The Spectrum

A great slice of nostalgia brought up to date. It’s a ZX Spectrum that works with modern TVs, showcases a range of classics and adds a sprinkling of modern titles. Not only that but it allows sideloading of game file that you own (legally of course).As with the C64 mini, Atari 400 mini and the A500 mini presentation is good, there are options to emulate CRT monitors, map joysticks and choose the model of machine plus the ability to boot into classic mode.As for the games, a solid selection of bona fide classics many of which were Crash Smashes back in the day. The only niggle being the inclusion of Starstrike 2 when the original was the better (and faster) game. Most people will find something to bring back warm, fuzzy memories of growing up in the 80s. Or you could just bore the kids with “In my day they knew how to make a platform game!” Whilst failing to progress past the first screen of Manic Miner or Fahrenheit 3000 for the masochists out there.

The Spectrum 48k was my second computer (after the Dragon 32). This is a faithful recreation of it. I have used emulators on a computer, and 20 or so years ago bought a commercially available CD ROM emulator with thousands of games and applications on it. Happily enough I can just copy these to a USB stick and run them on the Retro Games The Spectrum.I wanted to try my hand at 128K BASIC. In its factory setting the Spectrum will not run it - only 48k basic (so you miss out on programming the 3 voice sound chip of the 128k machine - which I specifically wanted to do for chiptune music). You have to download the original 128K Spectrum rom, and put it in a specific folder. It tells you how to do this in the manual, and when you do this, and choose classic mode the machine boots either in 48K mode or 128k mode, and is indistinguishable from an original rubber keyed Spectrum. If you just want to play games and not try your hand at 128k basic programming then you don't need to do this. You also need to update the firmware to be able to save your basic programs.Once I did that I could start programming and that was hugely nostalgic. Basic programming has moved on a lot since 1982. Here you have to enter line numbers, and there's none of the shortcuts you take for granted in modern computers.And beyond programming my own stuff there's all the old games I used to play. They're much harder than I remember them!This is the closest thing to having an original 48k Spectrum. Sure you can run an emulator on your computer, but for those of us in our late 40s and early 50s this is the real deal, and opens up all those childhood memories of having the Speccy on your lap and playing on an old portable TV.

Retro Games Ltd products are pretty much the very best in build, quality and functionality when it comes to their Retro products and The Spectrum is no different.Many have tried to re-create the Spectrum and failed in various guises from handhelds to black boxes but finally this has been done correctly with this outstanding unit which is a faithful reproduction of the original unit. You can be forgiven for thinking your using the real thing.Its all there .. The quality is second to non, Its pretty much perfect.Sir Clive Sinclair ( RIP ) would most definitely approved.

For those who had the original 48k spectrum this is a faithful replica down to the size weight and feel of the original . A truly classic product with great attention to detail even down to the packaging . If you are a fan of the spectrum and the 8 bit era you will not be disappointed. Could not recommend more highly !

What a blast from the past! Looks and feels like the original ZX Spectrum from the early 80s. It comes with lots of games pre-installed on a carousel menu.There are also several more 'hidden' games installed that you can unlock and add onto the carousel. For example (spoiler?) playing The Lords of Midnight for an hour will unlock Doomdark's Revenge.Furthermore, you can play other games by copying them onto a USB stick and plugging it into the back of The Spectrum. No more screeching tapes. The games can be found online. I had a CD ROM with an emulator and loads of games on it, so I've got them from that.You can also switch from the carousel into BASIC and write programs. This, in the 80s, generated my interest in programming and led me into a lifelong career in IT.Getting the Spectrum set up is simplicity. You need a USB power supply (the power input on the back of the Speccy is a USB-C) and connect it to a TV or monitor by HDMI.

Brilliant retro computer love it

The Spectrum is a great reproduction of this classic 80's computer. It has 48 in built games including classics like Manic Miner, The Great Escape, Auf Wiedersehen Monty, Horace goes skiing and many more. The packaging and presentation is really well done, as is the build quality. It has 4 USB ports and additional games can be added via a USB stick, so you can play all your favorites from 40 years ago.It also has a classic mode that allows BASIC programming like the original, so you can 10 GOTO 10 to your hearts content.The only negative is the 5V power adaptor isn't included so this will need to be purchased separately.

This a must purchase. If you want that true nostalgic magic then buy this you will not be disappointed. The build quality is spot on and rock solid and it looks amazing. Plenty of games and you can add as many as you can get hold off. You can program on it just as it originally was and do all the fun things and configure it many ways.