The Pimoroni 32blit ($117) and the ModRetro Chromatic ($199) both target 8-bit and 16-bit emulation but approach it differently. The 32blit runs open source firmware on an STM32H750 microcontroller and suits developers or tinkerers who want to write or mod software on a horizontal form factor. The Chromatic uses FPGA hardware and its own Chromatic OS in a vertical layout, appealing to buyers who want cycle-accurate recreation of classic hardware without rolling up their sleeves in code.
| 32blit | Modretro Chromatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117 | $199 |
| Brand | Pimoroni | ModRetro |
| Released | 2019 / 07 | 2024 / 11 |
| Type | Horizontal | Vertical |
| OS | Open source firmware | Chromatic OS |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | STMicroelectronics STM32H750 | FPGA |
| CPU | Cortex-M7 | — |
| GPU | Chrom-ART Accelerator | — |
| RAM | 1 MB SRAM | — |
| Storage | Internal 32 MB | Cartridge |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 3.5 inch | 2.56 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 | 160 x 144 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | — |
| Pixel density | 114.29 PPI | — |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | — |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 1200 mAh | 3 x AA |
| Weight | 250 grams | — |
| Dimensions | 150 mm x 65 mm x 14 mm | — |
| Shell | Plastic | Magnesium alloy |
| Colors | Black | — |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi | USB-C |
| Video out | ❌ | — |
| Charging port | Micro USB | — |
| Audio out | ❌ | — |
| Speakers | Single Mono Rear facing | — |
| 32blit | Modretro Chromatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | F | — |
| NES | F | — |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | F | — |
| Game Boy Advance | F | — |
| SNES | F | — |
| PlayStation 1 | F | — |
| Nintendo DS | F | — |
| Nintendo 64 | F | — |
| Dreamcast | F | — |
| PSP | F | — |
| Sega Saturn | F | — |
| GameCube | F | — |
| Nintendo 3DS | F | — |
| Nintendo Wii | F | — |
| PlayStation 2 | F | — |
| Switch | F | — |
| Wii U | F | — |
| PlayStation 3 | F | — |
Bottom line: The 32blit is the cheaper option at $117.
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