The ModRetro Chromatic has a very unique feature which allows not just the firmware of the system to be updated but even allows for ModRetro branded games to be updated as well. This is a very novel feature as traditionally cartridges use ROM (read only memory) chips that by definition cannot be re-written too or changed in anyway after the initial burning of the software to the chip. The way that ModRetro cartridges work is obviously different as they can be updated with bug fixes or even to add extra features (as is the case with Tetris) after the game has been released and in the customer’s possession. This is extremely useful as bugs have somehow been missed in the quality control process can now be addressed after the fact.
The way that these updates are accomplished are through a PC program called Cart Clinic, which is also used to update the Chromatic’s firmware. The cartridges must have some kind of re-writable memory chip that allows it to be updated by writing new data to them. The process is extremely simple and works by connecting the ModRetro Chromatic to a PC using USB. The Tetris cartridge is inserted into the device which is then powered on so the game is initiated while the Chromatic is connected to the PC. Of course, internet connectivity is required as the software will search online servers for any available updates to either the software or the hardware. The Cart Clinic software must first be installed so the program can be started while a USB connection between the PC and the Chromatic is active. If the firmware isn’t up to date then you will first be prompted to choose to update it to the latest version. This should be done first, so confirm update of the ModRetro Chromatic firmware, after that click the cartridge tab which is the second one from the left. This will detect the game cartridge that’s inserted into the system and will search for any available updates.
A nice little pixel art graphic of the cartridge will appear on the screen along with a message indicating that an update is available. You will have the choice of either installing the update or cancelling the process in case the user isn’t ready for the update yet. Clicking ‘update’ starts the process of downloading the update from ModRetro’s servers and then will proceed to start to install the update on the cartridge. The updating process is done very quickly, the whole thing is completed in about 3 minutes or less. Another message will then appear on the screen indicating that the update was installed successfully. At this point the system should be turned off and USB cable removed. Once this process has been completed the Tetris cartridge should now have the new battle mode available as an option to choose from in the game’s starting menu. What is perplexing to many is why the game didn’t include this feature from the very beginning as even the very first, original iteration of Tetris which came out for the Gameboy DMG had this feature programmed into the cartridge. It was a major selling point for the Gameboy DMG when it was first released, that it could be linked to another Gameboy console via link cable to be able to play head to head matches of Tetris with your friends. Well better late than never I suppose but it’s still a bit strange none-the-less.
Relevant Links
- ModRetro blog post on Tetris update [https://modretro.com/blogs/blog/cart-clinic-update-modretro-games] Describes the process of updating ModRetro games using Cart Clinic, step by step.
- ModRetro firmware updater download page [https://modretro.com/pages/downloads#mrupdater] The firmware updater tool contains the Cart Clinic software function.
