Retro gaming reborn: evercade teams with retro games ltd to bring 8-bit classics to handheld
The ghosts of the 80s are getting a portable makeover. Evercade, known for its budget-friendly retro consoles, has partnered with Retro Games Ltd—the creators of the iconic THEC64 Mini and Spectrum—to launch handheld versions of these beloved home computers.
Pixelated nostalgia: the spectrum and c64 in your pocket
These aren’t mere emulators. Evercade is delivering pre-loaded devices boasting 25 games each, spanning the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64—the machines that ignited a generation's love affair with computing and gaming. Think Manic Miner, Head over Heels, and the pioneering Bugaboo the Flea, now available on a palm-sized screen.
But here’s the twist: these aren’t just rehashes. They’re meticulously engineered to replicate the original experience, utilizing keyboard connectivity for authentic joystick control. It’s a surprisingly faithful recreation, down to the 4:3 screen ratio—a detail that feels subtly incongruous, perhaps suggesting a missed opportunity for a more conventional Game Boy-esque form factor.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 4.3-inch IPS display with a 840x480 resolution, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 256MB of RAM, and a 2000mAh battery promising over three hours of play. USB-C charging and stereo speakers complete the package. The real value, however, lies in the microSD card support, granting access to the vast libraries of games available for both systems – a staggering collection of titles waiting to be unearthed.
Crucially, these devices offer full hardware emulation, supporting a remarkable range of Spectrum variants – from the 16K to the 128K – and faithfully replicating the C64’s capabilities across PAL and NTSC versions, including the C64C, C64SX, PET64, and GS. The developers have even implemented speed boosts for slower games, addressing a common complaint from vintage Spectrum enthusiasts.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of Neo Geo AES+, a console that was once the holy grail for retro gaming collectors, now resurrected 35 years after its initial release – and not through emulation. This is a genuine, cartridge-based experience. The move is a testament to Evercade's commitment to delivering authentic retro gaming.
Available starting in October for €129.99, the THEC64 Handheld and Spectrum Handheld represent a compelling proposition for anyone seeking a tangible connection to the golden age of computing. It’s a bold move, bringing pixelated history directly to your fingertips – a victory for those who remember a time before instant gratification and streaming services.