The newest Chromatic from ModRetro is made of the same metal as is used in attack drones. (Image source: ModRetro)The newest Chromatic from ModRetro is made of the same metal as is used in attack drones. (Image source: ModRetro)

ModRetro recently unveiled a new version of their Chromatic retro handheld partially made with the same materials used in military drones made by Anduril, a weapons manufacturer. The CEO of ModRetro, Palmer Luckey, also owns Anduril. The new console has caused quite a stir in the retro community because of its ties to weapons manufacturing.

ModRetro is a retro gaming company known for the Chromatic, a Game Boy-styled FPGA handheld console that can perfectly play original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. The Chromatic has been praised for its solid construction, although the latest iteration of the handheld is generating quite a controversy. 

The new Chromatic, which ModRetro unveiled just this week, is dubbed the “Anduril Edition.” This name comes from the material used in the handheld’s construction, which is the “same magnesium aluminum alloy and Anduril’s attack drones,” according to ModRetro. Anduril is a weapons manufacturer that contracts with the United States military and produces machines like autonomous attack drones. 

The Anduril Edition is also coated with the “same ultra durable ceramic-polymer formulation that protects Ghost – Anduril’s flagship autonomous air vehicle,” per ModRetro. The handheld is also badged with Anduril’s logo, and an Anduril logo charm is included with it. 

ModRetro states that this version of the Chromatic is “for those in need of performance and reliability under any and all conditions.” 

It should be noted that Palmer Luckey, the owner of ModRetro, is also the CEO of Anduril. 

The announcement has created a fair bit of stir in the retro community. Some major retro gaming outlets such as Time Extension posted articles reacting to the announcement, announcing they would no longer cover ModRetro products. 

Sam MedleySam Medley – Senior Tech Writer – 1504 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2016

I’ve been a computer geek my entire life. After graduating college with a degree in Mathematics, I worked in finance and banking a few years before taking a job as a database administrator. I started working with Notebookcheck in October of 2016 and have enjoyed writing news and reviews. I’ve also written for other outlets including UltrabookReview and GeeksWorldWide, focusing on consumer guidance and video gaming. My areas of interest include the business side of technology, retro gaming, Linux, and innovative gadgets. When I’m not writing on electronics or tinkering with a device, I’m either outside with my family, enjoying a decade-old video game, or playing drums or piano.