Game Boy Returns as a Retro Gaming DeviceGame Boy Returns as a Retro Gaming Device

While many gamers will seek the latest and most dazzling games for their smartphones or gaming laptops during this holiday season, some pine over with nostalgia for the games they grew up with. ModRetro Chromatic has such folks when they revived has revived Nintendo’s iconic Game Boy with a new retro version for 2024 that combines the features and personality of the original device with updated electronics and─in a pleasant surprise─an eye toward long-term ownership including repairability.

Electronics teardown and repair site iFixit recently got hold of the ModRetro Chromatic and went underneath the device’s bright orange casing to see what’s inside. In a tribute to the original, ModRetro Chromatic preserves the cartridge format of the original as well as the ubiquitous LCD display, which shows 160 x 144 pixels in a 2.56 in. format behind a sapphire screen cover. Not surprisingly, the reviewer noted the new device is updated with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and includes processors far more capable than those in the original device.

After unscrewing the cover, the reviewer was able to view all the electronics. He noted that the battery tray, sometimes not easily accessible in other portable electronic devices, was in this case secured by several screws and a four-prong connector. This is an improvement over the original soldered-in terminals of the original Game Boy.  Other components did not present any unusual repair challenges.

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The reviewer also noted that the designers of the Chromatic went out of their way to make the device a suitable long-term gaming companion. Besides offering relatively easy repairability, the device is supported by a wealth of online repair and parts information. You can view the video here.