ZX Spectrum returns to UK shops for 80s nostalgia gaming marathons

Elite Systems wants their console to be seen as the true successor of the Recreated ZX Spectrum

THE iconic ZX Spectrum has returned, some 33 years after it revolutionised video gaming.

 

Nostalgic gamers rejoice! The revamped ZX Spectrum has gone on sale in the UK today.

The refreshed 80s system sports the same nostalgia-drenched style and rubber keys as the 1982 classic.

The Recreated ZX Spectrum can be used to play some of the original consoles' biggest titles, which are sold through a digital store.

 

Games can be played on a range of devices including smartphones, tablets – or can be beamed to a range of TVs.

And if 1980s nostalgic video games aren't your bag, the refreshed ZX Spectrum can be used as a bluetooth keyboard.

Elite Systems, the firm behind the 1980s remake, licensed the rights to Sir Clive Sinclair's invention and launched the new ZX Spectrum via a wildly successful KickStarter campaign, which raised some £60,000.

The Recreated ZX Spectrum can be used to play some of the original consoles' biggest titles

The Remastered ZX Spectrum works like any other external keyboard which can be synced to a tablet, smartphone, smart TV or computer via Bluetooth 3.0.

Download the companion app on iOS or Android and you'll be able to play the console's biggest hits or sit back and write some code in Sinclair BASIC.

 

Technology Editor David Snelling tests out the refreshed ZX Spectrum

You can also beam your favourite 80s games, including Chuckie Egg, to your HD television using a Google ChromeCast or Apple TV.

And should you get bored of the 10,000 or more games in the 8-bit back catalogue, you can always use the device as a normal keyboard to send your emails and scroll the web.

Games can be bought through an online store and the creators have even suggested that new games could be in development for the 33-year-old system.

 

Co-founder of Elite Systems Steve Wilcox said: “Our hope for the recreated device is that it's quickly recognised as the true successor to the original Sinclair ZX Spectrum and that it wins a place in the heart of its owners, just as did the original device all those years ago."

The Recreated ZX Spectrum is available online today, with prices starting from £89.99.

It's pretty pricey, but sure to please fans of the original system.