The ZX Spectrum Revival is Here!

The ZX Spectrum is an iconic 8-bit home computer synonymous for its homebrew coding scene and library of quirky, vibrant games. Since the Spectrum’s launch, there has been over 24,000 titles created and retro collectors browse auction sites to acquire unusual classics from the past. In December 2013, Elite Systems launched a project to honor the Spectrum’s memory,in kilobytes of course and bring games such as Chucky Egg, Skool Daze and Dizzy to a new, younger audience. This idea culminated in a kickstarter project to recreate an exact replica of the ZX Spectrum keyboard to use alongside mobile devices and PCs. To clarify, the games will be available for purchase as a fully licensed version on iOS, Android and other stores and not included in the device as a basic emulation tool. The Kickstarter explains,

“The recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum will be a Bluetooth keyboard, initially for iOS and subsequently for Android and Windows phones and tablets (as well as for PCs and Macs), in the form-factor of a 48K Sinclair ZX Spectrum. It will be known as the Bluetooth ZX Spectrum. ZX Spectrum is a licensed trade mark.”

“By default, when used in conjunction with the simultaneously released and separately sold Bluetooth ZX Spectrum apps, available from the iTunes App Store and subsequently from the Google Play, Amazon App Store and Windows Store, the Bluetooth ZX Spectrum will provide authentic rubber-key play-control over a comprehensive catalogue of 100% original, officially licenced, paid-for Bluetooth ZX Spectrum games (and more) via a secure App Store environment.”

Pricing is expected to be approximately between £39.99 and £49.99 plus delivery and the BBC reports that the final prototype has been verified and ready for release. Apparently, the keyboard should be dispatched within the next 6 weeks to the lucky 5000 who snapped up the first batch. Consumers should get a chance after the initial production line to purchase the item and I expect to see it in online retailers within a few months.

Hopefully, the ZX Spectrum keyboard will be highly regarded and not a damp squib like the Neo Geo X.

Thank you BBC for providing us with this information.

Image courtesy of Hallas.