Retro home computers for your pocket: C64 and ZX Spectrum become handhelds

With the C64 Handheld and the Spectrum Handheld, HyperMegaTech is bringing portable systems that are visually based on their historical predecessors. Both devices adopt the original design of the original devices, but transfer it to a foldable housing that is strongly reminiscent of Nintendo's Game Boy Advance SP.

The display is handled by a 4.3-inch IPS display, which is intended to provide vibrant colors. Games are controlled classically via a D-pad and four action buttons. The button layout is complemented by special function keys in the style of the old systems.

25 games pre-installed – expansion possible

HyperMegaTech states that each of the devices will be delivered with 25 pre-installed titles. The Spectrum handheld includes well-known classics such as “Manic Miner”, “Head Over Heels”, or “The Great Escape”. The C64 handheld comes with, among others, “Super Boulder Dash”, “Sam's Journey”, and the Bitmap Brothers classic “Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe”, for which Rebellion recently released a modernized remake. Those who want more can integrate their games or new homebrew projects via a MicroSD card slot.

Additionally, there is a 3.5 mm jack for headphones and a USB-A port to which a keyboard can be connected. A USB-C port is integrated for charging. According to the manufacturer, the battery should last more than three hours. An adapted user interface is intended to provide information about the games and enable saving and loading of game states. Thus, the devices are functionally oriented towards earlier reissues such as TheC64 in original size, which is also equipped with pre-installed games and modern ports.

Collector's editions with extras

At just under 130 euros per handheld, the portable versions are significantly cheaper than more elaborate reinterpretations of classic hardware such as the C64C Ultimate (from around 300 US dollars). However, the recent reissue of the ZX Spectrum, “The Spectrum White Edition”, presented by Retro Games, is also available for 150 euros – the standard version even for 50 euros less.

In addition to the standard models, the manufacturer also offers limited collector's bundles. These cost an additional 20 euros and include, in addition to the handheld, a hard-shell protective case in the design of the respective console, as well as a retro-style magazine with background information, interviews, and game overviews. According to the provider, the number of units is limited to 2000 copies each. The delivery of the new retro handhelds is planned for October 15, 2026.

(joe)