The ZX Spectrum Vega plugs directly into the TV, much like the original, but advances in storage and processing allow it to hold the original console’s entire game library. The first version of the Vega comes with 1,000 games pre-installed, and Retro Computers promises more to come as free downloads.
At time of this writing the campaign has raised £108,737 out of its £100,000 with 59 days to go, which leaves plenty of time for retro gaming fans to get involved. The small initial run of consoles is already sold out, but it’s possible to jump on right now for the more expensive second run (£150 instead of £100). Retro Computers is working with the rights holders of the Spectrum games to donate all software royalties to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
The original ZX Spectrum was one of the first widely available home computers in the U.K., originally released in 1982. It is roughly analogous in timing and significance to the Commodore 64 in the US. Its game library was full of the era’s classics like Pac-Man, Joust, Pitfall, and Tapper.
Check out this charmingly retro commercial for the new console:
