2.6 million pounds for Spectrum ZX Next Issue 3: C64, Schneider CPC in one

Hobbyist Henrique Olifiers has successfully completed his Kickstarter campaign for the Spectrum ZX Next Issue 3 retro console. The target was 250,000 British pounds, but in the end, about 2.6 million were raised.

By using the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Artix A7, the retro computer simulates not only the original Spectrum ZX but also the Commodore 64 and many other 8-bitters of the era directly in hardware and with low latency. This means that programs and games run without emulation on the activated hardware (cores).

Some of these so-called cores will be officially supplied at launch and are the result of the stretch goals achieved through the campaign. According to initiator Olifiers, the hardware also runs numerous other cores, including those from third-party providers.

Easy to connect

In addition to the option of connecting the computer to the network via Wi-Fi, programs and cores can also be transferred to the system via SD card. The system is also easy to connect in other ways. Video is connected to the monitor via HDMI or VGA, joysticks can be connected via two 9-pin ports.

The design is only loosely based on the look of the original. Goodbye bubblegum keyboard! The term refers to the shape of the keys on the first Spectrum, which is reminiscent of chewing gum. In any case, Olifiers advertises the hardware as a broad platform for various 8-bitters and not as a mere copy of the first Spectrum. The company is therefore taking a different approach to Commodore with the 64 Ultimate, which is primarily intended to be a retro C64.

From 0 to 250,000 in 7 minutes

A total of 7524 supporters contributed capital to the Kickstarter campaign. The funding target of 250,000 pounds was reached after just seven minutes and was doubled within an hour.

The total price of the device, including keyboard, LEDs and connection panel, is 345 euros. Hobbyists and makers can pre-order the mainboard for 185 euros – so that anyone interested can build their own version with a German ISO keyboard, for example. People who already own Generation 1 or 2 can upgrade to Generation 3 for 209 euros. 394 euros will be charged for the ZX Spectrum Next Issue 3 Magenta, which comes with a semi-transparent case and an accelerator card.

European orders come from an EU warehouse, so there are no customs costs or import sales tax on top. First deliveries are planned for December 2025.

(aki)