The ZX Spectrum, a cornerstone of 1980s British computing, is back. This compact, affordable home computer captured the hearts of a generation with its simple design, cassette-based software, and iconic rubber keys. Retro Games has revived this classic with The Spectrum, a modern take on the original that aims to deliver a nostalgic gaming experience. This review explores what The Spectrum offers, both for those who remember the original and for newcomers.
Recapturing the 80s Gaming Experience
The Spectrum remarkably recreates the look and feel of its predecessor. The iconic rubber keys and overall design evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. For the authentic experience, however, a smaller screen via HDMI is recommended over a large modern TV. The included cables are short, making lap-based sofa gaming impractical.
A comprehensive manual, a welcome addition, accompanies The Spectrum. It details each of the 48 built-in games, including controls and mission objectives, which proves invaluable for navigating the more challenging titles. Modern conveniences like four save slots per game and a 40-second rewind feature help mitigate the frustration often associated with retro gaming.
Close-up of the rainbow detail on the lower right corner of The Spectrum retro console.
Beyond the built-in library, The Spectrum supports custom games loaded from USB sticks. While compatible with USB hand controllers (potentially requiring manual button mapping), the keyboard remains a fully functional input method. For those unfamiliar with the original ZX Spectrum, mastering the keyboard controls can be an adventure in itself.
Included in the box are an HDMI cable (outputting 720p at 50/60Hz) and a USB cable for power. Note that a power adapter is not included, and a standard 5V 1A adapter is required (modern high-power chargers may be incompatible).
A Blast from the Past, But Not for Everyone
The back of The Spectrum showing ports.
Like many retro console revivals, The Spectrum isn’t universally appealing. Newcomers face a steep learning curve with the controls and gameplay. However, for those who experienced the original ZX Spectrum, or gamers seeking a taste of classic 8-bit gaming, The Spectrum offers a rewarding trip down memory lane. It’s a fun and affordable way to relive a piece of gaming history.
The Spectrum: Specifications
Product: The Spectrum
Manufacturer: Retro Games
Tested: February 2025
Included in Package: Console, HDMI cable, USB cable
Connections: 1 USB-C (power), HDMI, four ports for hand controllers or USB sticks
Number of Games: 48
Price: (Price information will be displayed here)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Rating 4
Complete List of 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
