Blaze and Retro Games Ltd have formally announced two licensed clamshell handheld consoles inspired by classic home computers: THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld.
The devices are positioned for retro enthusiasts, each shipping with 25 preloaded titles, MicroSD support for additional content, and the ability to attach an external USB keyboard via a USB-A port.
Pre-orders opened alongside the announcement, and both units are scheduled to launch in October 2026.
Hardware and core features
Both handhelds share a common hardware profile: a 4.3-inch 840×480 IPS display, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 256MB DDR RAM, a 2000mAh battery rated for roughly three hours of use, MicroSD expansion, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C charging (5V 1A minimum).
The devices measure W136mm x H26mm x D86mm and weigh 235g.
THEC64 Handheld is offered in Retro Beige and The Spectrum Handheld in Classic Black.
Design and controls (paraphrased)
Blaze and Retro Games Ltd said the clamshell design deliberately echoes successful handhelds from the past while also referencing the look of 1980s portable computers and organisers.
Each model includes four function buttons that replicate keys from the original systems and a familiar menu/start/select layout; the THEC64 uses tactile plastic buttons while The Spectrum model uses rubber keys.
Software, formats and included games
Each handheld ships with 25 built-in games and supports additional titles via MicroSD.
The THEC64 can switch between several C64 formats (C64 PAL/NTSC, C64C, C64SX, PET64, C64GS) while The Spectrum supports multiple Spectrum modes (48K, 128K, +2, +3, 16K) and CPU under/overclocking.
Notable inclusions across the two libraries include Sam's Journey, Manic Miner, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid and Skool Daze.
Pricing and special editions
Retail pricing is £109.99 | $129.99 | €129.99 for each standard unit, with Collector's Edition variants (including a hard shell case and an exclusive magazine — Crash for The Spectrum, Zzap for THEC64) available from Funstock.co.uk and Funstock USA.
Collector's Editions are limited to 2,000 units per model and priced at £129.99 | $149.99 | €149.99.
While these handhelds occupy a different market than platform storefronts like the Nintendo eShop or hybrid consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, they represent a focused offering for fans of Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum software on purpose-built retro hardware.
The devices are positioned for retro enthusiasts, each shipping with 25 preloaded titles, MicroSD support for additional content, and the ability to attach an external USB keyboard via a USB-A port.
Pre-orders opened alongside the announcement, and both units are scheduled to launch in October 2026.
Hardware and core features
Both handhelds share a common hardware profile: a 4.3-inch 840×480 IPS display, a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 256MB DDR RAM, a 2000mAh battery rated for roughly three hours of use, MicroSD expansion, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and USB-C charging (5V 1A minimum).
The devices measure W136mm x H26mm x D86mm and weigh 235g.
THEC64 Handheld is offered in Retro Beige and The Spectrum Handheld in Classic Black.
Design and controls (paraphrased)
Blaze and Retro Games Ltd said the clamshell design deliberately echoes successful handhelds from the past while also referencing the look of 1980s portable computers and organisers.
Each model includes four function buttons that replicate keys from the original systems and a familiar menu/start/select layout; the THEC64 uses tactile plastic buttons while The Spectrum model uses rubber keys.
Software, formats and included games
Each handheld ships with 25 built-in games and supports additional titles via MicroSD.
The THEC64 can switch between several C64 formats (C64 PAL/NTSC, C64C, C64SX, PET64, C64GS) while The Spectrum supports multiple Spectrum modes (48K, 128K, +2, +3, 16K) and CPU under/overclocking.
Notable inclusions across the two libraries include Sam's Journey, Manic Miner, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid and Skool Daze.
Pricing and special editions
Retail pricing is £109.99 | $129.99 | €129.99 for each standard unit, with Collector's Edition variants (including a hard shell case and an exclusive magazine — Crash for The Spectrum, Zzap for THEC64) available from Funstock.co.uk and Funstock USA.
Collector's Editions are limited to 2,000 units per model and priced at £129.99 | $149.99 | €149.99.
While these handhelds occupy a different market than platform storefronts like the Nintendo eShop or hybrid consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, they represent a focused offering for fans of Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum software on purpose-built retro hardware.