The retro computing and gaming communities are always on the lookout for ways to breathe new life into classic systems, and the Checkmate Display IPS Retro Monitor is doing just that. Funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign in November 2022, this modern monitor was designed with vintage enthusiasts in mind. It offers a unique blend of modern IPS technology and retro-inspired design, allowing fans of classic systems like the Commodore 64, Amiga, and various gaming consoles to enjoy their machines with crisp visuals while maintaining that nostalgic feel. In a world where CRT monitors are becoming increasingly scarce and unreliable, the Checkmate Display steps in as a bridge between past and present, bringing authentic retro experiences to a new generation of users. Whether you’re a hobbyist refurbishing old hardware or a gamer looking to reconnect with your childhood favorites, this monitor aims to enhance the retro experience in a sleek, functional way.
Kickstarter Success Story
The journey of the Checkmate Display IPS Retro Monitor began with a passionate group of retro computing enthusiasts who recognized a growing problem: the decline of CRT monitors. As classic systems rely on these aging displays, a modern solution was urgently needed. In November 2022, the creators launched a Kickstarter campaign, offering a modern alternative that would maintain the authentic retro feel but with the benefits of today’s technology.
The campaign resonated with the community, attracting over 1,400 backers who pledged approximately £357,558 to bring the Checkmate Display to life. With a clear goal of providing retro gamers and computing enthusiasts with a high-quality monitor compatible with a wide range of vintage systems, the project quickly gained traction and reached all its initial funding goals. However, it was a video from the popular YouTube channel Nostalgia Nerd that provided a significant boost in exposure. This video is credited with propelling the campaign past its initial targets and into stretch goals, allowing the team to add even more features and refinements to the final product.
The campaign’s success reflected not only the desire for a reliable, modern display option but also the growing passion for preserving retro experiences in an ever-evolving digital world. With promises of compatibility with systems like the Commodore 64, Amiga, and classic gaming consoles, along with multiple input options to cater to different setups, the Checkmate Display became a highly anticipated product for retro enthusiasts worldwide.
Design and Features
The Checkmate Display IPS Retro Monitor is a testament to the thoughtful design that marries modern technology with a nostalgic flair. Its retro-inspired aesthetic is immediately appealing, featuring a sleek casing that mimics the classic look of vintage monitors while incorporating contemporary materials and build quality. The monitor is available in various color options to complement your retro setup, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any nostalgic environment.
Specifications of the Base Model:
- Monitor Chassis: With stand and button bar
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Dimensions: 43 cm x 43 cm x 18 cm
- Panel Type: IPS high-quality panel
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Viewing Angles: 178° horizontal and vertical
- Response Time: 5 ms
- 4″ Stereo Speakers: Integrated for an enhanced audio experience
- Power Supply: Included
- XRI Backplane: For connectivity and performance
- Slot 0 Controller Card: Enhances compatibility and functionality
- Remote Control: For easy navigation and adjustments
Inputs and Outputs:
- HDMI Output: For connecting to modern devices
- Spare Front Panels: Allows customization options
- OLED Front Panel with Jog Dial: For intuitive control
- 1 x Headphone Socket (Front): For personal audio
- 2 x AV/Audio Composite Inputs: For classic console connections
- 2 x HDMI Inputs: One internal, one external
- 1 x VGA Input: For standard 31kHz VGA signals
- 1 x Stereo Audio In (for VGA): For enhanced audio from VGA connections
- 2 x USB 2.0 Inputs: For media playback and Slot-0 updates
- 1 x Stereo Audio Output (Phono): For connecting to external audio devices
Extras Included in the Starter Pack:
- HDMI output to USB 3 adapter for streaming content from the panel
- 5-way input HDMI switcher
One of the standout features of the Checkmate Display is its modular design, allowing users to customize their setup based on specific needs. Among these modules is the Appy’s Retro Scalar Pod, which serves as the heart of the system for retro fans. It contains most of the inputs needed to run classic computer and game console hardware and is inspired by the old GBS8200 but updated with four-layer board quality and the advanced GBS-Control firmware system.
The main chip is the TrueView 5725 processing chip, but the exceptional performance is due to the GBS-Control firmware housed in a small board in the top right. The small OLED panel and Jog Dial at the bottom left of the monitor allow for input control through the main lower board. The GBS-Firmware also has a built-in web server for setting up user profiles, easily accessed via the jog dial and OLED display.
Inputs Available:
- RGB Scart
- Composite Scart
- Component video
- RGBi (CGA, EGA, and Commodore 128)
- SVideo
- RF tuner
Extra Features When Using RGBi:
- Mono mode to simulate various color scales, including:
- Gray scale
- Blue scale
- Green scale
- Amber scale
For more information, you can visit the GBS-Control Wiki.
Why Retro Enthusiasts Will Love It
While the Checkmate Display IPS Retro Monitor is just beginning to reach its Kickstarter backers, early reception has been positive. Users appreciate its blend of retro aesthetics and modern technology. However, to truly gauge its performance in everyday use, more feedback from the community will be essential. The continued support from its developers will also play a crucial role in ensuring that this product meets the expectations of retro enthusiasts. As more users share their experiences, we’ll gain a clearer picture of how well the Checkmate Display lives up to its promise of enhancing the retro computing experience.
Final Thoughts
The Checkmate Display IPS Retro Monitor stands at the intersection of nostalgia and modernity, offering retro enthusiasts a unique way to connect with their favorite classic systems. Its successful Kickstarter campaign reflects a strong demand for a high-quality monitor tailored specifically for vintage computing and gaming.
As users begin to explore the capabilities of the Checkmate Display, it promises to enhance the experience of playing classic games and using vintage computers with its vibrant display and versatile input options. While early feedback has been encouraging, the ongoing support from developers and the community will be vital in addressing any challenges and maximizing the monitor’s potential.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital advancements, the Checkmate Display serves as a reminder of the charm of retro technology. It bridges the gap between past and present, ensuring that the joy of retro computing and gaming continues for both longtime fans and new generations of enthusiasts alike.
