The ClockworkPi DevTerm ($219–$319, August 2021) is a miniature Linux terminal in a horizontal clamshell form, capable of emulating up to PlayStation 1 and suited to tinkerers who want a general-purpose portable computer. The ModRetro Chromatic ($199, November 2024) takes the opposite approach: a vertical, Game Boy-style device using FPGA hardware to recreate 8-bit and 16-bit systems with hardware-level accuracy. Choose the DevTerm for flexibility; choose the Chromatic for precision recreation of classic consoles.
| DevTerm | Modretro Chromatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219–$319 | $199 |
| Brand | ClockworkPi | ModRetro |
| Released | 2021 / 08 | 2024 / 11 |
| Type | Horizontal | Vertical |
| OS | Clockwork OS / Linux | Chromatic OS |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | User chosen core | FPGA |
| CPU | Core dependent | — |
| GPU | Core dependent | — |
| RAM | Core dependent | — |
| Storage | External MicroSD | Cartridge |
| Cooling | Fan Rear ventilation cutouts | — |
| Power tier | Entry | — |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 6.8 inch | 2.56 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 1280 x 480 | 160 x 144 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | — |
| Pixel density | 201.04 PPI | — |
| Aspect ratio | 8:3 | — |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 18650 x2 (Swappable) | 3 x AA |
| Dimensions | 195 mm x 150 mm x 30 mm | — |
| Shell | Plastic | Magnesium alloy |
| Colors | Front Shell: White Back Shell: Retro Gray, Transparent Gray | — |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi (802.11ac), USB-A x3, Expansion Port | USB-C |
| Video out | Micro HDMI | — |
| Charging port | USB-C | — |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone | — |
| Speakers | Dual Stereo Internal | — |
| DevTerm | Modretro Chromatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | — |
| NES | A | — |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | — |
| Game Boy Advance | A | — |
| SNES | A | — |
| PlayStation 1 | A | — |
| Nintendo DS | C | — |
| Nintendo 64 | C | — |
| Dreamcast | C | — |
| PSP | D | — |
| Sega Saturn | D | — |
| GameCube | F | — |
| Nintendo 3DS | F | — |
| Nintendo Wii | F | — |
| PlayStation 2 | F | — |
| Switch | F | — |
| Wii U | F | — |
| PlayStation 3 | F | — |
Bottom line: The Modretro Chromatic is the cheaper option at $199; the DevTerm is more powerful and emulates more demanding systems.
One short email when a notable handheld launches or a tracked price drops. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.