The Spectrum White Edition: A retro legend gets a reissue
More than four decades after the original, Retro Games is launching the reissue of the ZX Spectrum in a legendary color variant.
The return of the ZX Spectrum – Part 2: The 2024 remake is now followed by a white special edition.
(Image: Retro Games Ltd. / Plaion Replai)
“The Spectrum White Edition,” originally expected in March, is now officially available. This delay was likely not a coincidence, as the new release date falls exactly on the anniversary of the first Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16/48k, which first graced home living rooms on April 23, 1982.
Myth becomes a product
The white variant of the home computer, which sold millions, has its origins in a special episode of tech history. In retro circles, the story of a light-colored Spectrum model persisted for years. In fact, a device in this color scheme was created in 1983, but only as a symbolic one-off, presented to Spectrum creator Clive Sinclair to celebrate one million devices sold. It was never widely released. Retro Games Ltd., which also plans a remake of the Amiga 1200 for this year, is now picking up on this retro myth and translating it into a series product.
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Technically, the White Edition is based on the reissue of the system available since 2024. It also comes in the original size, including the characteristic rubber keyboard, and is expanded with current interfaces. An HDMI port ensures compatibility with modern displays, and USB ports allow controllers to be connected and custom content to be loaded.
50 Euros Surcharge
The scope of delivery also includes a color-matching joystick with microswitches, a USB stick in the design of the historical Microdrive storage system, and a Spectrum edition of Crash Magazine. 48 games from the early days of the medium are pre-installed. A separate white controller is also available for 25 Euros.
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While the classic black variant of The Spectrum is currently available for just under 100 euros, Retro Games and Plaion are charging an extra 50 euros for the white edition. For collectors, there is also a limited Collector's Edition, announced for June 26, 2026. In addition to the white Spectrum, it includes a modernized version of the original thermal printer, a spiral-bound manual, an exclusive edition of Crash Magazine, and the 8-button joystick TheQuickshot II. Price: 229 euros.
(joe)
