At a glance
Expert's Rating
Pros
Wonderfully faithful to the original
Can run custom games from USB
HDMI and multiple USB ports
Cons
No power adapter included
Difficult controls for some
Games can be difficult
Our Verdict
The Spectrum faithfully recreates the 80s original with its rubber keys and classic games, delighting older gamers, while younger players may face a steep learning curve due to tricky controls and tough gameplay. However, modern features like save and rewind help mitigate that frustration.
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1982 saw the arrival of the ZX Spectrum, a British home computer from Sinclair that was both small and cheap. It was made with as few components as possible and connected easily to the TV. Programs ran from compact cassettes, some of you may remember listening to music from these before the advent of CDs. It was possible to program in Basic and play some games. The ZX Spectrum’s competitor was the Commodore 64, a popular machine that Retro Games had already recreated.
Nowadays we’ve got The Spectrum, which is ready to take you back to the 80s (but with a modern twist).
The Spectrum: Feeling true to the original
The Spectrum is incredibly similar to the original. Best of all, Retro Games has managed to recreate the feel of everything from the rubber keys to the gaming experience. However, I wouldn’t recommend playing on a large modern TV, as it just feels wrong. Go for a smaller screen with HDMI instead. The cables that come with it aren’t long enough to sit comfortably with the computer on your lap on the sofa anyway.
The press release comes with a thick and comprehensive manual, which is gratifying. It describes all the games, including their controls, as well as explanations of the missions. I was able to navigate more difficult games thanks to this manual. I’m also grateful that The Spectrum has modern features like the ability to save (four slots per game). There’s even a feature that lets you rewind 40 seconds to correct mistakes.
Närbild av regnbågen i det nedre högra hörnet av retrokonsolen The Spectrum.
Note the faithfully recreated details. The rubber keys give just the right 80s feel and the Basic commands are printed at every key.
Ida Blix
You get 48 classic games built into the machine, but you can also run your own from USB sticks. The Spectrum supports USB hand controllers (though you may have to program the buttons yourself), but everything can be run directly from the keyboard. I was a little to young to have experienced this machine when it first came around, so the controls were an adventure to master.
In the box you’ll find an HDMI cable (provides 720p at 50 or 60 Hz) and a USB cable (power adapter not included). It may look modern with USB-C, but you need to choose a simpler power adapter with 5V and 1A. My modern GAN charger did not work, but an older iPhone charger did.
The Spectrums baksida med portar.
On the back are the home and power buttons along with HDMI and USB for charging and connecting controllers or USB sticks.
Ida Blix
The Spectrum: Not for everyone
As with all retro consoles that are re-launched as a new edition, The Spectrum isn’t for everyone. For new users, there’s a steep learning curve. I don’t have any memories of Sinclair’s wonderful little home computer, but my first gaming memories have the same graphics and feel, so it was a pleasure to take on this experience. For those who had a ZX Spectrum and want to experience it again, The Spectrum is a fun purchase where you get a lot for your money.
Specifications: The Spectrum
Product: The Spectrum
Manufacturer: Retro Games
Tested: February 2025
In the package: Console, HDMI cable, USB cable
Connections: 1 USB-C (for power), HDMI, and four ports for hand controllers or USB sticks
Number of games: 48
Price:
Rating: 4 out of 5
Betyg 4
Included games
Alien Girl: Skirmish Edition
Ant Attack
Army Moves
Auf Wiedersehen Monty
Avalon
Bobby Bearing
Cosmic Payback
Devwill Too
Exolon
Fairlight
Firelord
Football Manager 2
Freddy Hardest
The Great Escape
Head over Heels
Highway Encounter
The Hobbit
Horace Goes Skiing
Jack the Nipper
Knot in 3D
The Lords of Midnight
Manic Miner
Match Day II
Movie
Nodes of Yesod
Penetrator
Phantis (Game Over II)
Pheenix
Pyracurse
Quazatron
Robin of the Wood
Saboteur! Remastered
Shovel Adventure
Skool Daze
Snake Escape
Spellbound
Starquake
Starstrike II
El Stompo
Stonkers
TCQ
Target: Renegade
Technician Ted – The Megamix
Tenebra
Trashman
The Way of the Exploding Fist
Wheelie
Where Time Stood Still
This article originally appeared on our sister publication M3 and was translated and localized from Swedish.