In a cryptic post on their Facebook group yesterday, Retro Games Ltd announced their latest console to join their growing range to sit alongside The64, The500 and their most recent release The400. Promoted in a teaser video that can be seen here, very little was mentioned for the machine due for release at the end of this year. But based on the video after a little digging, fans were quick to uncover that the new machine is in fact a full size recreation of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.
Already available for pre-order from a number of retailers and set for release on 22nd November 2024, The Spectrum promises to be another hit for the UK company. But what does it offer?
The Spectrum – Inside The Box
Coming in with an RRP of £89.99 (according to toy store Smyths) The Spectrum is a full size version of the original ZX Spectrum and offers 48k and 128k modes. With a full working keyboard, it’s their first system to go straight to a full system from day one.
As well as the computer itself, it comes complete with a USB powerlead (although no plug is provided), a HDMI lead, manual and a special copy of Crash magazine from Fusion Retro Books. Unlike their other systems, there is no joystick included although we assume that it will support most USB joysticks and those already released for TheC64 and the joypad from The500.
The Hardware
As with their previous machines, we believe that it is emulation based rather than an FPGA system (although the official press announcement will offer more clarity on this). Full 48k and 128k support is being offered, and it comes complete with four USB ports to support joysticks and USB sticks allowing users to use their own games in most major file formats. The system also comes with 48 games pre-installed, from many of the publishers Retro Games Ltd have worked with previously including Gremlin, Hewson, and more. Surprisingly there are no titles from Ultimate but this could simply have been a case of the license being too expensive.
One thing that isn’t certain is the keyboard. While it is a fully working keyboard, we can’t tell from the photos whether it will be a mechanical or rubber keyboard like the original ZX Spectrum. While a rubber keyboard would be perfect for authenticity, it might not be as durable as users of the real hardware will understand. And if this is being targeted at a mainstream audience as well as long-time Spectrum fans, would they prefer a mechanical keyboard instead?
Regardless, this is set to be another great addition to the range and it’s already proving to be a hit amongst Spectrum fans who have been flocking to stores to pre-order it already.
For more information on The Spectrum and their other products, visit the Retro Games Ltd website at https://retrogames.biz/
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