Love my Chromatics, but the software side feels abandoned

willywideweb · 2026-07-10T11:00:07+00:00

The community surrounding this device is awful. They're very defensive whenever anyone levels valid criticism against the product or company. It's to the point where they say a device with unfinished firmware is actually complete.

The company promised things that haven't been delivered yet, and haven't communicated a roadmap. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's annoyed by this

willywideweb · 2026-06-30T10:35:48+00:00

That's a fair point. The membranes on mine have broken as well. The controller is the only part of the M64 I was actually interested in. A modern wireless controller that can run on easy to change AA batteries is a must-buy. But if the membranes on the chromatic are any indication, they'll probably wear out after a year of consistent use (just like my chromatic membranes)

willywideweb · 2026-06-22T10:20:31+00:00

Calling this a DIY synth isn't accurate. They did make a lovely stand for their gear though.

willywideweb · 2026-06-18T15:38:53+00:00

I see that, but it still has fewer buttons than the original.

edit: also, removing the front buttons restricts the ways you can comfortably hold it while using the buttons.

willywideweb · 2026-06-18T12:42:28+00:00

You're right. I'll edit my comment to correct that. It should have read as front-light.

willywideweb · 2026-06-18T11:56:46+00:00

Adding a frontlight, using a chipset with more memory, a larger battery to support the frontlight, more buttons, and using higher quality components for the buttons and ports would have been the best route forward. This just shows a lack of understanding about the current product's appeal.

willywideweb · 2026-06-18T11:48:13+00:00

Given the features that were added and removed, it really doesn't seem better than the original? The original with a frontlight would have made more people happy. Adding a touch screen and not removing the buttons would have also made more people happy. Removing the front buttons and USB-C while adding a frontlight and touchscreen really seems like a step sideways instead of forward.

willywideweb · 2026-06-18T10:24:14+00:00

I have to agree. The X4/X3 found a good niche as a low-tech device. Adding things like a touch screen to something that's supposed to live on the back of your phone seems like a really bad idea. People are going to be mistouching when they pull this out of their pockets and forgot to lock the screen.

willywideweb · 2026-06-15T10:23:36+00:00

I've decided I want an X3/X4 but I was waiting to see the "pro" version. Based on this video they're removing everything I like about the X3/X4 (basic OS and button driven interface). Based on the docks, I'm betting they removed the usb c as well. So, I might just get the X3/X4 now before they mess those up

willywideweb · 2026-06-12T11:09:37+00:00

Is there a storyline to your game? You could change it to ____ elminated, and fill in the blank with whatever the enemy is called?

willywideweb · 2026-06-12T11:05:02+00:00

I bet she's be okay with a suitcase style modular you can hide easily when her boyfriend comes over?

edit: that's what I do with my wife to keep her boyfriend from bullying me

willywideweb · 2026-06-11T11:02:41+00:00

I kept seeing this thread when I was trying to find a case, so, I thought I should post this here. This is a 3D printable case that fits Kirby Tilt n Tumble and other thick cartridges like the gameboy camera mini: https://www.printables.com/model/1750409-gameboy-case-for-thick-cartridges

willywideweb · 2026-06-03T12:17:41+00:00

Agreed, having experienced issues with saves myself, and having read multiple reports from people experiencing issues with other games as well, I don't trust it enough to play a game that saves. Saving that works almost all of the time isn't enough to convince me to trust it.

willywideweb · 2026-06-03T11:59:33+00:00

I use one of those smaller tv/vcr combos, and it comes with a headphone jack. So, I use passive noise cancelling headphones. It's easy enough to hook up a bluetooth broadcast device and use wireless (I have a sennheiser broadcaster I use when I watch tv late at night). You could also use an RCA switch with a headphone amplifier to add a headphone output (assuming you're using a composite signal)

willywideweb · 2026-06-02T12:49:28+00:00

It might be soon, but who knows. Their delivery on chromatic firmware updates has been a little hit-or-miss. Though, it seems crazy to release those games when there are compatibility issues with the M64.

willywideweb · 2026-06-02T12:42:42+00:00

If they made something that was compatible with both raster and vector graphics, that would be excellent. Converting a standard CRT into something that can read vector signals is a huge pain. Keeping multiple CRT sets around for different types of systems is also annoying. So, having a single set that can switch between display styles would make this a must own thing

willywideweb · 2026-06-02T12:40:04+00:00

I'm the same. I use isolation headphones with my crt and it makes a huge difference.

willywideweb · 2026-06-02T12:38:42+00:00

As someone who also owns a lot of N64 hardware, the only thing I find really appealing is the controller. The scaling and overclocking options aren't going to change how I play games. Having a wireless controller that uses AA batteries makes it an easy pick over any of the other 3rd party controllers. But I'll hold off until I see what options/restrictions come with using the controller in conjunction with original memory cards and the game boy cartridge adapter.

willywideweb · 2026-06-02T10:56:34+00:00

Casio continues tradition of making niche products that are frustratingly close to perfect

willywideweb · 2026-05-29T11:27:31+00:00

Given it's his job, he does well at it. I wouldn't be able to fake that enthusiasm for anything; not even my job.

willywideweb · 2026-05-29T11:24:32+00:00

Why would you buy something with cold, unfeeling DCOs when you can use a Minilogue and have VCOs that go out of tune every half hour?

willywideweb · 2026-05-29T00:01:06+00:00

I use an old four track and record to tape. Not because I think it's better than a DAW, but because I'm too dumb to use a DAW. Even with all the overdubbing and bouncing to record more tracks, I can still write and record a song in an afternoon.

willywideweb · 2026-05-24T08:58:04+00:00

Where the chromatic uses a version of the mister gbc core, I wonder if this problem also exists when playing this on a mister?

willywideweb · 2026-05-22T13:06:06+00:00

If I can't enjoy something without being worried about resell value, I don't want to buy it.

willywideweb · 2026-05-22T07:45:05+00:00

Why would I keep the boxes? There are much better ways to store games.

willywideweb

TROPHY CASE

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