HyperMegaTech has given retro fans two fantastic handheld options — one for Commodore 64 devotees, and one for Spectrum die-hards. But if you’re on the fence, or new to both machines, which one deserves your money? Let’s break it down.
THE HARDWARE
Both handhelds share the same satisfying form factor. You get a 4.3-inch IPS display, a built-in rechargeable battery, a proper d-pad and face buttons, a MicroSD card slot for loading additional software, and a USB-A port for connecting an external keyboard or joystick. The build quality is solid on both — chunky in a good way, with enough heft to feel premium without being uncomfortable for long sessions.
THEC64 HANDHELD
THEC64 Handheld is the one for Commodore fans. It comes loaded with 25 built-in C64 games, covering a brilliant spread of classics — from arcade conversions to home computer originals that defined a generation of gaming in the 1980s.
If you grew up typing in listings from magazines or haunting your local computer shop for cassette tapes, this will hit hard. The C64’s library is vast and deep, with strong representation in shooters, platformers, and sports games. The built-in selection reflects that variety well.
THE SPECTRUM HANDHELD
The Spectrum Handheld is the Sinclair faithful’s dream device. It packs in 25 built-in ZX Spectrum games, pulling from the enormous library of titles that made the Speccy one of the most beloved home computers in British gaming history.
The Spectrum’s game library leans into its own identity: text adventures, quirky British originals, and some genuinely innovative design that holds up surprisingly well today.
KEY DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE
Built-in games: Both come with 25 games apiece — it’s the quality and flavour of those titles that sets them apart.
Button feel: THEC64 has tactile plastic buttons; The Spectrum Handheld uses rubber buttons, which feels more authentic to the original hardware.
Game style: C64 titles tend to feel more arcade-adjacent. Spectrum games often have a distinct character — more experimental, more British, occasionally more obtuse (in the best possible way).
WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?
If you grew up with a Commodore 64 — or you’ve always wanted to explore its library — THEC64 Handheld is the obvious choice. The built-in game selection is excellent, and the MicroSD slot gives it real longevity beyond the included titles.
If the ZX Spectrum holds a special place in your heart, or you want to dig into the quirky, creative side of early British gaming, The Spectrum Handheld delivers that experience beautifully.
Can’t decide? Honestly, both are worth owning if your budget allows. They complement each other perfectly, and together they cover two of the most important home computers in gaming history.
Check out the full specs and details for both devices on evercade.info: THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld. And if you want to see everything HyperMegaTech has in the Evercade lineup, head over to our full hardware guide.