A limited-edition run of the popular retro gaming console Chromatic is generating discussion after its manufacturer announced the use of materials sourced from the defense industry. ModRetro’s new iteration, priced at $449.99, will incorporate a polymer ceramic typically used in military drones and titanium nitride-coated screws, sparking debate within the gaming community regarding the ethics of integrating defense technology into consumer products. The move comes as founder Palmer Luckey – also CEO of defense contractor Anduril – faces increased scrutiny,and has already prompted some gaming outlets to reconsider their coverage of ModRetro [[2]].
ModRetro, the company behind the critically acclaimed Chromatic – widely considered the best new Game Boy on the market – is releasing a limited edition version constructed from the same materials used in military drones. The Chromatic is capable of playing original Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles and has quickly gained a following for its robust build quality and use of AA batteries.
ModRetro was founded by Palmer Luckey, best known as the creator of the Oculus Rift VR headset, which he later sold to Meta. Luckey also leads Anduril, a defense technology company specializing in autonomous systems and drones.
The connection between the retro gaming console and Anduril has sparked controversy within the gaming community. ModRetro announced the new Chromatic edition will utilize a highly durable polymer ceramic typically used to armor Anduril’s Ghost drones.
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The limited-edition console will maintain the Chromatic’s signature aesthetic but incorporate the advanced materials. Every screw will be coated with titanium nitride, a hardening process commonly applied to military equipment. This move underscores a growing trend of incorporating high-end materials into retro gaming hardware, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
The console’s shell will be crafted from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, featuring CNC-milled detailing and a sapphire display cover – offering a hardness nearly equivalent to diamond. This display is the same high-end screen found in the most expensive standard Chromatic model.
Priced at $449.99, the collector’s edition Chromatic will ship with a limited-edition pair of Koss Porta Pro headphones. The high build quality is expected to appeal to serious collectors. However, the association with Anduril has drawn criticism, particularly given Luckey’s company’s controversial integration of artificial intelligence into modern weaponry and its support of certain U.S. government policies.
As a result, prominent retro gaming websites, including Time Extension and RetroDodo, have announced they are re-evaluating their coverage of ModRetro products. Some have stated they will no longer cover the company’s releases, while others will assess each product on a case-by-case basis.
