New Spectrum and C64 Handhelds Reignite 8-bit Rivalry
Blaze Entertainment, through its HyperMegaTech! brand, has announced two rather intriguing new handheld devices: the Spectrum Handheld and THEC64 Handheld, a move that feels very much like throwing a lit match into the decades-old, fiercely loyal, and utterly British debate between rubber-keyed Spectrum aficionados and their Commodore 64 counterparts. For those of us who spent the long, sun-drenched summers of the mid-1980s, perhaps the year before the miners' strike ended, hunched over a flickering CRT, waiting for a game to load from cassette, the very idea of a portable version of these machines, complete with their distinct keyboard feels, is a delightful, almost surreal, prospect.
These new clamshell devices, reminiscent in form factor to Nintendo's DS, aim to capture the essence of 8-bit home computing in a pocketable format. Each handheld features a 4.3-inch IPS screen, displaying at 800x480 pixels, alongside a modern D-pad and face buttons. Four additional function keys are present, designed to address the keyboard commands that were so integral to the original machines' programmes.
Rekindling the Rubber Key vs. Clacky Keyboard Debate
The attention to detail in the design is quite specific; the Spectrum Handheld, naturally, comes equipped with rubber keys, faithfully recreating that tactile experience familiar to anyone who typed out a BASIC listing on a 48K machine. THEC64 Handheld, on the other hand, sports hard plastic keys, reflecting the more robust feel of its Commodore ancestor. This distinction alone speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to authenticity, understanding that these small touches are critical to the period experience.
Each device arrives pre-loaded with 25 games, a collection that notably leans into cult classics and deeper cuts rather than just the usual suspects. For THEC64, titles like Boulder Dash, Speedball 2, and X-Out are included, showcasing the Commodore's diverse software library. The Spectrum Handheld, meanwhile, offers gems such as Matthew Smith's Manic Miner, the Oliver Twins' Head Over Heels, and the wonderfully subversive Skool Daze, reminding us of the Spectrum's unique flavour of inventive, often quirky, game design.
A Handheld for the Home Computer Enthusiast
What truly elevates these handhelds beyond simple plug-and-play devices is their surprising depth of functionality, directly tapping into their computer heritage. Both units include a MicroSD slot, allowing users to load their own games and programmes, a feature that significantly broadens their appeal for preservationists and enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, a rear USB-A port means one can connect an external keyboard or joystick, opening up possibilities for a more traditional home computer setup on the go.
There is also a remarkable amount of system-level tinkering available. Users can switch between PAL and NTSC modes, explore different hardware variants, and even adjust CPU speeds on the Spectrum side. What this hints at, for the scene, is a genuine understanding from Blaze of what makes these machines truly special beyond mere nostalgia; the ability to load one's own programmes via MicroSD, and to even adjust CPU speeds, speaks volumes about a desire to preserve the experimental spirit of the 8-bit home computer, rather than simply offering a static collection.
Beyond the Usual Console Fare
For many, the retro gaming market has, until recently, felt somewhat saturated with re-releases of familiar console titles, particularly from the Sega and Nintendo libraries. These new handhelds, however, represent a refreshing shift, exploring the rich, often idiosyncratic, world of 1980s home computers. This era was characterised by ambitious ideas and a willingness to experiment, often veering away from the simpler arcade mechanics prevalent on consoles of the time. The games selected for these devices reflect that spirit, offering a treasure trove of curious and inventive experiences.
The standard editions of the Spectrum Handheld and THEC64 Handheld will retail for £109.99. For the truly dedicated, Collector's Editions are available at £129.99, limited to 2,000 units each. These special editions come bundled with a replica magazine, either Zzap!64 for the Commodore or Crash magazine for the Spectrum. The inclusion of replica magazines, specifically Crash and Zzap!64, is a particularly astute touch, acknowledging the critical role these publications played in shaping the culture and community around these machines, acting as both arbiters of taste and vital conduits for information in an era before the internet.
These new handhelds offer a compelling proposition for anyone curious about the foundational design language of modern gaming, or simply those who yearn for the unique charm of 8-bit British computing. Pre-orders are now open, marking a significant moment for the continued appreciation and accessibility of these historically important machines.
Wear the scene. Our Player Clothing line is a limited run — each t-shirt is individually numbered, designed for people who can still quote cartridge error codes from memory.
Follow RetroShell on X for daily retro gaming news. Join the community on r/RetroShell.
Originally published by Creative Bloq Gaming. Read original article.
