Palmer Luckey’s Retro Gaming Firm Launches Game Boy Crafted from Drone-Grade Metal

ModRetro, known for crafting retro handhelds and consoles that play classic games, has unveiled a new device called the Chromatic, developed in partnership with Palmer Luckey’s defense tech company, Anduril Industries. This limited-edition handheld stands out because it’s constructed from the same metal used in Anduril’s attack drones, which raises some eyebrows.

Priced at $349.99, the Anduril Chromatic + Porta Pro Bundle includes the handheld, headphones, and a charm featuring Anduril’s logo. The product description boasts that the device is made from the “same magnesium aluminum alloy as Anduril’s attack drones,” claiming it offers “performance and reliability under any and all conditions.” It’s puzzling to think about what kind of extreme environment ModRetro envisions for playing Tetris that necessitates military-grade durability.

While we can ponder the scenarios in which someone might use a retro handheld gaming system, this release seems to be an attempt by a company linked to arms manufacturing to connect with the retro gaming community. The relationship between the gaming industry and the military has been well-documented, often leveraging games and streaming platforms to boost military recruitment among younger audiences. However, there’s something particularly unsettling about marketing a Game Boy-inspired device designed to withstand the rigors of combat.

As expected, retro gamers and historians are voicing their discontent.

Luckey first introduced the ModRetro Chromatic in 2024, dubbing it the “world’s best tribute to the Game Boy.” However, even then, the venture raised concerns. Luckey had previously been ousted from Oculus after it came to light that he funded pro-Donald Trump trolls, leading some developers to withdraw support for the platform. Since then, he founded Anduril, and now we find ourselves confronted with a not-so-ordinary handheld made from drone materials.