch announcement specified a 160 × 144-pixel, 2.56-inch display, a sapphire screen cover and a magnesium-aluminum alloy shell. The company also described a custom sunlight-viewable LCD, link-cable and infrared support, and called the screen “pixel-accurate”—a company claim, not an independent test result. Palmer Luckey said in the announcement: “I have been working on making the ultimate Game Boy® inspired device off and on as a hobby for almost seventeen years now.”
How does ModRetro fit into Luckey’s career?
A retro-hardware hobby before Oculus
In his own account, Luckey started an online forum called ModRetro with friends when he was 15, before founding Oculus. He says he modified Game Boys and that those interests informed later consumer-hardware work. This is Luckey’s retrospective description of his background.
#1 Best Overall
- Designed for Compatible with ModRetro Chromatic Custom-designed for use with Compatible with ModRetro Chromatic handheld consoles, providing a secure fit and organized storage solution for travel and everyday use.
- Multi-Game Storage Capacity Features storage for up to 8+1 game cartridges, including 8 dedicated cartridge slots plus 1 cartridge stored inside the console itself.
- Built-In USB Accessory Compartment Includes a dedicated accessory compartment suitable for USB charging cables and other small gaming accessories.
- Hard Shell Impact Protection Rigid outer shell construction helps protect your console and game cartridges during transport, commuting, and storage.
- Third-Party Compatibility Notice This product is a third-party accessory designed for compatibility with Compatible with ModRetro Chromatic. Our product is not affiliated with it. Any mention of brand names is for compatibility purposes only.
Oculus and Anduril
Luckey is associated with Oculus Rift, the virtual-reality technology Facebook acquired in 2014. The University of North Dakota’s October 2024 advisory gives the acquisition value as $2.3 billion; TIME’s September 2024 profile describes the Oculus sale as $2 billion. The accounts conflict, so neither figure should be treated as settled here.
Luckey founded Anduril Industries in 2017, according to the University of North Dakota, which describes it as a defense-technology company. TIME’s 2024 profile characterizes Anduril’s work as autonomous defense and weapons systems. These are distinct ventures: ModRetro’s Chromatic is a consumer gaming handheld, while Anduril works in defense technology.
Rank #2
- 🌞 [ANTI-GLARE] BoxWave Screen Protector Compatible With ModRetro Chromatic. Disperses light so the glare does not reflect back into your eyes. Whether you're using your device outdoors with natural lighting, or viewing indoors with overhead lights, the ClearTouch Anti-Glare REDUCES 90% UV rays, protecting your eyes. ⭐ *** PLEASE NOTE, CHROMATIC DEVICE NOT INCLUDED ***
- 😎 [SMOOTH SURFACE] Ultra smooth matte surface gives you a FUTURISTIC high-end look and feel to your device screen. Has a paper-like surface that is comfortable to the touch, and pleasing to the eye!
- 💦 [CLEAN APPLICATION] The special GLUELESS adhesive will never leave any sticky residue that may damage your screen.
- 👔 [PERFECT DESIGN] Specifically designed for your device. These ClearTouches will fit your device screen perfectly, GUARANTEED! All ClearTouches are PRECISION-CUT to fit your device screen's exact dimensions along with any contours and cut-outs. All functionality will be fully accessible.
- ✌ [TWO-PACK] Comes with TWO (2) ClearTouch Anti-Glare screen protectors and installation accessories. Save the extra one for later, or share it with a friend! Disclaimer: ClearTouch Packaging may not be the exact one pictured on this listing.
What was announced at the Chromatic’s launch?
Fast Company reported a $199 launch price and said GameStop was the exclusive retail partner for the 2024 holiday season. Those are historical launch details, not confirmation of the device’s current price, stock or retail arrangements. Current availability and package contents should be checked with the seller; do not assume a game is included based on a launch-era announcement.
For someone who already owns compatible Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges, the Chromatic offers a dedicated handheld route to playing them. Someone starting without cartridges should factor game purchases into the overall cost. The practical decision points are cartridge compatibility, the preference for a dedicated handheld, screen and construction priorities, and the current price and availability.
Quick Recap
Sources
- ModRetro, “The Future is Retro”, including Luckey’s account of the forum and his retro-hardware interests.
- ModRetro, June 3, 2024 launch announcement, for announced specifications and Luckey’s quotation.
- University of North Dakota, October 3, 2024 media advisory, for its accounts of Oculus and Anduril.
- TIME, September 5, 2024 profile, for its account of the Oculus sale and Anduril.
- Fast Company, June 5, 2024 launch coverage, for reported cartridge compatibility and launch-era retail details.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
