The Spectrum: the ZX Spectrum at full size, connected via HDMI

The Spectrum is the full-size replica of the ZX Spectrum by Retro Games. Its keyboard reproduces the famous 1982 rubber keyboard, and its keys work. 48 licensed games are built in — Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, The Hobbit, The Great Escape — and can be played with the keyboard alone. The machine emulates the 48K and 128K models, outputs in HDMI 720p and loads your own programs from a USB stick.

What it does

• Working rubber keyboard: a replica of the 1982 keyboard, with every key active.
• 48 built-in licensed games: including Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, The Hobbit, Saboteur! Remastered, Match Day II, Jack the Nipper, Skool Daze and The Way of the Exploding Fist.
• 48K and 128K modes: compatible with games from both ZX Spectrum families.
• Classic mode with BASIC: to program just like on the original machine.
• Your programs from a USB stick: with optional cassette loading effects.
• Save and rewind: four save slots per game, rewind of up to 40 seconds.
• 4 USB ports: for joysticks, controllers and USB sticks.

What it doesn't do

• No joystick or controller included: the 48 games are played with the keyboard; a compatible USB joystick is sold separately.
• The mains adapter is not included, and the machine won't start on a fast charger: you need a standard charger with a USB-A output delivering 5 V and at least 1 A.
• No built-in screen: it connects to an HDMI TV. The manufacturer designed it for a 720p HD TV; some monitors don't handle its signal well.
• It's not an original ZX Spectrum: it's a replica that emulates the 48K and 128K models.
• Not all USB joysticks and controllers are guaranteed to work: the manufacturer states it couldn't validate every model.
• The USB stick must be formatted in FAT32, with an MBR partition table, to be recognised.
• This is the standard black edition: neither the white edition nor the Collector's edition is offered here.

Compatibility

HD TV with an HDMI input, cable included. Compatible USB joysticks and controllers, sold separately; Retro Games' THEQUICKSHOT II is one of them. FAT32-formatted USB stick to load your programs. Standard USB-A charger, 5 V 1 A minimum, not included.

Getting started

Connect The Spectrum to your TV with the included HDMI cable, plug the power cable into a regular USB-A charger (not a fast charger), switch on: the menu offers the 48 games. Classic mode opens BASIC; a FAT32 USB stick lets you add your own programs.

In the box

• 1 The Spectrum computer
• 1 HDMI cable
• 1 USB power cable (mains adapter not included)
• 1 introductory manual

See also: official and legal retro gaming and our licensed retro home consoles.