Retro Games Ltd to release The Spectrum, fully working ZX Spectrum, and here’s the game list!

Retro Games Ltd, the force behind the popular “The” series of plug-and-play mini and full-size (maxi) computer consoles I’ve been covering since 2016, including TheC64 (Commodore 64 and VIC-20 computer platform Minis and Maxis), TheA500 Mini (Commodore Amiga), and The400 Mini (Atari 8-bit computers (my review)), is now releasing a maxi based on the wildly-popular-in-the-UK ZX Spectrum platform, supporting 16K – 128K games and featuring a fully working ZX Spectrum-style keyboard. This leaks ahead of the official announcement thanks to some jumpy European retailers.

Rear view of the retail The Spectrum box.

There are 48 built-in games, including popular titles like Manic Miner, The Hobbit, Saboteur!, The Great Escape, Head Over Heels, Match Day II, Target: Renegade, and Alien Girl (Skirmish Edition). Included in the box is The Spectrum console, quick start guide, HDMI cable, and USB-C cable. As with the other “The” series systems, you need to supply your own USB AC adapter.

The Spectrum.

While the ZX Spectrum, in its bastardized Timex Sinclair 2068 form, didn’t make a dent in the US market, it proved a wildly popular budget computer platform in the UK and other select regions. While I suspect this will be a tough sell to US consumers due to its unusual graphics and overall modest gaming capabilities, as a US-centric enthusiast myself (with a variety of ZX Spectrum and Timex systems in my collection), I can say it’s still worth exploring for retro gaming and computing enthusiasts with an open mind. It had some great isometric action-adventure games and, as with any retro computer worth its salt, a unique “personality.” Thanks to the working keyboard, you can even play in the authentic way with the original-style wonky keyboard, as well as program in BASIC. Of course, the USB ports will no doubt support the usual external joysticks and keyboards.

The rear of The Spectrum.

While these are not meant as replacements for the original computers, they’re always fun for more casual uses, and, frankly, if you don’t enjoy the 48 built-in games, you’ll likely never enjoy the platform, as there are many all-time greats in there. It’s probably the best overall game list of any of their “The” series (though, of course, you can always add your own games via the SD card slot).

It’s expected to retail for €99/$129.99.

Here’s the game list:

Alien Girl (Skirmish Edition)Ant AttackArmy MovesAuf Wiedersehen MontyAvalonBobby BearingCosmic PaybackDevwill Too ZXExolonFairlightFirelordFootball Manager 2Freddy HardestThe Great EscapeHead Over HeelsHighway EncounterThe HobbitHorace Goes SkiingJack the NipperKnot in 3DThe Lords of MidnightManic MinerMatch Day IIMovieNodes of YesodPenetratorPhantis (Game Over II)PheenixPyracurseQuazatronRobin of the WoodSaboteur! RemasteredShovel AdventureSkool DazeSnake EscapeSpellboundStarquakeStarstrike IIEl StompoStonkersTarget: RenegadeTCQTechnician Ted – The MegamixTenebraTrashmanThe Way of the Exploding FistWheelieWhere Time Stood Still

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