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I can't say I had the C64 and ZX Spectrum making grand returns as clamshell retro handhelds on my bingo card, but that's exactly what Blaze and Retro Games Ltd are planning. The minds behind the Evercade and the makers of systems like the Atari 400 Mini are turning the microcomputers into something that effectively looks like a 3DS, and I'm obviously here for it.
Dubbed "THE64 Handheld" and "The Spectrum Handheld", Blaze and Retro Games Ltd's collaboration takes the existing plug-and-play systems and, well, makes them portable (cheers, Time Extension). Both come armed with a 4.3-inch 800x480 IPS high-resolution display, 25 built-in games, a micro SD card slot for running your own backups, and getups that pay homage to each OG microcomputer.
Both versions wield a d-pad not unlike the upcoming Evercade Nexus, and the face buttons look pretty similar, too. Don't sweat, though; you're getting a nifty top row of function keys to help with micromputer compatibility, or you can hook up your own keyboard using a side USB-A port.
Both handhelds are available to pre-order now for £109.99 at Blaze's Funstock UK site, but there's no sign of US listings yet. The price is slightly hard to swallow since the C64 Mini was previously readily available for around $50, and even the new black version is $79.99 at Amazon. That's perhaps a silly comparison since these two portables have built-in screens, meaning they can serve as standalone machines for your desk.
Turning the C64 and Spectrum into clamshells naturally makes them look like a Nintendo 3D. But, I'd argue they feel more like fictional microcomputer gadgets you'd see in a '90s anime, or like someone has made a cyber deck that pays homage to the two 40-year-old machines. Regardless, while I would have preferred both to come with HDMI output, the idea of angling the display and playing 8-bit oddities on a truly "micro" computer really speaks to me, and the aesthetic really helps set a specific vibe.
If you're really into the idea of maining a clamshell that looks like an old computer, there are also collector's editions that come with matching cases and exclusive issues of Crash and Zzap!64. Those will set you back £129.99, but you'll need to be quick to grab them since they're limited to 2,000 units.
What you're more or less playing for here is extremely authentic designs based on the OG microcomputer, 25 licensed games, and a device that's purpose-built to run both C64 and Spectrum classics. Out of the two, the former beige handheld appeals to my old school tastes, as it'll look sick on a desk, even if the Commodore 64 Ultimate makes for a more hardware-accurate way to play. The ZX Spectrum version is pretty too, since it wears the old rainbow detailing, but it sort of looks like a cheaper version of the existing Vega+.
Of course, if you're not remotely a sucker for old aesthetics and prefer the DIY approach, you could just grab something like the Anbernic RG DS. It's going to provide you with clamshell-shaped emulation for $129.98, albeit on a less visually appealing device.
These new handhelds won't have any trouble finding their audience, and while there are plenty of ways to play C64 and ZX Spectrum, I'm still hyped for both to land this October. Ideally, this will be the start of a beautiful line of clamshell microcomputers in the same vein as the Super Pocket, with themed systems being regularly released with a bunch of games included.
Yes, I am waiting for someone to give the MSX a remake, so Blaze and Retro Games Ltd better be listening.
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