This is a long-form review of the ModRetro Chromatic, a $200 handheld game console that emulates the Nintendo Game Boy. The reviewer, Sean Hollister, praises the hardware and build quality of the device, but expresses concern about the company’s founder, Palmer Luckey, who has been involved in developing drones and other military technology through his company Anduril.
The review highlights several issues with the company’s values and intentions:
- Palmer Luckey’s statements on violence: The reviewer quotes Luckey as saying that it’s not a bad thing to celebrate the power of weapons and that people like him who are "sick" in the way they think about enacting violence are necessary.
- Anduril’s involvement in military technology: The company is developing drones and other military technology, which raises concerns about the potential misuse of these technologies.
- Tolkien’s themes on war and power: The reviewer notes that J.R.R. Tolkien’s work highlights the horrors of war and the corrupting influence of power.
Despite these concerns, Hollister recommends the ModRetro Chromatic as a well-built and high-quality game console, but notes that it is not without controversy:
"I won’t suggest that niche $200 Game Boys are actually funding those weapons in any meaningful way, but these still aren’t emotions I associate with my childhood Nintendo experience."
The review concludes by saying that the ModRetro Chromatic is "not the ultimate Game Boy" due to its association with a company whose values and intentions may be at odds with those of the gaming community.
Some possible discussion points based on this review:
- Do you think it’s reasonable to boycott or criticize companies like Anduril due to their involvement in military technology, even if they are also creating retro game consoles?
- Should we consider the broader implications of our consumer choices and the values of the companies we support?
- Is it possible for individuals to separate their personal interests (e.g., gaming) from their professional or public personas (e.g., developing military technology)?
- What role should social responsibility play in the development and marketing of products, particularly those that may be perceived as "harmless" or nostalgic?
