Rose Colored Gaming Shuts Down After 14 Years, Marking End of an Era for Retro Game Modding

Rose Colored Gaming, the Cleveland-based retro gaming specialist renowned for pioneering modded and refurbished handhelds, has officially announced it will cease operations after nearly 14 years in business.

Since its founding in 2012 by the creator known as Wiggy, Rose Colored Gaming (often referred to as RCG) has played a significant role in shaping the vintage and retro gaming hardware scene, particularly for handheld enthusiasts and collectors. RCG's journey began at the start of a rising interest in classic video game hardware.

The company was among the first to offer custom-shelled and refurbished portable consoles, setting industry trends that would later be adopted by hobbyists and commercial modders worldwide.

Over the years, their portfolio expanded to include installation of hardware mods, the creation of emulation handhelds, bespoke controllers, custom cartridges, and specialized display stands for rare and modified gaming systems.

One of their most ambitious but unrealized projects was the Nomad X, a highly anticipated modification of the Sega Nomad handheld that, despite excitement in the community, never reached market release. The announcement of the closure was shared via Threads, with RCG’s leadership expressing gratitude to its loyal customer base.

In a heartfelt statement, the company remarked, "After nearly 14 years, RCG is shutting down.

We would like to offer a profound thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey.

Circumstances beyond our control mean it's now time for us to move on." Wiggy, the founder, has been commended not only for steering the business but also for offering personal service to customers—earning a reputation for quality and attention to detail, especially among the retro gaming and modding community.

Many collectors and vintage system enthusiasts credit RCG for providing access to high-quality, functional re-shelled systems and specialty hardware at a time when options were scarce. As for remaining inventory, Rose Colored Gaming has confirmed that all unsold products will be transferred to UK-based retailer zedlabz in the coming weeks.

The company added that it will continue to be available for customer service inquiries for another month as it completes the asset liquidation process.

This responsible transition ensures existing orders and support requests are managed even as the business winds down. The end of Rose Colored Gaming marks the conclusion of a chapter for the handmade and custom gaming hardware scene, illustrating both the challenges and achievements facing boutique developers in the evolving landscape of video game culture.

As hardware modding and collector-focused markets continue to grow, RCG's contributions are likely to be remembered as foundational within the broader retro gaming community—including fans of platforms like the Nintendo Switch who cherish the preservation and celebration of classic gaming experiences.

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