Handheld versions of the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum are set to launch later this year, each pre-loaded with 25 classic games. These new devices come from Retro Games, known for miniature and full-sized recreations of retro systems, in collaboration with Evercade developer Blaze Entertainment.
Handheld Specs and Pricing
The C64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld will be available in October at a price of £109.99 each. A collector's edition, priced at £129.99, includes a hard shell carry case and a replica of Crash or Zzap!64 magazine. Only 2,000 collector's units will be produced, available from Funstock.
Each handheld features a 4.3-inch IPS screen with an 800x480 resolution, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB port for keyboard or joystick support. Measuring 13.6 cm wide, the device is larger than a Game Boy Advance SP but slightly smaller than a Nintendo DS. The C64 model includes plastic function keys, while the Spectrum model retains its trademark rubber keys.
Built-in Games
The C64 handheld comes with titles such as Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Nebulus, Boulder Dash, and Paradroid. The Spectrum handheld includes Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, Skool Daze, and The Great Escape. Full game lists are provided below.
Industry Reaction
Blaze Entertainment CEO Andrew Byatt commented: 'The C64 and the Spectrum are two of the most iconic names in gaming history, with generations of players who hold them close to their hearts. Bringing these experiences into a brand-new handheld form feels like a natural next step, and we’re proud to bring these to both longtime fans and a new audience discovering them for the first time. We are delighted to be working with Retro Games Ltd to make this happen.'
Retro Games will be interviewed soon about the white Spectrum and their work, so more details may emerge.
Full Game Lists
Spectrum handheld games: Manic Miner, Skool Daze, Head Over Heels, Archon: The Light And The Dark, Tiny Dungeons, The Great Escape, Bounder, Switchblade, Nightmare Rally, M.O.V.I.E., Avenger: The Way Of The Tiger 2, Bugaboo the Flea, Devwill Too, ZX Hammerfist, Hammer Knight, Penguin Attack, S1NCLA1R C1TY, Shovel Adventure, Snake Escape, Sorcerer Kid Adventure, Splat!, Tourmaline, Where Time Stood Still, Zynaps, Starquake.
C64 handheld games: A Pig Quest, Sam’s Journey, Nebulus, Boulder Dash, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid, Hunter’s Moon Remastered, Knight ‘n’ Grail, Aztec Challenge, Krakout, Lee (possibly Bruce Lee), Druid, Encounter!, Galencia, Ice Guys, Metal Warrior Ultra, Millie & Molly, Planet Golf, Shadow Switcher, Spherical, Squish ‘Em, Steel Ranger, X-Out, Yeti Mountain, It’s Magic 2.
