It was only a matter of time before ModRetro confirmed what was somewhat "leaked" on their website many months ago. Keen eyes, including mine, saw a new image on their website that was uploaded around the time the M64 console went live, showcasing a transparent purple Chromatic handheld on their homepage.
This is a version that has not been released, nor announced, making many believe that they're working on a new transparent selection of consoles, just in time for Christmas. This was all a myth, and ModRetro kept their mouths closed, respectfully; that was until they sent out an email to Chromatic customers asking them to update their firmware for a "new product in October".
You can clearly see the subtle remarks heavily suggesting that there's a "transparent" version coming our way. There's also "extremely clear" and "Pellucidity", which means being perfectly clear about things, and the "never ever drop hints". Come on, ModRetro! Stop teasing us!
If I had to guess, and I hate to say it, I am a pretty damn good guesser at these kinds of things, ModRetro will reveal a new range of transparent Chromatics over the coming weeks, just in time for Christmas, but more importantly to compete more aggressively with other plastic FPGA consoles on the market such as the Analogue Pocket and the newly released FPGB Mini, which would be a very strategic move on their behalf.
Because, let's face it, the Chromatic isn't cheap, and it's for good reason; it's currently made with some of the finest materials on the block, such as a magnesium alloy shell and a sapphire display. So, perhaps a plastic version without all of the fancies for an affordable price would entice customers on the fence between the Chromatic, the Analogue Pocket and other upcoming devices in the space. It's a solid move if they can pull it off. We just have to wait patiently, see what they release and hope some of the finest retro gaming news publications on the block review it...
