Rose Colored Gaming Closes After 14 Years: A Legacy in Retro Game Hardware and Modding

Rose Colored Gaming, a pillar of the vintage gaming community, has announced that it will close its doors after nearly 14 years of business.

Founded in 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio, by a retro gaming enthusiast known as Wiggy, Rose Colored Gaming (RCG) rapidly earned a reputation for its high-quality refurbished handhelds, custom controllers, and inventive modding services.

The company helped define trends within the retro gaming scene, particularly around the restoration and modification of classic hardware platforms like the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Nomad. In a recent statement on Threads, Rose Colored Gaming confirmed the end of its journey: "After nearly 14 years, RCG is shutting down.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.

While our path has been full of excitement and innovation, unforeseen circumstances outside our control have led us to this difficult decision." RCG’s departure marks the end of an era for aficionados who relied on the shop for unique retro gaming hardware and expert repairs. Rose Colored Gaming was among the earliest companies to specialize in refurbished and re-shelled retro handhelds, a practice that has since become prevalent in collector and enthusiast circles.

Over the years, RCG expanded its offerings to include installation of mods for vintage systems, custom-built emulation handhelds, bespoke controllers, exclusive game cartridges, and attractive display stands for classic hardware.

Notably, the company developed a promising prototype for a modified Sega Nomad, dubbed the Nomad X, which generated excitement in the community but never entered mass production. Wiggy’s personal commitment to the gaming community was evident, with many customers sharing stories of high-quality repairs and modifications that extended the lifespan of beloved devices.

Rose Colored Gaming’s expertise and attention to detail garnered respect from both casual fans and retro hardware connoisseurs alike. The official closure plan includes the transfer of RCG's remaining inventory to the UK-based ZedLabz, an established retailer in the retro gaming sector.

According to RCG, "All of our remaining inventory will be shipped to ZedLabz in the UK over the next few weeks.

We'll continue to offer customer support and finalize business operations for the next month as we wind down and liquidate remaining assets." While Rose Colored Gaming is closing its physical and digital storefronts, its legacy will endure in the thriving community of retro gamers who continue to cherish the hardware and mods that RCG helped popularize.

The company’s influence can be seen across marketplaces, on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and eShop, where the appetite for retro experiences remains strong. As Rose Colored Gaming fades into history, its pioneering role in the retro gaming hardware movement serves as a reminder of the passion and ingenuity at the heart of the video game industry.

UK Rose Colored Gaming Nintendo RCG ZedLabz Wiggy Sega Nomad Nomad X