Classic 80s Computers Reimagined as Clamshell Handhelds
▼ Summary
– Blaze is teaming up with Retro Games Ltd to produce two clamshell handhelds, THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld, based on the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64.
– Each handheld includes 25 preloaded games, a 4.3-inch IPS display, simplified controls, and a MicroSD slot for loading additional games.
– THEC64 Handheld has tactile plastic function keys, while The Spectrum Handheld uses rubber function keys, with both designs inspired by 1980s portable computers and gaming handhelds.
– The devices cost £109.99 | $129.99 | €129.99 each, with pre-orders opening today and a launch planned for October 2026.
– Collector’s Edition variants, limited to 2000 units each and priced at £129.99 | $149.99 | €149.99, include a hard shell case and exclusive magazine, available only from Funstock.
Following yesterday’s teaser, Evercade creator Blaze has officially confirmed a partnership with Retro Games Ltd to launch two new clamshell handhelds inspired by the iconic ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64. The devices, named THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld, are designed to bring a portable, modern twist to classic 8-bit computing.
Each handheld comes loaded with 25 pre-installed games, a 4.3-inch IPS display, and streamlined controls that compensate for the absence of a full keyboard. Both units also support loading additional titles via MicroSD, and users can connect a USB keyboard through the USB-A I/O port. A press release notes that the clamshell design draws from some of the most popular gaming handhelds of the past, while also echoing the look of portable computers, palmtops, and organizers from the 1980s. Each console includes four function buttons that replicate the feel of original device keys. THEC64 Handheld uses tactile plastic for these buttons, while The Spectrum Handheld opts for rubber.
In terms of specs, both devices measure W136mm x H26mm x D86mm and weigh 235g. THEC64 Handheld comes in Retro Beige, while The Spectrum Handheld is offered in Classic Black. The D-Pad and face buttons are paired with four mappable function keys, plus menu/start/select buttons. The 4.3-inch IPS screen delivers an 840×480 resolution, powered by a Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and 256MB DDR RAM. Connectivity includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-A for external keyboards, and MicroSD for extra games. A 2000mAh battery provides over 3 hours of playtime, with charging via USB-C (cable included; mains adaptor sold separately).
For format flexibility, THEC64 Handheld lets users choose between C64 PAL/NTSC, C64C, C64SX, PET64, and C64 GS. The Spectrum Handheld supports Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2, +2A, +3, +3e, and 16K, along with CPU under/overclocking options.
The preloaded game libraries span classic and indie titles. THEC64 Handheld includes A Pig Quest, Sam’s Journey, Nebulus, Boulder Dash, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid, The Great Escape, Bounder, Switchblade, Krakout, M. O. V. I. E., Druid, Encounter!, Bugaboo the Flea, Hammerfist, Ice Guys, Metal Warrior, Ultra Penguin Attack, Millie & Molly, Planet Golf, Shovel Adventure, Shadow Switcher, Snake Escape, Spherical, and Sorcerer Kid. The Spectrum Handheld offers Head Over Heels, Manic Miner, Skool Daze, Tiny Dungeons, Archon: The Light and the Dark, Hunter’s Moon Remastered, Knight ‘n’ Grail, Aztec Challenge, Nightmare Rally, Lee, Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II, Devwill Too, ZX Galencia, Hammer Knight, S1NCLA1R C1TY, Steel Ranger, X-Out, Where Time Stood Still, Yeti Mountain, Zynaps, It’s Magic 2, Starquake, Tourmaline, and Adventure Squish ‘Em Splat!.
Pricing is set at £109.99 / $129.99 / €129.99 per unit, with a launch planned for October 2026. Pre-orders go live today. For collectors, limited Collector’s Edition variants are available, each including a hard shell case and an exclusive magazine , Crash with The Spectrum Handheld, and Zzap with THEC64 Handheld. These are limited to 2,000 units each and sold exclusively through Funstock.co.uk and Funstock USA, priced at £129.99 / $149.99 / €149.99.
(Source: Timeextension.com)