Blaze Entertainment and Retro Games have announced the impending arrival of two, funky new retro emulation handhelds, each a clamshell device based on a classic 1980s home computer – specifically the Commodore 64 and the ZX Spectrum. Introducing THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld.
These new devices are set to launch in October 2026, with pre-orders open right now, and coming from the folks behind the incredibly popular and well-received Super Pocket handhelds you can expect they’ll deliver on their unique promise.
What you’re getting with these, which each are set to retail for USD $129.99 / £109.99 / €129.99, is a fully-featured handheld device sporting a 4.3″ IPS screen, stereo speakers and a comfortable, modern control layout with which to play the 25 built-in games. An MicroSD card slot is also included to allow for users to add and play their own compatible games.
Each handheld is themed on the iconic aesthetics of their relevant, original home computer, and they can even be used with keyboards or joysticks via a rear USB port for a truly authentic experience.
Take a look at the reveal trailer below:
Pre-orders are available via hypermegatech.com, and there’s also a special Collector’s Edition available for each handheld that comes with a hard shell case and exclusive edition print of Crash or Zzap!64 Magazine (whichever is relevant). That version will run you USD $149.99 / £129.99/ €149.99.
Here’s a list of the games included one each system:
THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld included game lists
THEC64 Handheld
- A Pig Quest
- Sam’s Journey
- Nebulus
- Boulder Dash
- Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
- Paradroid
- Hunter’s Moon Remastered
- Knight ‘n’ Grail
- Aztec Challenge
- Krakout
- Lee
- Druid
- Encounter!
- Galencia
- Ice Guys
- Metal Warrior Ultra
- Millie & Molly
- Planet Golf
- Shadow Switcher
- Spherical
- Squish ‘Em
- Steel Ranger
- X-Out
- Yeti Mountain
- It’s Magic 2
The Spectrum Handheld
- Head Over Heels
- Manic Miner
- Skool Daze
- Tiny Dungeons
- Archon: The Light and the Dark
- The Great Escape
- Bounder
- Switchblade
- Nightmare Rally
- M.O.V.I.E.
- Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II
- Bugaboo the Flea
- Devwill Too ZX
- Hammerfist
- Hammer Knight
- Penguin Attack
- S1NCLA1R C1TY
- Shovel Adventure
- Snake Escape
- Sorcerer Kid Adventure
- Splat!
- Tourmaline
- Where Time Stood Still
- Zynaps
- Starquake
THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld full specifications
- THEC64 Handheld/The Spectrum Handheld – W136mm x H26mm x D86mm – 235g
- Form Factor– Clamshell Handheld Retro Gaming Console
- Colour – Retro Beige (THEC64 Handheld), Classic Black (The Spectrum Handheld)
- Controls – D-Pad and Face Buttons, Four mappable function keys and menu/start/select keys in tactile plastic (THEC64 Handheld) and rubber (The Spectrum Handheld)
- Screen – 4.3″ 800*480 IPS high resolution screen
- Processor – Quad Core 1.2Ghz
- Memory – 256mb DDR RAM
- Connectivity – 3.5mm headphone jack
- Battery – 3+ hour 2000mAH battery
- Charging – USB-C (cable included). 5v 1a minimum required for charging (mains adaptor not included)
- Extras – USB-A I/O port for external keyboard or joystick, MicroSD port for additional game loading.
- THEC64 Handheld Formats – Can select between C64 PAL/NTSC, C64C PAL/NTSC, C64SX PAL/NTSC, PET64 PAL/NTSC, C64 GS
- The Spectrum Handheld Formats – Can select between Spectrum 48K, Spectrum 48K (NTSC), Spectrum 128K, Spectrum +2, Spectrum +2A, Spectrum +3, Spectrum +3e, Spectrum 16K. Spectrum CPU under/overclocking supported.