Retro gaming gets a handheld upgrade: evercade and retro games team up
The ghosts of the 8-bit era are back, and this time they’re packing a serious punch. Evercade, known for its budget-friendly console clones, has partnered with Retro Games Ltd – the minds behind the THEC64 Mini and Spectrum – to deliver portable versions of two of the decade’s defining computers.
Pixelated nostalgia: zx spectrum and c64 arrive in pocket size
The ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 dominated the home computing landscape in the 80s, acting as the gateway to software and gaming for a generation. Now, these icons are getting a new lease on life, arriving in handheld form alongside 25 pre-loaded titles – though a microSD card unlocks a veritable ocean of classic games.
These aren’t mere emulations; they’re meticulously crafted recreations designed to match the original hardware’s behavior exactly. Think original keyboard controls, joystick support, and a pixel-perfect rendering of those iconic 4:3 screens. It’s a surprisingly faithful experience, even if the elongated aspect ratio feels like a missed opportunity – a vertical form factor, reminiscent of the Game Boy, would have been a smarter choice.
Under the hood, both the THEC64 Handheld and the Spectrum Handheld boast a 4.3-inch IPS display with 840x480 resolution, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 256MB of RAM, audio jacks, stereo speakers, and a 2000mAh battery promising over three hours of playtime. USB-C charging keeps things modern.
But here's a curveball: the screens are panoramic, a peculiar choice considering the original machines used a 4:3 format. It’s a perplexing design decision – one that doesn't quite capture the essence of the originals. And, predictably, there’s no native HDMI output for connecting to a TV. A frustrating omission, given the price point.
Each console comes loaded with 25 games – Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, and Zynaps on the Spectrum Handheld, while the THEC64 Handheld offers Nebulus, Super Boulder Dash, and Speedball 2. A particularly noteworthy inclusion is Bugaboo the Flea (La Pulga), a Spanish gaming pioneer from 1983 – a genuine piece of history in the palm of your hand.
More importantly, these aren’t just clones; they support the original Spectrum ROMs – Spectrum 16K, 48K, 128K, Spectrum +2, +2A, +3, and +3e. Furthermore, they offer speed boosts for slower games, ensuring a smoother experience on older hardware. The C64 emulation covers PAL/NTSC variations, including the C64C, C64SX, PET64, and C64 GS. Retro Games’ experience clearly shines through.
Neo Geo AES+, a console once considered the Holy Grail of retro gaming, returns after 35 years, and – crucially – it's not relying on emulation. These handhelds accept original cartridges, a move that’s generating considerable excitement. It’s a bold statement about the commitment to authenticity.
At $129.99, the THEC64 Handheld and Spectrum Handheld are surprisingly affordable. Pre-orders are open now, and with a launch slated for October, get ready to relive the golden age of gaming – one pixelated screen at a time.