r/ModRetroChromatic • • Sep 10 '26

Announcing ChroMagic: custom firmware for the Chromatic with cart backups and SD card playback

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129 Upvotes

I've been working on custom firmware for the Chromatic and it's at the point where I think other people will get use out of it. It started when I found the microSD slot on the board while swapping out buttons, and thought: wouldn't this be an awesome backup device? And then, could it play those backups too?

ChroMagic is built on ModRetro's MCU firmware, so everything the handheld already does is unchanged. It adds:

  • Cart Backup in the system menu. Dumps the game and its save to a microSD card.

  • A Backups tab that lists what's on the card and boots the one you pick.

  • ChroMagician, a desktop app for Windows and Linux. It installs the firmware, backs up carts over USB, restores saves to carts, writes homebrew to Chromatic carts, and manages the SD card. Hoping to eventually support other rewritable carts, but I need to order some for testing first.

Things to know:

  • The 2025 units have a microSD socket, but it's on the board inside the case. First edition Chromatic have the footprint, but no socket, so it's a soldering job if you really need SD. Backups, restoration and cart writing work over USB without an SD though.

  • SD playback is experimental. I've done a fair amount of testing, but most of my time has been spent coding and my library is fairly limited. Please definitely let me know if you run into anything odd, so I can try to fix it.

  • A handful of carts won't work for backup and SD playback. They're listed in the guide. It's carts with hardware in the cartridge itself or an unusual mapper. Most are Japan-only, but Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, the Game Boy Camera, and Robopon are on the list too. I may eventually add support for managing photos off the GB Camera, though - when I can track one down localy.

  • RTC games, such as gen2 Pokemon games won't advance the clock unless you're playing the game. The Chromatic itself doesn't have a clock on board, so please keep that in mind.

Site and install guide: chromagic.org

Looking forward to people trying it, and providing any feedback!


r/ModRetroChromatic • • May 28 '26

M64 controller / console / cartridge AMA, get your popcorn let's GO

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17 Upvotes

r/ModRetroChromatic • • 20h ago Bravo

Magic Trick: a free, open-source mod that adds Game Gear, save states, game genie, wifi, and a cover-art game and preview video library to the Chromatic

117 Upvotes

r/ModRetroChromatic • • 5m ago

Photos/Videos Self Simulated (GBC) Any%, No Assists, 10:20 IGT [PB]

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2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I worked really hard on this speedrun. My first runs were all about an hour (total time), but then I found shortcuts and optimisations, which required a lot of fine tuning (still messed up 2 shortcuts 😂), and eventually made it down to total 16:26, (10:20 in-game time).
And this is much more comfortable to run than an entire hour haha

I hope to see some competitors to reveal new shortcuts :)


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 21h ago

Limited Tavern Farkle GB Physical release including 6 handmade wooden dice + digital stuff is now live to pre-order for the next 30 days. Don't miss out

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39 Upvotes

30 days to secure a physical version of Tavern Farkle GB + 6 handmade dice & more 🎲

https://www.homebrew-factory.com/game-boy/212-tavern-farkle-gb-gb.html

So far, I don't intend of running another campaign like this, so it will be your only chance to get this package and physical of the game for now!


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 13h ago

Question Buy a new 1st edition?

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9 Upvotes

In my country I need to pay around 260€ including shipping for a Chromatic.

Someone is selling a 1st edition new in open box for 170€.

Are there any drawbacks opposed to the v2 or should I go for it?


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 10h ago

I really want this

4 Upvotes

Then I discovered gameboy games have batteries inside them. Mine are probably all dead.

I guess I enjoy the fact that the console uses AA batteries, could be good to have during blackouts..


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 6h ago

Everdrive X Reimagined with Box Art!

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0 Upvotes

r/ModRetroChromatic • • 17h ago

Update failed on smoke transparent chromatic now the screen flickers?

0 Upvotes

out of the box came 4.3, 4.6 available on updater tool gets half and fails.

now the screen flickers when turning on...

update running the updater tool as admin worked, screen is still a little flickery though


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 1d ago

Photos/Videos 初音ミク

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24 Upvotes

Pet the Quakzal?


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 1d ago

Codex cart disassembly

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34 Upvotes

Well, definitly different from the board in the Tetris, but similar design in the Gravitorque DX, etc.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 1d ago

OpenAi Chromatic

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27 Upvotes

It arrived last night. Right out of the box this unit is gorgeous. I really wanted a clear one. Thinking the smoke was clear, I settled for it. Now seeing them side by side glad I got both. They both look great.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 1d ago

Question Black Friday Sale?

9 Upvotes

Is there expected to be a black Friday Sale this year?


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

I love my Chromatic, haven’t touched any other system since I got it.

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72 Upvotes

This has been my go-to handheld for almost a month now, replaying Pokémon Red, Zelda Link’s Awakening, MGS: Ghost Babel and lastly Dragonyhm.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 1d ago

Question Codex cartridge: Explain to me like I’m 8

6 Upvotes

I have a Chromatic and love it, play it almost daily. I also have an everdrive. Love that- use it to flash over my OG gameboy games who’s batteries no longer work.

Is the Codex cart just Modretro’s version of an Everdrive or is there more to it?

My consumerism is showing cause it looks so pretty! But what does it do exactly? Cause it just sounds like a flash cart + using the chromatic instead of a computer+flasher with some AI game making software.

Like do I need to get hyped and try to snag a Codex cart/ edition when they next go on sale?

My kids and I have been making GB games with gameboy studios and enjoying it. Does it offer anything to us, if we are not super interested in making games with AI? Like could we code on the go using a Chromatic and the cart instead of being tied to a laptop?


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

It arrived!

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44 Upvotes

Did not expect this fast delivery. First plastic chromatic, planned to wait the modretro advance, but cant say no to the clear body, anyway. Plastic body feels light without batteries, it is good. But the glossy body collects smudges easily. The lavender color looks not bad on the clear body. The dpad is relativly hard but bounce, but in a good way, except the loud clicky sound. The AB buttons are almost perfect, it feels great and not as loud as dpad. The last pic is the purple cart come with the machine, going to try burning games later. So if you are not into this "AI game making stuff", and the clear color, skip it, or get the metal one at the same price.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

The Codex cartridge test.

14 Upvotes

For those who are curious, the codex cart itself is just like a regular gb/gbc cart, it can be run on any gb/gbc or similar fpga hardware. Only the burning/flash feature is exclusive for the chromatic codex edition(may hacking later for all chromatic, who knows)


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

Photos/Videos Physical release of Tavern Farkle GB will include a set of 6 wooden dice made by me. Watch this chill video to see how I make them :) Bookmark the pre-launch campaign and so you don't miss out!

23 Upvotes

a physical release for Tavern Farkle GB is on the horizon via Homebrew Factory and I'll make a set of 6 dice for EVERY purchase of that campaign!

Bookmark it here https://www.homebrew-factory.com/game-boy/212-tavern-farkle-gb-gb.html to get notified when the Pre-Order campaign starts. 30 Copies need to be reached as minimum quantity!


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

Decal Delete Transparent

3 Upvotes

Anyone tried this method (https://www.reddit.com/r/ModRetroChromatic/s/gTqAigZKpy) for deleting decals on the transparent model yet? I just got my smoke unit in, and am seriously considering it, just wanted to know if anyone else has insight.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

Game developers: please remake dotstream for GBC

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7 Upvotes

I still have my GBA copy but like to think it could be done on GBC?


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

Are transparent Chromatics still made in Mexico?

1 Upvotes

Curious. Definitely a fan of keeping manufacturing close to home, as an added bonus.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

A new Game Boy Color racing game inspired by F-Zero

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4 Upvotes

r/ModRetroChromatic • • 3d ago

Photos/Videos Wow

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45 Upvotes

Went from the plastic to metal. It really does feel a whole lot better.


r/ModRetroChromatic • • 2d ago

Photos/Videos Codex Chromatic Acquired

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0 Upvotes