We have taken a look at quite a few games thanks to ModRetro but in this review, we are going to take a look at a few accessories. The accessories we are going to look at are the ModRetro Chromatic ModKit and the Chromatic Rechargeable Power Core.
Let’s start with the ModKit and see what’s all included in this interesting package. So the first thing you will notice is the wide arrangement of colorful buttons across the top. These buttons you can use to give your handheld a unique look. The only color I think they should have added to this would be green, or maybe even blue. As much as I appreciate the black and clear color options, I would have much preferred to have blue and green in their place.
Going down from the buttons, you have a set of D-Pads and button membranes. While the buttons offer custom colors, the D-Pads offer a different feel to the d-pad from the stock. You can use the larger of the two for a longer roll point with the smaller of the two for a standard roll point. While I appreciate the different roll point options, I don’t see much use for them for now, unless ModRetro plans to release fighting games for the Chromatic.
I mean when I think of roll points, I immediately think of games like Street Fighter. The button membranes offer both quieter and standard travel for both the D-Pad and the “A” and “B” buttons. Now though one of the sets of membranes claim to be “quieter”, I have found that this isn’t the case. I believe what this is referring to is having them sound less loud when the buttons are pressed. While I think this is the case, it’s rather hard to gauge if it truly is quieter, for me at least. The rest of the parts down from here are replacement parts. You have “Start”, “Select”, menu button, IR shield, and the power switch. I am not sure exactly how reliable the Chromatic is due to only having it for less than a year now, but I am glad we have these extra parts included in the Mod Kit.
The last set of things you have in the set is a two sided screwdriver (not pictured) and a set of five stickers. The screw driver offers one side being a tai-wing security bit and the other being a game bit security bit driver. While the one side is needed to get into the Chromatic to make adjustments and replacements, I am really not sure why Game Bit is included on the other side. ModRetro didn’t use any Game Bit screws in the Chromatic, at least as far down as I’ve gone when replacing buttons and membranes.
This may have been done because they plan on using them in the future on other products or maybe even on future revisions of the Chromatic.While I am glad it’s here, you can’t really use it. What I mean by this is, if you use the included handle portion, it is EXTREMELY difficult if not impossible to remove it should you want to get to the opposite bit. As of writing this review, I have yet to be able to remove it, and that’s not from lack of trying.
Instead of the handle portion popping on one of the ends, I would have much rather preferred the end to screw on and have it be a tightly screwed grip. This way it can be easily swapped between sides depending on what you need.
The last item in the Mod Kit is the set of stickers. I really think this is a great nod to those of us growing up in the 90’s. You see back then, it was common for us kids to slap our favorite band or brand stickers on our handhelds. It could be a Gameboy, Game Gear, or even a console like our NES, Dreamcast or whatever other consoles or handhelds we happen to have. This wasn’t just a means to have it look awesome, this was done as a statement of ownership. If you let a friend borrow the handheld to look at the awesome Pokemon team you put together or try to have them beat your high score in Tetris, you know that you’re Gameboy with that awesome Garfield or Alf sticker is yours and nobody else’s. While I no longer put stickers on my handhelds as someone in my 40’s I like the idea of this being an option and it’s a beautiful nod to the past that I truly appreciate.
With everything included in this Mod Kit, you really can’t go wrong. You get a nice all be it difficult screw driver, a good selection of colored buttons, a set of replacement parts, some mods, and even a set of sweet stickers. All for $14.99 (or your region equivalent) and it’s a great price for everything included in this set.
Now that we’ve checked out the Chromatic Mod Kit, let’s take a look at the Chromatic Rechargeable Power Core. While there isn’t much to talk about here, I still want to talk about it.
This is a rechargeable battery pack for use with the ModRetro Chromatic handheld. The Power Core as I will be referring to it going forward features a 2250 mAh battery inside. With it being this large of a battery, you can get up to 16 hours of game time on a single charge. With a full time job etc, I could see you getting about two days, maybe three out of a single charge. This kind of game time on a single charge is amazing.
The time you get out of a single charge will depend on the games you’re playing, the brightness level of the screen, and the volume setting when you’re playing. When it’s time to charge the Power Core, you connect the included USB-C cable to the Chromatic while the Power Core is inserted into the bottom of the handheld, then it goes into either a power adapter or a device that can accept a USB-C connection. The charge time is anywhere from two to five hours to go from zero to a hundred percent.
Now I know what you may be thinking, why such a carrying time difference to charge? Well it entirely depends on if you’re using a fast charger or a regular charger. Using a power adapter or a device that can charge the Power Core, you’re going to be looking at the five hour charge time. If you’re using a fast charging power adapter, you are going to get the Power Core to charge in that two hour time frame. While I haven’t used a super fast charger, I am sure you could probably get that two hour charge time down to about an hour to an hour and a half.
In conclusion, if you have a ModRetro Chromatic you definitely need to get both of these products. The ModKit is great not only for customization but also to repair the handheld in the event you have a component that needs replacing, and you get a handy screw driver to use for the Chromatic and other things that you might need it for. The Power Core is a must given how much play time you can get on a single charge and you don’t have to worry about replacing disposable batteries.
I have really been enjoying swapping out my colored buttons and have gotten a lot of use from the Power Core and am very thankful to have both of these products. I would highly recommend picking both of these up if you have a ModRetro Chromatic. If you’re thinking of picking up the handheld, make sure to pick these up with it, and you can thank me later.
Those interested can purchase the Rechargeable Power Core here and the Mod Kit here.
Disclaimer: We were provided with review units.
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.