ModRetro's Chromatic Handheld Faces Backlash Over Anduril Industries Branding
ModRetro, the retro gaming company founded by Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, has recently found itself at the center of heated debate within the gaming community.
Known for innovation in the tech and gaming spaces, ModRetro has drawn positive media coverage for its quality hardware, including the highly praised Chromatic handheld—a faithful FPGA-based Game Boy clone—and its upcoming M64 FPGA N64 system.
However, the company’s decision to release a limited-edition Chromatic model featuring branding from Anduril Industries, Luckey's defense technology firm, has ignited controversy among enthusiasts and industry observers. The ModRetro Chromatic has been celebrated across retro gaming circles for its authentic gameplay experience and precise recreation of Nintendo's iconic handheld.
As an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) device, the Chromatic delivers latency-free performance and high accuracy, making it a standout for collectors and dedicated players alike.
Having garnered significant attention since its unveiling, the Chromatic was designed as a modern tribute to the Game Boy’s enduring legacy and is available through established digital storefronts such as the ModRetro shop and select partners. The core of the recent criticism lies with ModRetro's announcement to produce a special edition Chromatic featuring Anduril Industries’ logo.
Anduril is a U.S.-based defense contractor founded by Palmer Luckey in 2017, specializing in autonomous systems, including military drones and surveillance platforms.
This cross-branding—combining a beloved retro gaming device with the image of a defense company—has been met with strong opposition from some parts of the gaming audience.
After the initial review of the ModRetro Chromatic was published, feedback from the community pointed out insufficient disclosure regarding Luckey’s direct ties to both ModRetro and Anduril Industries.
In response, editorial teams updated their coverage to explicitly highlight these connections, acknowledging the importance of transparency.
In a paraphrased official statement, site representatives expressed regret over not addressing these relationships sooner and recognized the community’s valid concerns about supporting products benefiting a defense technology firm. As of this writing, ModRetro continues to offer its standard FPGA-based Chromatic handheld, which remains focused on delivering high-quality gaming experiences reminiscent of the Nintendo Game Boy.
The Chromatic is compatible with original Game Boy cartridges and supports a variety of audio and display enhancements, maintaining its reputation as a leading modern retro gaming handheld. Despite the current backlash, ModRetro's history of hardware innovation is well documented, and its commitment to hardware authenticity sets a standard within the retro gaming sector.
However, the debate over business ethics and corporate associations underscores the growing scrutiny placed on gaming hardware developers, especially when ties to controversial industries become public.
The Chromatic Anduril edition reveals the complex interplay between gaming culture, hardware innovation, and public values—a story that continues to unfold in the vibrant world of retro gaming.
Known for innovation in the tech and gaming spaces, ModRetro has drawn positive media coverage for its quality hardware, including the highly praised Chromatic handheld—a faithful FPGA-based Game Boy clone—and its upcoming M64 FPGA N64 system.
However, the company’s decision to release a limited-edition Chromatic model featuring branding from Anduril Industries, Luckey's defense technology firm, has ignited controversy among enthusiasts and industry observers. The ModRetro Chromatic has been celebrated across retro gaming circles for its authentic gameplay experience and precise recreation of Nintendo's iconic handheld.
As an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) device, the Chromatic delivers latency-free performance and high accuracy, making it a standout for collectors and dedicated players alike.
Having garnered significant attention since its unveiling, the Chromatic was designed as a modern tribute to the Game Boy’s enduring legacy and is available through established digital storefronts such as the ModRetro shop and select partners. The core of the recent criticism lies with ModRetro's announcement to produce a special edition Chromatic featuring Anduril Industries’ logo.
Anduril is a U.S.-based defense contractor founded by Palmer Luckey in 2017, specializing in autonomous systems, including military drones and surveillance platforms.
This cross-branding—combining a beloved retro gaming device with the image of a defense company—has been met with strong opposition from some parts of the gaming audience.
After the initial review of the ModRetro Chromatic was published, feedback from the community pointed out insufficient disclosure regarding Luckey’s direct ties to both ModRetro and Anduril Industries.
In response, editorial teams updated their coverage to explicitly highlight these connections, acknowledging the importance of transparency.
In a paraphrased official statement, site representatives expressed regret over not addressing these relationships sooner and recognized the community’s valid concerns about supporting products benefiting a defense technology firm. As of this writing, ModRetro continues to offer its standard FPGA-based Chromatic handheld, which remains focused on delivering high-quality gaming experiences reminiscent of the Nintendo Game Boy.
The Chromatic is compatible with original Game Boy cartridges and supports a variety of audio and display enhancements, maintaining its reputation as a leading modern retro gaming handheld. Despite the current backlash, ModRetro's history of hardware innovation is well documented, and its commitment to hardware authenticity sets a standard within the retro gaming sector.
However, the debate over business ethics and corporate associations underscores the growing scrutiny placed on gaming hardware developers, especially when ties to controversial industries become public.
The Chromatic Anduril edition reveals the complex interplay between gaming culture, hardware innovation, and public values—a story that continues to unfold in the vibrant world of retro gaming.
