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0 PLAION and Retro Games Ltd. are two big names within the games industry. As a result, who better to announce a modern day recreation of the beautiful 1982 ZX Spectrum?! Thats right retro gamers rejoice, The Spectrum will be launching across Europe on the 22nd November 2024.
An 80s Icon
A widely recognized symbol of the 1980s is the ZX Spectrum. It is this historical status that helped inspire Retro Games Ltd to make a faithful replica that incorporates modern quality of life features. Modern TVs can display The Spectrum with a 720p HD output via HDMI. The Spectrum provides four USB ports for gamepads and joysticks. Want more nostalgia? How about an exact replica of the famous ‘rubber’ keyboard with fully functioning keys? Did we mention The Spectrum comes with 48 pre-installed games too? These games include some of the most fun, quirky and highly rated titles in the machine’s history, including:
Authenticity in Mind
The Spectrum includes the ability to rewind gameplay by up to 40 seconds to help with difficult levels. Moreover each game title also has four ‘save-game’ slots for those family gamers! For the retro lovers there is an old-school CRT filter option to replicate TVs of old. There is also functionality that allows players to add their own games via a USB stick. Retro Games Ltd even took the time to incorporate BASIC programming. This will let budding bedroom developers get creative in much the same way as the original pioneers. This is a lovely nod to those original bedroom developers whom all us gamers owe so much to!
The sweet sight of nostalgia
Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd. says “While we’ve enjoyed working on our other retro computers, this is the one that we’ve always really wanted to do. The Spectrum has drawn an emotional response from those who have seen it, which is not surprising given its close association with childhood and the 1980s. We can’t wait for gamers to get their hands on The Spectrum and enjoy a truly magical reminder of the past”
“What a privilege it has been to work with Retro Games on The Spectrum. I remember getting the original for Christmas in 1982 and spending the entire day trying to master ‘Horace Goes Skiing’. I’ve been amazed at the feel-good factor associated with this computer, and would like to thank the many community groups who have created a supportive, fun, and vibrant culture around the legacy of The Spectrum. It is these enthusiasts who have laid the foundations for our new machine”, said PLAION UK Marketing Director, Simon Turner.
Additional points of interest include:
- Officially licensed pre-installed games
- Games can be played using only the keys
- Emulates all ZX Spectrum models from 16k to 128k
- Detailed control mapping instructions for all games
- Keys incorporate an array of functions delineated by different coloured words
- Compatible with a variety of new and old proprietary and third-party controllers/joysticks
On it’s 22nd November release The Spectrum will be sold at £89.99. Pre-orders are now open in the UK at Smyths Toys, ShopTo and Amazon
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