Friday, November 22nd 2024

Plaion Launches Retro ZX Spectrum Computer

PLAION, a global leader in video games, and Retro Games Ltd. (RGL), the premier producer of reimagined home computers, proudly announce the launch of The Spectrum. This modern recreation of Sir Clive Sinclair's legendary ZX Spectrum retains its original design while incorporating today's technology, delivering nostalgia and innovation in one package.

Unlike previous emulations, The Spectrum is the first to faithfully replicate the design of the iconic 48k ZX Spectrum while including 48 pre-installed games. The design of the original machine was seen as unique. While machines like the Commodore 64, BBC Micro and ATARI 800XL shared a common aesthetic that became synonymous with home computers, the ZX Spectrum had a look and feel that had not been seen before, or indeed since. The Spectrum aims to bring back that nostalgic feeling to retro fans with an authentic looking, sleek, minimalist design worthy of any display cabinet.
Widespread accessibility and affordability of the original ZX Spectrum helped breed creativity, with games being made by small independent companies as well as bedroom developers from a variety of backgrounds. This creativity led to a diverse library of software including fun and quirky games - many of these games have been pre-installed on The Spectrum including fan favourites Manic Miner, Horace Goes Skiing and The Hobbit.

"We're thrilled to launch The Spectrum and deeply appreciate the enthusiastic support from the community. From hidden gems to a vibrant user culture, this project truly feels like Christmas 1982 all over again," said Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd.

Additional points of interest include:
  • Emulates all ZX Spectrum models from 16k to 128k and has officially licensed games, playable using only the keys just like the originals; see the full list of games here - retrogames.biz/games/thespectrum/.
  • Accessibility features such as the ability to rewind gameplay by up to 40 seconds and the inclusion of four 'save-game' slots per title, as well as functionality that allows players to add their own games via a USB stick.
  • Distinctive multi-function keys with colour-coded labels, blending style and practicality.
  • Detailed control mapping instructions for all games, which can be accessed from the themed User Interface, as well as an old-school CRT filter option to replicate TVs of old.
  • Compatible with a variety of new and old proprietary and third-party controllers/joysticks.
The Spectrum is now available from a variety of European retailers, priced at £89.99 (€99.99).

Source: Plaion
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32 Comments on Plaion Launches Retro ZX Spectrum Computer

#26
Noci
I remember the original from the eighties, my brother in law owned one. It was my first introduction with PC's and PC games.
Data storage on tapes o_O, you needed a cassette deck and TV of your own.

(bought my first desktop in 1993)
We've come a long way since then.

Posted on Reply
#27
Ruru
S.T.A.R.S.
lexluthermiesterThis is an odd statement. The Speccy can be simulated/emulated by a potato and provide a brilliant experience. If you'd watched Noel's video review you would have a better understanding of the attention to detail and refinement this device offers.
Yeah, those older 8-bit systems aren't hard to emulate. I remember having no issues playing NES games with a Pentium II 400 as a teen back in the day.
NociData storage on tapes o_O, you needed a cassette deck and TV of your own.
Never had a floppy drive with C64, all I had was the cassette drive and oh lord how long it took to load games. Some games even needed flipping the cassette during the loading of a game.
Posted on Reply
#28
lexluthermiester
RuruI remember having no issues playing NES games with a Pentium II 400 as a teen back in the day.
Same here, though the SNES and other 16bit system emulation didn't run well until the Pentium 3 & Athlon days.
Posted on Reply
#29
Nelly
TheLostSwedeAmstrad also made computers, although mainly PCs, although they had one with a Sega Mega Drive built in as well...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstrad_Mega_PC

I guess I was wrong about the mainly PCs part, but these were really before I started using computers and I didn't grow up in the UK...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amstrad_CPC
In 1993 we was using the Amstrad PC1640HD20 in a training centres where I lived in the UK to do Business Admin qualification. We used obviously Dos based Wordperfect 5.1, Dbase III and Lotus 123 with WYSIWYG for printing. I think this 086 model was manufactured between 1986-1994, we used Hewlett Packard 550c Inkjets printers.

Posted on Reply
#30
Noci
NellyIn 1993 we was using the Amstrad PC1640HD20 in a training centres where I lived in the UK to do Business Admin qualification. We used obviously Dos based Wordperfect 5.1, Dbase III and Lotus 123 with WYSIWYG for printing. I think this 086 model was manufactured between 1986-1994, we used Hewlett Packard 550c Inkjets printers.
Inkjet? Very high tech for that time, I used Dot-matrix printers in that time and still quite a while after :ohwell:
Posted on Reply
#31
Nelly
NociInkjet? Very high tech for that time, I used Dot-matrix printers in that time and still quite a while after :ohwell:
My first job when aged 18 was a trainee purchase ledger clerk in Feb 93, for a national company head office. We had an industrial dot matrix/line printer for purchase/returns daybooks, remittances and statements, it was in a huge metal cabinet, apparently it cost a thousand or two I remember back then.

The manager and assistant manager had 386 PCs with colour monitors, I was kinda in awe, as the 18 or so other clerks including me had to make do with green screen terminals lol. :rolleyes:
Something like this for the whole office.


Posted on Reply
#32
lexluthermiester
NellyMy first job when aged 18 was a trainee purchase ledger clerk in Feb 93, for a national company head office. We had an industrial dot matrix/line printer for purchase/returns daybooks, remittances and statements, it was in a huge metal cabinet, apparently it cost a thousand or two I remember back then.

The manager and assistant manager had 386 PCs with colour monitors, I was kinda in awe, as the 18 or so other clerks including me had to make do with green screen terminals lol. :rolleyes:
Something like this for the whole office.


Good lord! That takes me back... Little bit too far back...
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