The Spectrum Next Is Coming
Just when you thought you’d had your fill of new Spectrum hardware, along comes the Spectrum Next to tempt you into parting with your hard-earned cash. The machine was announced in a presentation at Play Blackpool this past weekend, which you can see above courtesy of our friends at GamesYouLoved.
So, what exactly is a Spectrum Next? According to the creators, it is an FPGA-based reimplementation of the ZX Spectrum, capable of acting as various types of machine from the ZX81 to the ZX Spectrum 128K. The new machine is apparently compatible with not only original Spectrum software, but also the majority of original peripherals. New features include new video modes, HDMI output, SD card storage and more memory. Also setting it apart from the competition is a new case designed by Rick Dickinson, based on the original form factor of the ZX Spectrum+, featuring a full keyboard.
As is to be expected of new retro projects these days, the Spectrum Next is scheduled for production through a crowdfunding campaign in the near future – the date, time and amount to raise haven’t yet been announced. For more information, visit the official Spectrum Next website here.
