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Retro Games Ltd’s The Spectrum is a modern recreation of the ZX Spectrum: it plays software made for 48K through 128K Spectrum models and connects to a modern television over HDMI. It launched on 22 November 2024, and the manufacturer’s product page currently labels it “Available Now!”—but stock and pricing depend on your region and retailer.
What The Spectrum is—and what it is not
The Spectrum is a dedicated retro computer styled after the ZX Spectrum, rather than a general-purpose modern computer or a newly developed game console. Retro Games Ltd says it is compatible with games for ZX Spectrum models from 48K through 128K. Its built-in selection and support for loading programs you already own make it useful both for sampling a ready-made collection and revisiting other Spectrum software.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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ZX Spectrum Handheld | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Spectrum Handbook | $10.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The ZX Spectrum Ula: How to Design a Microcomputer (ZX Design Retro Computer) | $37.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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ZX Spectrum Assembly. Let's make a game? | $2.08 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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ZX Spectrum Games Code Club: Twenty fun games to code and learn | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The product page describes 48 included games. Named examples include Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, Saboteur! Remastered, The Hobbit, Army Moves and The Great Escape. The complete current list is on Retro Games Ltd’s product page.
How it connects to a modern TV
The device outputs video over HDMI at 720p, with 50Hz or 60Hz output options, according to the manufacturer. You connect it to a television or monitor with an HDMI input; the HDMI cable is listed as included in the box. This is a modern display connection, not a claim that the games are rendered at modern resolutions.
#1 Best Overall
- 25 built-in Spectrum games
- A classic design, reimagined in clamshell form
- MicroSD slot for endless gaming
- 800x480 IPS high resolution screen
- Themed rubber key funtion buttons, Stereo speakers and headphone jack
Controls, saves and rewind
Retro Games Ltd lists four USB ports and says the computer works with many USB game controllers. That wording does not guarantee support for every controller model, so check a specific controller before buying it for this system. The manufacturer also lists THEGAMEPAD as a companion product.
For play convenience, The Spectrum provides four save slots per game and lets players rewind gameplay by up to 40 seconds. These are system features, not additional games or separate subscriptions.
Rank #2
Using your own Spectrum programs
In addition to the preloaded games, the product page says users can load programs they already own. Features described by Retro Games Ltd include BASIC programming, virtual cassettes, ULAplus colour support, 12 display frames, and optional cassette-loading effects for users’ own programs. The page does not establish a particular USB flash-drive specification or guarantee that every program or file will work, so confirm program eligibility and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What comes in the box—and the power caveat
The listed contents are the computer, an HDMI cable, a USB power lead and an introduction manual. The USB power lead is included, but the power adapter is not. You will need a suitable USB power source in addition to a display with HDMI input.
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Rank #3
- Used Book in Good Condition
Release date, price and availability
Retro Games Ltd announced a retail release date of 22 November 2024 in its release announcement dated 27 August 2024. The manufacturer’s product page now says “Available Now!” That status does not establish current stock or price at a particular retailer or in every country; check local listings before deciding to buy.
PLAION’s product listing gives a price of 89.99, but the visible listing text does not specify a currency, so that figure should not be treated as a current local price. The listing also says a 32-page Crash Mini-Mag was included with the UK version only. See the PLAION product listing for those listing details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider The Spectrum?
- For a plug-in collection: the 48 included games provide a starting point without needing to source each title separately.
- For existing Spectrum owners: compatibility with 48K–128K software and the stated option to load owned programs may matter more than the bundled library. Check that the particular program is supported.
- For a modern-TV setup: HDMI output avoids relying on a television’s legacy inputs, although the stated output is 720p at 50Hz or 60Hz.
- Before purchasing: confirm regional availability and price, the USB power adapter requirement, and compatibility of any controller or program you plan to use.
The available product information supports a feature overview, not a performance ranking against other retro systems. Compare systems using their included libraries, support for user-owned software, display output, controller options, box contents and power needs, and the price and availability in your region.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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