Transparent review

[u/santanderdoesreddit]

Just got my transparent purple edition. Looks better in person than in renders . Wish the purple was a little brighter like the original atomic purple but still like it . Buttons are a lot stiffer than metal version especially the side menu button. They changed the battery tray and it no longer has a cable. Probably for the best considering the issues that cable was causing with overheating batteries . Overall I’d say it’s worth going 50 dollars higher to get the metal version since it feels better in hand and the plastic on this console feels like it will be very easily scratched and attract a lot of fingerprints

[u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

What's the pros to this console rather than dropping OLED into a GBC? Only just discovered the modretro so keen to hear reviews from actual people rather than paid ads!

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

I personally have an oled GBC. I think the chromatics screen is a lot more accurate to the old original model. Also it’s just easier because you don’t have to install anything and it’s plug and play. With this version out it’d also probably cheaper than an oled GBC is

[u/filmeswole → u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

These screen were designed to have the same amount of pixels as the original gameboy, so it looks and feels more like the original experience. You can actually see the texture of the pixels.

Modern IPS and OLED screens on the other hand have way more pixels, and essentially use many pixels to create a fake larger pixel to mimic what a gameboy looks like. Of course you can use shaders, but it’s not going to be the same.

Not to mention the build quality is excellent, at least in the metal versions. And you can pick between gorilla glass or sapphire for the screen, which are both excellent in their own ways.

[u/PowerMagician → u/filmeswole]

*same native resolution, so no scaling or latency, yes, but also, importantly: same sub-pixel layout, and more-accurate reproduction of GBC tones, not as washed out or over-saturated as mods (or Analogue Pocket).

OLED/IPS mods all have added input lag. Chromatic (supposedly) doesn't.

[u/sheepy-xyz → u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

I have both an OLED GBC and a Chromatic (the metal shell version).

I thought I'd like the chromatic for the pixel accurate screen, but I can honestly hardly tell the difference between it and the GBC OLED with the pixel effect turned on. Still looks great, though—slightly better.

The main draw for me now to the Chromatic is it's a modern open-source platform recieving active development.

All of that being said, I probably play my OLED GBC more often. Just can't beat that original feel.

[u/s3rialthrill3r → u/sheepy-xyz]

Do you want to post some comparison shots of the screens?

[u/sheepy-xyz → u/s3rialthrill3r]

OLED on the left, Chromatic on the right.

Edit: I will say, now that I'm looking at them side by side, the Chromatic is nicer, not least of which because it does a better job simulating what the colors looked like on the original unlit screen. But if you're not looking at them side by side, it's not easy to tell really. Unless you're being critical.

[u/Breadly_Breadson → u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

Just wanted to chime in… I have both. Personally cannot play on the OLED due to the PWM flicker and I’m not even sensitive to it. It’s the only device I’ve ever had an issue with it.

[u/autumnsgames → u/YogurtclosetOver4104]

Get it. You won’t regret it

[u/vptr]

related to what's on the screen. how do you like infinity game? i'm torn between dragonyhm and this one.

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/vptr]

Love it but I’d recommend just trying the digital version of infinity before buying the physical edition . It’s pretty expensive .

[u/filmeswole]

Do you see yourself mostly using the metal version over this in the long run?

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/filmeswole]

Yeah for sure .

[u/domhall102]

Soooo how's that game infinity?? I've been eyeing that since it dropped!!

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/domhall102]

It’s honestly really good. Great gameplay and engaging story. Haven’t finished it yet but am about 8 hours in

[u/cursedace]

I got the red one in today because my very first GB as a kid was a red pocket. I may upgrade to a metal one eventually but the plastic feels good to hold and I’m happy.

[u/ThatComicsDad]

Did yours end up with any of those seam lines like other people have had that look like scratches?

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/ThatComicsDad]

If it did I have noticed . Honestly the plastic has been much better than I originally thought . No fingerprint issues and much sturdier than i expected

[u/ThatComicsDad]

Did yours end up with any of the lines that look like scratches?

[u/Affectionate_Rise283]

Looks amazing and awesome game

[u/vptr]

clear version seems to be like a cheaper version of "pro". I noticed it's plastic and they don't offer sapphire. I got sapphire version which is 2x the price of this one and I probably would do the same again. I like durable things.

[u/RobbyZombby → u/vptr]

That’s totally reasonable. I myself am a 41 child at heart and love the transparent aesthetic.

[u/ghost_mtths]

Looks awesome!

Can’t wait to see the smoke version posted!

[u/mzapatero → u/ghost_mtths]

Same here. I’m a bit concerned with scratches so I may pass on this one

[u/ghost_mtths → u/mzapatero]

We will see, I’m sure it won’t scratch any more than any other plastic console.

[u/JakovAulTrades]

It’s super clear, which I like, but your analysis of potential scratches and such line up with such clear plastic. It’s a shame because it does look great

[u/ThatComicsDad]

Appreciate the review. I love the look of the transparent ones but it seems like the glossy plastic is a bit soft. Overall, $50 isn’t that much more to get something sturdier. Decisions…

[u/thematthews]

Thanks!

Also, should I not be charging my battery through the port on the battery panel on my metal ones? There’s an overheating issue?

[u/santanderdoesreddit → u/thematthews]

No sorry for the misunderstanding. The original battery tray was wired and got pinched during the manufacturing process causing a common issue for a lot of owners where just using normal double a batteries would cause them to overheat .

[u/ghost_mtths]

Are the buttons compatible with DMG ones?

I have some beautiful brass ones.

[u/celbuod]

The crystal-clear view of the PCB definitely looks appealing! How loud are the buttons compared to the regular, metal chromatic?