Picking up The Spectrum White Edition is a no brainer if you love retro gaming lore and want speedy access to '80s microcomputer classics

I won’t lie – I find the existence of The Spectrum White Edition pretty amusing. Let’s just say it’s giving “Star Wars alternate universe where Darth Vader lives after Return of the Jedi and switches from black to white armour to signify his fresh start.” Yet, there is a reason why Retro Games Ltd has re-released its plug-and-play ZX Spectrum, one historically linked to the man whose name is no longer on the microcomputer.

You see, The Spectrum White Edition is a nod to the “one millionth” ZX Spectrum produced. The commemorative unit was gifted to the microcomputer’s creator, Clive Sinclair, back in 1982, by the Timex factory that once stood in Dundee, Scotland. The now MIA machine featured a white shell instead of the usual black, and while I’m sure retro console collectors would rather find that lucrative original, this variant at least pays tribute to the fabled system.

It just so happens that this commemorative white version of The Spectrum is my first time testing the emulation-based microcomputer. That means it’s up to the clinical new colorway to convince me it’s worth the more expensive £129.99 / $199 price tag and give me a taste for the base plug-and-play innards within.

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What’s in the box?

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Retro Games Limited has a sort of rhythm in terms of box contents. Typically, you’ll get the same elongated box cloaked in a slip cover that reveals the star attractions. To the left, you’ve got “The Spectrum” itself in full squishy top-down keyboard view, while “The Joystick” in its matching white and red get-up is to the right. Unlike older releases like the C64 Mini, though, the included USB that’s obviously dubbed “The Microdrive” also gets a stage presence, and yes, it’s white.

Lurking beneath all that, you’ve got a wee compartment for the included USB and HDMI cables, alongside a tiny free copy of “Crash Magazine.” The free zine is packed with reviews, and while it’s a nod to the original that UK Speccy fans would have been reading back in the ‘80s, this is actually a taster for a mag that’s alive and well in 2026, published by Fusion Retro Books.

Everything from the matching white cables to that aforementioned free magazine prove are exactly what you’d want from a collectable like The Spectrum. The package doesn’t leave you wanting for anything when it comes to playing games on the microcomputer, but I am bummed that it doesn’t come with The Gamepad or even the newly released Quickshot II joystick remake. These would have been nice additions, especially if you’re double-dipping after grabbing the black 2024 release, but I’m perhaps asking for a little too much.

Sticking to the Spectrum design script

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Retro Games Ltd has mastered the art of making tiny replicas of old microcomputers and systems, but The Spectrum isn’t a mini console. It’s actually a full-size remake of the original ZX Spectrum that, despite being white this time around, looks almost indistinguishable from the original. Naturally, it’s hiding a bunch of modern ports around back, but when it comes to mimicry, it feels like it’s comparable to the way the Commodore 64 Ultimate accurately reenvisioned the OG C64.

Of course, Retro Games Ltd does attempt full-size remakes from time to time, having previously made a to-scale C64 with a functioning keyboard. It feels like The Spectrum is a potential comfort zone for the microcomputer maker, as the OG machine is already notably small, and sticking with ROMs and emulation-based functionality somehow still feels true to the spirit of an original setup.

Before I get to running games, I do want to gush over The Spectrum’s build quality. My original ZX Spectrum is sadly in storage right now, but I have an everlasting sense for the microcomputer’s weighty blend of plastic and metal. Retro Games Ltd has absolutely nailed the look and feel with this remake, perfectly replicating everything from the textured finish on the top bezel to the metallic plate housing the delightfully upsetting rubber keyboard.

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Let’s be clear: it’s the rubber keyboard that makes The Spectrum a ZX Spectrum. Even if you’re not into rattling out lines of code on something that feels like zombie flesh, being able to experience the early membrane keeb, albeit with fresher presses since it’s not 40 years old, makes this plug-and-play an interactive time capsule. I’m particularly nerdy about remakes retaining original physical elements, so getting to press down on accurately mushy plastic is a personal selling point.

I should take a moment to highlight the “White Edition” part of this specific Speccy. Naturally, I’ve only ever seen blurry archive photos of the late Sir Clive Sinclair holding his special Millionth ZX Spectrum, so I can’t really speak to whether it’s an accurate recreation. I guess not many people can, but the vibe I’m getting is that this version of The Spectrum feels more like a “what if?” retail replica rather than a representation of what the one-of-a-kind relic would have looked like.

The fact that photos online depict the OG white ZX Spectrum with a silver keyboard plate hammer home the differences with this remake. I’d argue elements like the red logo text on top signify that Retro Games Ltd isn’t really going for a 100% accurate recreation, though, which makes sense given that it can’t have the original “Sinclair” branding up top (you’ve got Alan Sugar, Amstrad’s purchase of the original company, and the fact Sky now owns the legacy brands to thank for that.)

The Spectrum setup is simple (until it isn’t)

I firmly classify The Spectrum as a plug-and-play console. That may upset some of you out there, and I can see why, since it largely functions like the original machine when you ignore the lack of cassette tape deck compatibility. However, it pertains to the sensation of whacking in an HDMI cable, hooking up the USB cable to a power source, and jumping into some crunchy 8-bit classics within seconds.

All of this largely rings true for The Spectrum, and it’s the main reason to pick up the microcomputer remake. This machine will save you from the torment of injecting old tape audio into the machine in real time, as all it takes is one mistranslation of the iconic squealing to be greeted with the dreaded “tape loading error” message. Instead, you’ll have the option to just dive into carousel-style library entries with full artwork and box descriptions, but there may be a silly power situation on your hands before you get to that.

For whatever reason, The Spectrum is extremely fussy with USB power. This is actually an issue that extends backwards to releases like the Atari 400 Mini, as Retro Games Ltd devices seem to be allergic to USB-C ports that use a Power Delivery protocol. Basically, using a USB-A to USB-C cable and a simple 5V charging brick is non-negotiable, and that’s pretty annoying if you’re like me and use a power hub that can easily send the right power over USB-C for everything these days.

I’ll admit, the lack of Power Delivery support is a small gripe, one that wouldn’t deter me from recommending The Spectrum. It does leave me wondering why a plug-and-play would choose to use such a restrictive power system in 2026, since it’s targeting collectors who’ll have more than one mini console at their setup. It’s situations like this where I feel like not including a specific USB power brick leaves room for complaint, as I feel like I’d have less right to moan about having to rummage through my big drawer of old wall warts.

Ports, ports, and more ports

Hiding around the back of The Spectrum’s accurate shell is a nice helping of modern ports. Normally, I’d take a moment to grumble about there only being an HDMI port rather than an old analogue connector for one of my many CRTs, but the original ZX Spectrum is actually a nightmare for connectivity. For starters, it only included RF, and if you’ve already checked out my guide on how to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor, you’ll know that means tuning it into a station,

Worse still, the first ZX Spectrum model doesn’t even have controller ports, instead relying on adapters that precariously cling to an edge connector. Therefore, I’m more than happy to instead use HDMI and four USB ports to hook everything up to The Spectrum, as while it’d be fun to use old 9-pin joysticks and hook up to an old CRT, those are impossible to include without disrupting the spirit of the original design.

Four USB ports might feel pretty generous, but they’ll be put to good use. The Spectrum benefits from pretty wide controller compatibility, not to mention the included Kempston-style joystick will occupy one off the bat. If you plan on using your own backed-up ROMs using “The Microdrive”, that’ll grab another, which leaves you with two spare for a secondary player or an external keyboard, should you fancy trying to code using Basic.

Forgive me, but I’m going to revert to previous grumblings and say I do The Spectrum had cassette tape inputs. I’m aware that adding the components required to actually input audio via a 3.5mm jack, then turn the analogue wave into digital data, would drive up the cost, and it’d probably result in a machine more like the FPGA-based ZX Spectrum Next (they’ll also set you back around £400 when they’re actually in stock). Still, I like the idea of dragging out my fruit box of dusty old tapes and playing them on this HDMI remake in the same manner as the C64 Ultimate.

Swinging into Speccy classics

As is tradition with Retro Games Ltd remakes and minis, The Spectrum will immediately present you with 48 built-in games via a carousel menu. If you’re new to the Speccy’s 8-bit library, you’re in for a treat since the collection features everything from bona fide classics to more recent releases that feel contemporary, but still feature those sickly 15 colors and hardware limitations.

I am fully aware that the ZX Spectrum is largely a UK phenomenon that gained momentum while the US was processing the video game crash. Yes, it did show up as the Timex Sinclair 2068 to take on other microcomputers like the C64, but there are still tons of games from the platform that are sort of region-specific. You’ll recognize some outings thanks to cross-ports, like The Hobbit, but I imagine players who didn’t grow up alongside the system in the ‘80s will have plenty of mysterious outings to dive into.

Even if you are well acquainted with classics like Manic Miner, Way of the Exploding Fist, Horace Goes Skiing, and Saboteur, you’ll have a few new and revamped favorites to try. Standout additions to the lineup include Alien Girl, a maze shooter that has you gunning down Xenomorphs, Shovel Adventure, a puzzle platformer that’s a bit like a more complex Dig-Dug, and El Stompo, a green blob on a platforming mission to fix broken TVs (wait, isn’t that just me?)

Basically, you’re getting innovative Spectrum outings spanning over 40 years, but I feel like the carousel could better honor that fact. While the menu displays game art, a synopsis, and even a little emblem representing the original media (i.e, tape, floppy, or cartridge), it avoids including release date info. Essentially, I would have preferred if all the game info within the included edition of Crash Magazine were attached to the carousel, as it would have helped it serve as a comprehensive archive.

Otherwise, I do think flicking through the baked-in adventures, quickly checking out their specific deets, then diving in is a satisfying experience. There’s enough going on with the 48 games to satiate your quick cravings for some microcomputer capers, or provide you with something a bit extra if you’re planning to give proper attention to the hits. If you’re worried you’ll get your fill from the plug-and-play setup too quick, though, you’ll be pleased to hear that The Spectrum will run your own ROMs, provided you’ve got your old games backed up.

That’s naturally why “The Microdrive” is included in the box. You can use your own stick, but the included rubberised 8GB USB has more than enough room to fit every commercially released ZX Spectrum game, and I reckon you wouldn’t even get halfway if you throw in the homebrews too. The only real gripe I have with the drive is that the rubber housing on mine came off upon trying to remove it from the system, but I could probably remedy that with some glue.

Being able to just whack in your own collection and harness the tailored emulation capabilities of The Spectrum is neat, but it’s not without wants. Upon popping in the drive, you’ll gain access to your ROMs via a simple text directory, but there’s no way to add them to the main carousel. The microcomputer would have gained points if there were a way to display files in the same manner as its built-in counterparts, complete with artwork. But alas, your own titles won’t receive the same integration.

On the flipside, I am pretty impressed with the boot options for custom ROMs, as the menu is pretty comprehensive. You can tweak everything from the ZX Spectrum model you want to emulate, tape loading speed (for if you’d rather listen to five minutes of screeching), and default joysticks.

Sparse Spectrum settings

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I’m going to preemptively acknowledge the fact that The Spectrum has a “CRT filter” and some other display options before criticizing its settings menu. I’ve tested some retro consoles that feature fewer dials than that, but I couldn’t help but feel like Retro Games Ltd could have fleshed out its scanline types for this microcomputer.

For what it’s worth, the CRT filter does look a bit like an early ‘80s TV, featuring the aforementioned scanlines for some pixel separation and a slight blur effect to represent the messy look of RF video signals. Having been spoiled by the Analogue 3D with its far fancier overlays that mimic specific shadow masks and aperture grilles, I am left wondering if emulation-based plug-and-play devices could do more. At the very least, it’d be sweet to have toggles for things like sharpness, scanline thickness, or even the option for vertical separation, but I am wary that those tricks could gobble up more of the Allwinner H3 SoC’s processing power.

Credit where credit’s due, The Spectrum does leave room for various borders and the option to retain the colored overscan areas used by the original machine. You can also enable extended colors for modern games that ditch the authentic color clash technique. I’d just love to see future machines go a bit further, if for nothing else than to prove that more can be done to portray old graphics on new displays.

Getting jiggy with The Joystick

As much as this will horrify some of you, the “default” way to play games on The Spectrum is using the rubber keyboard. The black version used this as an excuse for not including a controller, but the white version specifically includes a matching version of The Joystick. I should note that most USB gamepads do work with the microcomputer, which is neat, but using an accessory inspired by an original Kempston joystick makes sense from a purist perspective.

Objectively, this version of The Joystick feels nicer than the one included with the C64 Mini. If you were previously offended by the mushier feel of the original’s membranes, you’ll be delighted to hear that this variant fully embraces the power of microswitches. Sadly, the result is something that is now just comically clicky and sort of unpleasant to use.

I was to stress the fact that it’s a subjective take, and it’s worth noting I’m not a fan of even the best original joysticks either. Nevertheless, slick switches fail to resolve some other inherent issues with the design, like the excessive height of the buttons themselves and the hollow clunk produced by presses.

Wide USB controller compatibility is The Spectrum’s saving grace, as it means if you aren’t into the accompanying joystick, you can use almost any pad you like. I’ve actually been making my way through the microcomputer’s library using the Retro Fighters Hunter, an OG Xbox controller with a wireless 2.4GHz receiver, and it even automatically mapped the buttons on my behalf.

No, it’s not remotely an authentic way to play, but it beats rattling around a microswitched stick awkwardly while trying not to ruin Horace’s skiing holiday by having him wrestle with traffic.

Should you pick up The Spectrum White Edition?

It’s pretty easy to love The Spectrum, and it makes for an excellent way to both dive into a collection of obscure classics or run your own romps. The white version is perhaps better suited to collectors who’ll appreciate the novelty of the colorway, especially since it’s a tad more expensive. But, that doesn’t change the fact that this microcomputer remake perfectly captures the physical essence of using an original ZX Spectrum, laced with modern conveniences that help elevate the overall experience.

I have no real grievances with The Spectrum. Instead, I’ve got more of a wish list of things I’d like to see from future microcomputers. Smaller matters, like hitting resolutions over 720p via HDMI, since we’re all using 4K TVs and monitors these days, are on that list, and I’d like to see the visual options fleshed out a bit more to satiate CRT-loving dorks like me. I’d personally also have preferred to get The Gamepad in the box over the included Joystick, but I’m wary of that being a specific preference.

I do think Retro Games Ltd should have a look at the way it approaches powering its minis and reemakes, though. This is something other device makers are guilty of, too, but by not including a power brick in the box, players instead have to worry about finding a compatible adapter since the fast chargers paired with most phones in 2026 won’t do (and even just basic USB-C protocols can be a pain.) Ideally, future devices will use standards like Power Delivery so that those of us with multiple machines can use hubs to keep everything powered at once.

All that aside, The Spectrum hits all the right notes when it comes to replicating the ZX Spectrum experience. The white version specifically makes sense if you’ve already got the old microcomputer, or that weirdly accurate USB keyboard remake from a few years back on your shelf, but I’d give the same praise to the previously released black version, too.

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