ZX Spectrum Next Kickstarter Smashes Targets, Adds Amstrad CPC Core and New Games

The latest Kickstarter campaign from SpecNext Ltd has propelled the ZX Spectrum Next—an enhanced successor to the iconic 1980s 8-bit computer—into the spotlight once again, confirming the enduring appeal of retro gaming hardware.

Surpassing expectations with over £1.8 million raised against its original £200,000 target, the campaign has set new funding benchmarks and unlocked an impressive range of stretch goals for backers. SpecNext Ltd, the development team committed to revitalizing classic home computing, announced the addition of four new unlockable features to the already ambitious ZX Spectrum Next campaign.

These fresh stretch goals follow the previous reveal of a ZX81 core and mark a significant expansion of the machine's capabilities.

Most notably, the campaign now includes a core emulation for the Amstrad CPC, one of the ZX Spectrum’s most well-known 8-bit contemporaries, which will unlock if the campaign reaches £2.5 million. The first stretch goal, already achieved, is a Spectrum Next remake of Mikro-Gen's "Automata," a platform title originally from the Wally Week series.

Alongside Automata, the campaign lists additional future unlocks—a Next-exclusive version of Mike Singleton’s acclaimed sequel “Doomdark’s Revenge” at £2.7 million, and a brand-new adventure in the beloved Monty Mole series at £3 million. For context, the Amstrad CPC series debuted in 1984 thanks to the UK-based firm Amstrad and quickly soared in popularity due to its rich catalog of games and robust hardware.

It shared the era’s landscape with legendary systems like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, both of which are also being honored with their own emulation cores in the Spectrum Next ecosystem.

With announced cores for the Sinclair QL, Commodore 64, and Sam Coupé in addition to the ZX81 and Amstrad CPC, the ZX Spectrum Next is positioning itself as a cornerstone for fans of 8-bit home computing history. According to a spokesperson from SpecNext Ltd, the ongoing campaign demonstrates the community’s passion for preserving and enhancing classic computing.

They emphasized their gratitude for the tremendous support, noting that the additional features are a direct response to unprecedented backer enthusiasm. Retro enthusiasts, collectors, and developers interested in supporting the ZX Spectrum Next project have until Monday, August 18, 2025, at 7:59 AM BST to participate in the Kickstarter campaign.

With its expanding lineup of classic hardware cores and game remakes, the ZX Spectrum Next stands as a testament to the vibrant legacy of 1980s home computing.

Kickstarter ZX Spectrum Amstrad CPC ZX Spectrum Next SpecNext Ltd Mikro-Gen Automata Wally Week Pyjamarama Everyone's A Wally Herbert's Dummy Run Three Weeks In Paradise Amstrad The Lords of Midnight Doomdark's Revenge Monty Mole Sinclair QL Commodore 64 Sam Coupé