The Return of Retro Gaming with Handheld Classics
Handheld versions of the iconic Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum are set to make a comeback this year, offering gamers a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of gaming. These new handhelds come preloaded with 25 classic games each, allowing players to experience the magic of retro titles on the go.
The current market for handheld gaming is booming, with devices like the Valve Steam Deck, the ROG Xbox Ally, and the niche Analogue Pocket capturing the attention of gamers. Now, these vintage systems from over 40 years ago are stepping into the spotlight with their own portable versions.
Retro Games, a company known for creating miniature and full-sized replicas of classic consoles such as the Commodore 64 and Atari 400, has partnered with Blaze Entertainment, the developer behind Evercade, to bring these two iconic systems to life in a handheld format. The C64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld are scheduled for release in October, with a price tag of £109.99 each. For those looking for a more premium option, a collector’s edition priced at £129.99 will be available from Funstock. This special edition includes a hard shell carry case and a specially designed Crash or Zzap!64 magazine from the era. However, only 2,000 units of the collector’s edition will be produced.
Each handheld features a 4.3-inch IPS screen with an 800×480 resolution, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB port for keyboard or joystick support. The devices measure 13.6cm in width, making them larger than a Game Boy Advance SP but slightly smaller than a Nintendo DS.
The C64 Handheld and Spectrum Handheld emulate their respective classic consoles through their buttons. The C64 model comes equipped with plastic function keys, while the Spectrum version features the iconic rubber keys.
A Nostalgic Collection of Classic Games
Like other products from Retro Games, these handhelds come with 25 built-in games. The C64 Handheld includes titles such as Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe and Nebulus, while the Spectrum Handheld offers games like Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, and Skool Daze. A complete list of all the games can be found below.
Blaze Entertainment CEO Andrew Byatt shared his thoughts on the new devices, stating, “The C64 and the Spectrum are two of the most iconic names in gaming history, with generations of players who hold them close to their hearts. Bringing these experiences into a brand-new handheld form feels like a natural next step, and we’re proud to bring these to both longtime fans and a new audience discovering them for the first time. We are delighted to be working with Retro Games Ltd to make this happen.”
While an interview with Retro Games is planned to discuss the white Spectrum and their broader work, more details will be shared in due course.
Spectrum Handheld Games
- Manic Miner
- Skool Daze
- Head Over Heels
- Archon: The Light And The Dark
- Tiny Dungeons
- The Great Escape
- Bounder
- Switchblade
- Nightmare Rally
- M.O.V.I.E.
- Avenger: The Way Of The Tiger 2
- Bugaboo the Flea
- Devwill Too ZX
- Hammerfist
- Hammer Knight
- Penguin Attack
- S1NCLA1R C1TY
- Shovel Adventure
- Snake Escape
- Sorcerer Kid Adventure
- Splat!
- Tourmaline
- Where Time Stood Still
- Zynaps
- Starquake
C64 Handheld Games
- A Pig Quest
- Sam’s Journey
- Nebulus
- Boulder Dash
- Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
- Paradroid
- Hunter’s Moon Remastered
- Knight ‘n’ Grail
- Aztec Challenge
- Krakout
- Lee [possibly Bruce Lee, we’re not sure yet – GC]
- Druid
- Encounter!
- Galencia
- Ice Guys
- Metal Warrior Ultra
- Millie & Molly
- Planet Golf
- Shadow Switcher
- Spherical
- Squish ‘Em
- Steel Ranger
- X-Out
- Yeti Mountain
- It’s Magic 2
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