Retro Games Ltd, the force behind the popular “The” series of plug-and-play mini and full-size (maxi) computer consoles I’ve been covering since 2016, including TheC64 (Commodore 64 and VIC-20 computer platform Minis and Maxis), TheA500 Mini (Commodore Amiga), and The400 Mini (Atari 8-bit computers (my review)), is now releasing a maxi based on the wildly-popular-in-the-UK ZX Spectrum platform, supporting 16K – 128K games and featuring a fully working ZX Spectrum-style keyboard. This leaks ahead of the official announcement thanks to some jumpy European retailers.
There are 48 built-in games, including popular titles like Manic Miner, The Hobbit, Saboteur!, The Great Escape, Head Over Heels, Match Day II, Target: Renegade, and Alien Girl (Skirmish Edition). Included in the box is The Spectrum console, quick start guide, HDMI cable, and USB-C cable. As with the other “The” series systems, you need to supply your own USB AC adapter.
While the ZX Spectrum, in its bastardized Timex Sinclair 2068 form, didn’t make a dent in the US market, it proved a wildly popular budget computer platform in the UK and other select regions. While I suspect this will be a tough sell to US consumers due to its unusual graphics and overall modest gaming capabilities, as a US-centric enthusiast myself (with a variety of ZX Spectrum and Timex systems in my collection), I can say it’s still worth exploring for retro gaming and computing enthusiasts with an open mind. It had some great isometric action-adventure games and, as with any retro computer worth its salt, a unique “personality.” Thanks to the working keyboard, you can even play in the authentic way with the original-style wonky keyboard, as well as program in BASIC. Of course, the USB ports will no doubt support the usual external joysticks and keyboards.
While these are not meant as replacements for the original computers, they’re always fun for more casual uses, and, frankly, if you don’t enjoy the 48 built-in games, you’ll likely never enjoy the platform, as there are many all-time greats in there. It’s probably the best overall game list of any of their “The” series (though, of course, you can always add your own games via the SD card slot).
It’s expected to retail for €99/$129.99.
Here’s the game list:
Alien Girl (Skirmish Edition)
Ant Attack
Army Moves
Auf Wiedersehen Monty
Avalon
Bobby Bearing
Cosmic Payback
Devwill Too ZX
Exolon
Fairlight
Firelord
Football Manager 2
Freddy Hardest
The Great Escape
Head Over Heels
Highway Encounter
The Hobbit
Horace Goes Skiing
Jack the Nipper
Knot in 3D
The Lords of Midnight
Manic Miner
Match Day II
Movie
Nodes of Yesod
Penetrator
Phantis (Game Over II)
Pheenix
Pyracurse
Quazatron
Robin of the Wood
Saboteur! Remastered
Shovel Adventure
Skool Daze
Snake Escape
Spellbound
Starquake
Starstrike II
El Stompo
Stonkers
Target: Renegade
TCQ
Technician Ted – The Megamix
Tenebra
Trashman
The Way of the Exploding Fist
Wheelie
Where Time Stood Still
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