ModRetro

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. 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. The forum served as a community for enthusiasts interested in console modification, handheld construction, hardware repair, and retro gaming preservation. Members shared technical guides, custom hardware projects, and discussions focused on extending the lifespan of legacy gaming systems. The community became known within the console-modding scene for its focus on portable console projects and hardware experimentation before being revived as a consumer electronics company in 2023.[citation needed]

In 2023, Palmer Luckey and Torin Herndon re-established ModRetro as a hardware company.[1]

Torin Herndon previously worked as an engineer at Oculus and Anduril, companies also founded by Palmer Luckey. Following the revival of ModRetro as a hardware company, Herndon joined Luckey as a co-founder and helped oversee the development of the Chromatic handheld and the company's expansion into game publishing and hardware manufacturing.[2][3]

In June 2024, ModRetro announced the Chromatic, a handheld console inspired by the Game Boy Color.[1] 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.[10][11]

ModRetro's hardware has been covered by several media outlets, including The Verge, Vice, Wired, Popular Mechanics, and GamesRadar+.[12][13][14]

In 2025, ModRetro participated in several promotional collaborations with other companies and media personalities. One of the most widely reported events was a partnership with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and GameStop to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Goodyear Blimp. The event featured a Pokémon battle played on ModRetro Chromatic handhelds aboard the blimp and included participation from Palmer Luckey and YouTuber Casey Neistat.[15][16]

The collaboration also included a limited-edition Chromatic giveaway produced jointly by ModRetro and Goodyear.[17]

Some outlets have expressed concerns over the association with Luckey's defense technology company, Anduril Industries.[18][19][20]

Games and publishing

ModRetro publishes new titles and reissues games in physical cartridge format.[21]

Platform Category Title Year Ref
Chromatic[a] Original Dragonyhm 2024 [22]
Patchy Matchy 2024 [22]
In The Dark 2 2024 [22]
Traumatarium Penitent 2025 [22]
Hermano 2025 [23]
Chantey 2025 [24]
Gravitorque DX 2025 [25]
Wicked Plague 2025 [25]
Self Simulated 2025 [25]
First Contact Protocol 2025 [25]
Tales of Monsterland DX 2025 [26]
Buck and the Cursed Cartridge 2025 [27]
Re-release Toki Tori - Ultimate Edition 2024 [28]
Rayman 2024 [29]
Croc: 25th Anniversary Edition 2024 [28]
Baby T-Rex 2025 [30]
Project S-11 2025 [31]
Sabrina: The Animated Series - Zapped! 2025 [25]
Atari '90s Rewind Collection 2025 [32]
Croc 2: 25th Anniversary Edition 2026 [33]
Chikyū Kaihō Gun ZAS 2026 [34]

Accessories

ModRetro has released several accessories for the Chromatic, including rechargeable battery packs, replacement parts, carrying cases, and multiplayer link cables.[35]

The Rechargeable Power Core accessory provides up to 16 hours of gameplay and charges over USB-C.[36]

ModRetro also released the Mod Kit, a collection of replacement buttons, membranes, and repair tools intended for customization and maintenance of the Chromatic.[37]

The Chromatic supports USB-C video capture functionality, multiplayer connectivity through a dedicated link cable, and compatibility with original Game Boy Color link accessories.[38][39]

In 2025, ModRetro collaborated with Koss Corporation to release limited-edition versions of the Porta Pro headphones in colorways matching the Chromatic handheld.[40]

The company also released a dedicated carrying case featuring cartridge storage and a water-resistant nylon shell.[41]

M64

The M64 is an FPGA-based home console designed to play Nintendo 64 cartridges on modern displays.[42]

The console includes four original-style controller ports, HDMI output, three USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot.[43]

According to ModRetro, the M64 features wireless OTA updates, fanless cooling, and support for 4K output.[44]

Notes

  1. ^ Compatible with Game Boy Color systems.

References

  1. ^ a b "The Future is Retro". ModRetro. July 9, 2025.
  2. ^ "Palmer Luckey's Retro Gaming Startup Nears $1B Valuation". Observer. March 9, 2026.
  3. ^ "Interview: ModRetro CEO On What Makes Chromatic The Ultimate Game Boy In 2024". Time Extension. July 30, 2024.
  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. ^ "Goodyear and GameStop Take Gaming to New Heights for 100th Anniversary Showdown in the Sky". Goodyear. August 7, 2025.
  16. ^ Hinton, Christian (August 22, 2025). "Goodyear Blimp Hosts Pokémon Battle Over Los Angeles for Anniversary". Tire Review.
  17. ^ Vjestica, Adam (August 8, 2025). "ModRetro is giving away a Goodyear Chromatic to one lucky customer". The Shortcut.
  18. ^ Extension, Time (December 19, 2025). "Site News: Why We Won't Be Covering ModRetro Products Moving Forward". Time Extension. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ Shepard, Kenneth (December 19, 2025). "ModRetro Sells Handheld Made Of The Same Metal As Attack Drones". Kotaku. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  21. ^ "No Distractions. Just Play". ModRetro.
  22. ^ a b c d "ModRetro Chromatic Release Titles Bundle Impressions". GBAtemp.net. March 21, 2025.
  23. ^ "Hermano Game Boy Review". Nintendo World Report. March 31, 2025.
  24. ^ "Chantey - DEMO by Gortyn Code". itch.io.
  25. ^ a b c d e "Modretro launches 4 new Game Boy Color games and one re-release today". GoNintendo. July 10, 2025.
  26. ^ "Tales of Monsterland DX". ModRetro.
  27. ^ "Buck and the Cursed Cartridge". ModRetro.
  28. ^ a b "Re-Released Classics". ModRetro.
  29. ^ "Rayman". ModRetro.
  30. ^ "ModRetro re-releases retro games Baby T-Rex and Project S-11". GBAtemp.net. March 5, 2025.
  31. ^ "Project S-11". ModRetro.
  32. ^ "Atari '90s Rewind Collection". ModRetro.
  33. ^ "Games". ModRetro.
  34. ^ "ModRetro drops two new classic titles: Croc 2 and ZAS". GamingTrend. April 7, 2026.
  35. ^ "Accessories". ModRetro.
  36. ^ "ModRetro Rechargeable Power Core and Link Cable Impressions". GBAtemp.net. September 12, 2025.
  37. ^ "ModRetro Chromatic Returns with New Extras". CGMagazine. July 10, 2025.
  38. ^ "Link Cable". ModRetro.
  39. ^ Hollister, Sean (December 21, 2024). "ModRetro Chromatic review: an arms dealer's Game Boy is among the best ever made". The Verge.
  40. ^ "ModRetro Porta Pro". Koss.
  41. ^ "Chromatic Case". ModRetro.
  42. ^ Liszewski, Andrew (November 28, 2025). "ModRetro recreated the N64 controller for its M64 console". The Verge.
  43. ^ Liszewski, Andrew (November 28, 2025). "ModRetro recreated the N64 controller for its M64 console". The Verge.
  44. ^ "M64 – Mega Update and Ship Timelines". ModRetro. April 23, 2026.

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