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 launch in October 2026. 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.
| Spectrum Handheld | THEC64 Handheld | |
|---|---|---|
| Emulates | ZX Spectrum | Commodore 64 |
| System modes | 8 (16K, 48K, 128K, +2, +2A, +2B, +3, +3e) | 6 (PAL, NTSC, C64C, C64SX, PET64, C64 GS) |
| Built-in games | 25 Spectrum titles inc. Manic Miner, Head Over Heels | 25 C64 titles inc. Boulder Dash, Paradroid, Speedball 2 |
| Design | Black with rubber keys and rainbow stripe | Retro beige |
| Screen | 4.3" IPS 840×480 | 4.3" IPS 840×480 |
| Battery | 2,000mAh (3+ hours) | 2,000mAh (3+ hours) |
| Price | £109.99 / $129.99 | £109.99 / $129.99 |
| Launch | October 2026 | October 2026 |
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 launches in October 2026. 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, 128K, +2, +2A, +2B, +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.