ModRetro just made its Game Boy lookalike handheld permanently available

Even if you follow the handheld market on a surface level, you've probably seen quite a few Game Boy lookalikes available.

Most, though, are just emulation devices like the Anbernic RG35XX or Miyoo Mini Plus, and are unable to play real cartridges.

Thanks to Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, Modretro came into the market last year to fix that issue as one of the only mainstream devices that play physical games, and understandably sold out extremely quickly.

Well, that time is here as the Chromatic is back in stock for good.

ModRetro Chromatic is back in stock

According to the company, the handheld is back in seven different colorways, including a new white and purple variant they've dubbed 'cloud.'

They're available now, and in two different display options. The regular-ol Gorilla Glass you'll find on most devices, and the much stronger Sapphire display. They come in at $199 and $299, respectively.

Each device comes bundled with Chromatic's Tetris game, and the company has announced five new games that will be available as well:

• Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped!: A re-release of the fast-paced platformer based on the cartoon series, where you switch between Sabrina and Salem to reverse a magical mishap.
• Wicked Plague: A side-scrolling Metroidvania with fast-paced action, haunting visuals, and intense boss fights in a cursed tower.
• Self-Simulated: A high-speed precision platformer with over 100 levels, customizable assists, and a story about reclaiming your lost identity.
• First Contact Protocol: An adventure-puzzle game with branching choices, cinematic cutscenes, and a crew fighting to survive aboard a damaged starship.
• Gravitorque: A puzzle platformer where you control gravity instead of jumping, solving mind-bending levels across four distinct worlds.

On top of that, you can pick up several new accessories, including a matching set of old-school Koss Porta Pro headphones.

• ModRetro Rechargeable Power Core ($29.99):  Snap-in battery for up to 16 hours of gameplay. 
• ModRetro Link Cable ($14.99): Bring back couch co-op with head-to-head multiplayer support.
• ModRetro Mod Kit ($14.99):  Personalize or refresh with high-quality, swappable parts and one of a kind dual sided screwdriver.
• ModRetro Koss Porta Pro ($49.99):  A color-matched retro headset with legendary sound.

One new feature makes it super unique

With the restock, ModRetro Chromatic devices (including the first edition) will be able to stream games natively to Discord on Mac and PC without any extra hardware.

This means you can sit back with your fancy new handheld and stream your favorite Chromatic games to your friends whenever you want.

My take:

I'm personally really freakin excited for this handheld to be readily available again. Handhelds have been a major part of my life since I was 6 years old, and I love how companies like ModRetro are trying to make retro devices even cooler.

My daughter and I have been playing the original GB Tetris for the last few months, and thought i'd try it out with the ol' Game Boy Pocket.

Turns out that my 33-year-old eyesight can't handle the non-backlit screen anymore.