Blaze Entertainment to Remake Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum into Retro Handhelds

From a product positioning perspective, these two devices do not continue the "home computer" productivity attributes of the original models, but instead focus entirely on the gaming experience. Each handheld comes pre-loaded with 25 independent retro games and supports content expansion via microSD card; users can also connect a keyboard and joystick via USB for a more desktop-like experience.

Currently, these two handhelds are available for pre-order, but shipments will not begin until October 2026 at the earliest. Consumers can purchase through Funstock, with The C64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld starting at $129.99. In terms of pure emulation capabilities, this price is not low, as some cheaper handhelds on the market can also smoothly emulate related games; however, the core appeal of these new products is clearly not just performance, but rather their appearance design which highly echoes the color scheme and body style of the original 80s models, emphasizing a strong nostalgic atmosphere and collectible value.

In terms of hardware specifications, both devices are equipped with a 4.3-inch screen with a resolution of 800x480, and offer customizable directional keys, action buttons, and additional function keys. The devices also feature stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a battery that can be charged via USB-C and lasts approximately 3 hours.

In terms of game lineup, The C64 Handheld pre-installs classic games including "Boulder Dash," "Aztec Challenge," and "Nebulus"; The Spectrum Handheld includes representative works such as "Manic Miner," "Switchblade," and "Starquake." For players who love retro gaming culture, these new machines are not just tools for "playing old games," but rather a portable tribute to the classic computer era.