During the recently concluded gamescom 2024, our editorial team had the opportunity to preview the new ZX Spectrum, the reboot named “The Spectrum” of the legendary 80s console that marked the childhood of many video game enthusiasts. Officially announced at a price of €99.99 (or £89.99 in the UK), this new model stands out for its fidelity to the original, combined with modern technologies that make it accessible to new generations.
It has been a privilege to work with Retro Games on The Spectrum. I remember receiving the original for Christmas in 1982 and spending the whole day trying to master ‘Horace Goes Skiing’. My parents couldn’t afford a Commodore 64, but thanks to the accessibility and low price of its main rival, my friends and I enjoyed magical hours challenging each other on ‘Match Day II’, while marveling at the interactivity of ‘The Hobbit’. I was amazed by the feel-good factor associated with this computer, and I would like to thank the many community groups that created a supportive, fun, and vibrant culture around the Spectrum’s legacy. It’s these enthusiasts who have laid the foundation for our new machine.
Simon Turner, Marketing Director of PLAION UK.
Paul Andrews, Managing Director of Retro Games Ltd.
A trip down memory lane, but with a twist
The new ZX Spectrum emulates perfectly the original ZX Spectrum models from 16 to 128, offering an authentic experience both in terms of aesthetics and gameplay. The keyboard is real and functional, replicating the tactile feel of the original model, an element that will surely excite nostalgics. On the technological side, the new ZX Spectrum features an HDMI output that supports both 50Hz and 60Hz, ensuring superior video quality on modern HD screens. For those seeking the authenticity of the image, filter, and frame options are available that simulate the look of old CRT televisions.
Modern technology in retro style
The console includes 48 pre-installed games in the internal memory, offering a wide range of classic titles spanning various genres, satisfying both veterans and new players. Here’s the official list:
Ant Attack, Army Moves, Auf Wiedersehen Monty, Avalon, Bobby Bearing, Cosmic Payback, Devwill Too ZX, Exolon, Fairlight, Firelord, Football Manager 2, Freddy Hardest, The Great Escape, Head Over Heels, Highway Encounter, The Hobbit, Horace Goes Skiing, Jack the Nipper, Knot in 3D. The Lords of Midnight, Manic Miner, Match Day II, Movie, Nodes of Yesod, Penetrator, Phantis (Game Over II), Pheenix, Pyracurse, Quazatron, Robin of the Wood, Saboteur! Remastered, Shovel Adventure, Skool Daze, Snake Escape, Spellbound, Starquake, Starstrike II, El Stompo, Stonkers, Target: Renegade, TCQ, Technician Ted – The Megamix, Tenebra, Trashman, The Way of the Exploding Fist, Wheelie, Where Time Stood Still.
Other features of the Spectrum include the ability to rewind the game up to 40 seconds to help players overcome the toughest levels. The inclusion of four save-game slots for each title, an old-school CRT filter option to replicate classic television sets, and a function that allows players to add their games via a USB stick. With the aim of ensuring authenticity, Retro Games has also taken the time to incorporate BASIC programming, allowing budding developers to be creative just like the original pioneers responsible for the multibillion-dollar video game industry we know today. For those looking to expand their games library, it is easy to connect a USB drive with compatible game files, thanks to the presence of four USB ports. These ports also allow the connection of additional controllers, enhancing the multiplayer experience. The package includes, in addition to the console, a USB-C power cable and an HDMI cable for connecting to the television. The official launch is scheduled for November 22, 2024, just in time for the holiday season!
With an affordable price and a range of features that combine nostalgia and modernity, the new The Spectrum is poised to become a must-have for retro gaming enthusiasts and beyond. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a video game fan or want to relive the golden age of the 80s, this console might be for you. We at VGMAG obviously can’t wait to get our hands on it, as we could only look at it from afar at gamescom 2024.