Two new hanadheld gaming devices inspired by legendary '80s home computers are on the way. Retro Games Ltd and Blaze Entertainment joined forces to release the C64 Handheld and the Spectrum Handheld, two $129.99 handheld gaming devices inspired by the legendary 1980s Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum 8-bit home computers, respectively.
The C64 Handheld and Spectrum Handhelds aim to capture the nostalgia of retro gaming but also deliver convenience and portability. The portable gaming devices arrive in a clamshell form factor that measures 5.35 x 1.02 x 3.39 inches (136 x 26 x 86m m) and weighs just 0.52 pounds (235 grams). The C64 Handheld sticks to the classic beige theme, while The Spectrum features a sleek, black exterior. The D-pad, face buttons, and four mappable function keys are the same on both devices, except that the former is plastic and the latter is rubber.
Both handheld gaming consoles leverage 4.3-inch IPS screens. with a resolution of 840 x 480, which is sufficient for those old-school 8-bit titles. Meanwhile, a quad-core processor with a 1.2 GHz clock speed and 256 MB of DDR memory powers the C64 and Spectrum handhelds. The devices come with a 2,000 mAh battery that offers three hours of battery life and charge via a standard USB Type-C port.
The C64 Handheld and Spectrum Handheld Specifications
Device |
The C64 Handheld |
The Spectrum Handheld |
|---|---|---|
Screen |
4.3-inch, 840 x 480 IPS |
4.3-inch, 840 x 480 IPS |
Processor |
Quad-core at 1.2 GHz |
Quad-core at 1.2 GHz |
Memory |
256MB DDR |
256MB DDR |
Battery |
2,000 mAh |
2,000 mAh |
Dimensions |
5.35 x 1.02 x 3.39 inches |
5.35 x 1.02 x 3.39 inches |
Weight |
0.52 lbs |
0.52 lbs |
Connectivity |
USB Type-C port, USB Type-A port, 3.5mm audio jack |
USB Type-C port, USB Type-A port, 3.5mm audio jack |
External Storage |
MicroSD port |
MicroSD port |
The handhelds come with a USB Type-A port for connecting a keyboard or joystick, if you prefer to play the old-fashioned way. Additionally, both devices have high-quality stereo speakers and a standard 3.5m m headphone jack.
Each handheld gaming device comes pre-loaded with an impressive collection of 25 retro titles. The list of games spans from arcade classics to beloved adventure titles. Don't worry if the game you want to play isn't on the list. In addition to the carefully curated selection, the integrated microSD card slot opens up even more possibilities. You can expand the device's game library by using a microSD card to add ROMs you have legally obtained, of course.
The C64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld Game List
Game |
The C64 Handheld |
The Spectrum Handheld |
|---|---|---|
1 |
A Pig Quest |
Head Over Heels |
2 |
Sam’s Journey |
Manic Miner |
3 |
Nebulus |
Skool Daze |
4 |
Boulder Dash |
Tiny Dungeons |
5 |
Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe |
Archon: The Light and the Dark |
6 |
Paradroid |
The Great Escape |
7 |
Hunter’s Moon Remastered |
Bounder |
8 |
Knight ‘n’ Grail |
Switchblade |
9 |
Aztec Challenge |
Nightmare Rally |
10 |
Krakout |
M.O.V.I.E. |
11 |
Lee |
Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II |
12 |
Druid |
Bugaboo the Flea |
13 |
Encounter! |
Devwill Too ZX |
14 |
Galencia |
Hammerfist |
15 |
Ice Guys |
Hammer Knight |
16 |
Metal Warrior Ultra |
Penguin Attack |
17 |
Millie & Molly |
S1NCLA1R C1TY |
18 |
Planet Golf |
Shovel Adventure |
19 |
Shadow Switcher |
Snake Escape |
20 |
Spherical |
Sorcerer Kid Adventure |
21 |
Squish ‘Em |
Splat! |
22 |
Steel Ranger |
Tourmaline |
23 |
X-Out |
Where Time Stood Still |
24 |
Yeti Mountain |
Zynaps |
25 |
It’s Magic 2 |
Starquake |
You can pre-order The C64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld for $129.99 at U.S. retailers, including CastleMania Games, Funstock, and Songbird Productions. They are expected to ship on October 15.
There's an exclusive collector's edition, which is exclusive to Funstock and limited to 2,000 units, that includes a hard-shell travel case and an exclusive edition of Crash Magazine in addition to the handheld. The C64 Handheld Collector's Edition and The Spectrum Handheld Collector's Edition retail for a $149.99, a $20 premium over the standard version.
