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Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025)

Introduction

This step-by-step disassembly guide is intended for ModRetro Chromatic units sold on or after mid-2025. Please ensure you're using the correct guide for your device.

To verify: if the text beneath "Chromatic" says "1st Edition," this is the wrong guide. If it's blank, you're in the right place.

Use this guide when modifying or replacing components on the Chromatic.

What you need

  1. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover and Batteries: step 1, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover and Batteries: step 1, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover and Batteries: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • To remove the battery cover, push upward on the battery cover lock. The battery cover will pop open.

    • Lift the battery cover off and set aside.

    • Remove the batteries.

    • Always remove the batteries before working on your Chromatic!

    Edit

  2. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Back Shell: step 2, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Back Shell: step 2, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Back Shell: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the back shell screws (x4) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    • A Tri-wing Y1.5 will also work for all screws.

    • The screws near the top are a different length than the screws near the bottom of the shell.

    • Remove the back shell by lifting away from the device.

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  3. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Menu Button: step 3, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Menu Button: step 3, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Menu Button: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the menu button by lifting it off the post. It will remove with little to no resistance.

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  4. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Tray: step 4, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Tray: step 4, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Tray: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the battery tray screws (x3) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    • Remove the battery tray connector.

    • It is helpful to press lightly against the PCB with your off hand while working the connector loose.

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  5. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), PCB: step 5, image 1 of 2 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), PCB: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Carefully lift the LCD screen ribbon cable from the PCB.

    • Handle with care!

    • Carefully remove the PCB from the front shell.

    • Lifting at a slight angle will help clear the headphone jack on the bottom more easily. This is also important during re-assembly.

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  7. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Speaker Module: step 6, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Speaker Module: step 6, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Speaker Module: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the speaker module screw (x1) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    • Carefully remove the speaker module from the front shell.

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  8. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Light Pipe: step 7, image 1 of 2 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Light Pipe: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the light pipe screw (x1) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    Edit

  9. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Buttons and Membranes: step 8, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Buttons and Membranes: step 8, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Buttons and Membranes: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the rubber button membranes (x3) from their pockets.

    • Remove the buttons and the D-pad from the shell with tweezers or by hand. If you flip the shell over, they will fall out freely.

    • The buttons will come out easily once the membranes are removed.

    • When re-attaching the rubber button membranes, be sure the positive features on the membranes seat securely into the pockets on the shell.

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  10. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), IR Window: step 9, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), IR Window: step 9, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), IR Window: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully separate the IR window by gently wedging a plastic spudger between the IR window and the front shell.

    • Re-installing the IR window:

    • Note the side with the lip is inserted towards the front shell first.

    • Press in firmly until fully seated against the shell.

    • If the IR window fits loosely, the orientation is incorrect. The fit should be snug.

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  11. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Power Switch: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the power switch by lifting away from the front shell. It will remove with little resistance.

    • When re-assembling the power switch, make sure it is inserted in the OFF position.

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  12. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Cartridge Backer: step 11, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Cartridge Backer: step 11, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Cartridge Backer: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the cartridge backer screws (x4) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    Edit

  13. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Latch Catch: step 12, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Latch Catch: step 12, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Latch Catch: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the latch catch screws (x4) using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    • Gently push the latch up from the back using your finger.

    Edit

  14. Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover: step 13, image 1 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover: step 13, image 2 of 3 Disassembling ModRetro Chromatic (Released Mid-2025), Battery Cover: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the screws (x2) securing the latch cover using a Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver.

    • Remove the door plate spring by fully depressing the battery cover lock. The spring should pop out.

    • Use a spudger if the spring does not fully dislodge.

    • Once the spring is removed, the battery cover lock can be removed without resistance through the underside of the battery cover.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

with 1 other contributor

cj@modretro

Member since: 08/05/25

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