The Spectrum Handheld

The Spectrum Handheld is a portable reimagining of the iconic ZX Spectrum home computer in a clamshell form factor. Developed by HyperMegaTech! in partnership with Retro Games Ltd and Blaze Entertainment, it comes loaded with 25 classic Spectrum titles and a MicroSD slot for expanding your game library. The Classic Black finish and rubber function keys are a deliberate nod to the feel of the original rubber-keyed ZX Spectrum, while the rainbow stripe detail on the lower half seals the aesthetic authenticity.

Key Features

• Clamshell design inspired by 1980s palmtops and portable computers
• 4.3″ IPS screen at 840×480 resolution
• 25 built-in ZX Spectrum games
• MicroSD card slot for loading additional games
• USB-A port for connecting an external keyboard or joystick
• Classic Black finish with rubber function keys matching the original Spectrum feel
• Iconic rainbow stripe design detail
• Multiple Spectrum system configurations supported
• Stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack
• USB-C charging

Specifications

• Display: 4.3″ IPS, 840×480 resolution
• Processor: Quad-core 1.2GHz
• RAM: 256MB DDR
• Battery: 2,000mAH — 3+ hours gameplay
• Charging: USB-C
• Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Expansion: MicroSD card slot
• Connectivity: USB-A port (external keyboard/joystick)
• Dimensions: 136mm × 86mm × 26mm
• Weight: 235g
• Colour: Classic Black

Spectrum System Modes

The Spectrum Handheld supports a wide range of original ZX Spectrum hardware configurations for accurate emulation across the full Spectrum family:

• ZX Spectrum 16K
• ZX Spectrum 48K
• ZX Spectrum 48K (NTSC)
• ZX Spectrum 128K
• ZX Spectrum +2
• ZX Spectrum +2A
• ZX Spectrum +3
• ZX Spectrum +3e

CPU under-clocking and over-clocking are also supported.

MicroSD Expansion

The built-in MicroSD slot lets you load additional games beyond the 25 pre-installed titles, giving you access to a much wider library of Spectrum software from your own legally-obtained collection. The USB-A port on the rear allows you to connect an original-style keyboard or joystick for a more authentic input experience.

Built-In Games — 25 Titles

• Archon: The Light and the Dark
• Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II
• Bounder
• Bugaboo the Flea
• Devwill Too ZX
• Hammerfist
• Hammer Knight
• Head Over Heels
• Manic Miner
• M.O.V.I.E.
• Nightmare Rally
• Penguin Attack
• S1NCLA1R C1TY
• Shovel Adventure
• Skool Daze
• Snake Escape
• Sorcerer Kid Adventure
• Splat!
• Starquake
• Switchblade
• The Great Escape
• Tiny Dungeons
• Tourmaline
• Where Time Stood Still
• Zynaps

Collector’s Edition

A Collector’s Edition is available, limited to 2,000 units. It includes:

• The Spectrum Handheld console
• Hard shell protective case
• Exclusive Crash magazine

Standard Edition: £109.99 / $129.99 / €129.99

Collector’s Edition: £129.99 / $149.99 / €149.99

Both editions now launch 22 April 2027, delayed six months from the original October 2026 date. Pre-orders are available now.

Also announced at the same time: THEC64 Handheld — the Commodore 64 equivalent in Retro Beige.

Click here for the official HyperMegaTech page.

NOT SURE WHICH DEVICE TO CHOOSE?

See the full Evercade hardware comparison — every current device side by side with specs, prices, and a quick guide to which one suits you best.

Super Pocket  ·  EXP-R  ·  Nexus  ·  VS-R  ·  Alpha  ·  THEC64  ·  Spectrum

Spectrum Handheld vs THEC64 Handheld

Both handhelds share the same hardware platform — same screen, processor, battery, and price. The difference is which 8-bit home computer they emulate and the games they come with.

If you grew up with a ZX Spectrum or love classic British 8-bit games, the Spectrum Handheld is the obvious choice. If the C64 is your nostalgia machine — think SID chip music and titles like Paradroid — go for THEC64. Both support MicroSD expansion, so your library isn’t limited to the built-in titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Spectrum Handheld compatible with Evercade cartridges?
No — the Spectrum Handheld is a standalone device made by HyperMegaTech! in partnership with Blaze Entertainment. It does not have a cartridge slot and is not compatible with Evercade cartridges.

When does the Spectrum Handheld release?
The Spectrum Handheld now launches 22 April 2027 (delayed from the original October 2026 date). Pre-orders are available now through Funstock and other Evercade retailers.

What games are built into the Spectrum Handheld?
The Spectrum Handheld comes with 25 built-in ZX Spectrum games including Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, and other classic titles. It also supports MicroSD expansion for additional games.

Does the Spectrum Handheld support MicroSD cards?
Yes — the Spectrum Handheld has a MicroSD expansion slot and a USB-A port, allowing you to load additional ZX Spectrum games beyond the 25 built-in titles.

How long does the battery last?
The 2,000mAh battery provides 3+ hours of gameplay. It charges via USB-C.

Which ZX Spectrum models does it emulate?
The Spectrum Handheld supports 8 Spectrum configurations: ZX Spectrum 16K, 48K, 48K (NTSC), 128K, +2, +2A, +3, and +3e — covering virtually the entire Spectrum hardware range. It also supports CPU under- and over-clocking for accuracy and speed.

Where can I buy the Spectrum Handheld?
The Spectrum Handheld is available to pre-order now from Funstock UK and Funstock USA. See our Where to Buy page for a full list of international stockists.

How does the Spectrum Handheld compare to the original ZX Spectrum?
The Spectrum Handheld is a modern portable device that emulates the ZX Spectrum rather than using original hardware. It fits in your pocket, charges via USB-C, and comes with 25 games built in — while staying true to the original aesthetic with rubber keys and the iconic rainbow stripe.

New to Evercade? Start with our Introduction to Evercade guide — hardware, game library, and how to pick your first carts explained in one place.