ZX Spectrum Next Kickstarter Breaks Records with New 8-bit Computer Cores and Game Announcements

The ZX Spectrum Next, developed by SpecNext Ltd, has once again ignited excitement in the retro gaming community with its extraordinary Kickstarter campaign.

Surpassing even the most optimistic projections, the new campaign has raised £1,836,515—well beyond its initial £200,000 target—solidifying the Next's reputation as a modern hub for 8-bit computing enthusiasts.

This remarkable show of support underscores the enduring appeal of classic hardware, as well as the influence of developers who continue to innovate within the constraints and aesthetics of the 1980s home computing era. With these impressive funding levels, SpecNext Ltd has been able to unlock a host of additional stretch goals.

The most recent updates include the addition of four new unlockable add-ons.

Leading this lineup is a Spectrum Next remake of Mikro-Gen’s Automata, a beloved platformer from the iconic 1984 Wally Week series, joined by classics like Pyjamarama and Everyone’s A Wally.

This remake is now confirmed, having been enabled once the campaign surpassed the £1.8 million mark. In a major boon for hardware enthusiasts, the campaign is also set to expand the Next’s versatility with a forthcoming Amstrad CPC core, contingent on the campaign reaching the £2.5 million milestone.

The Amstrad CPC, first launched in 1984, was a direct competitor to both the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 and remains celebrated for its robust selection of games.

Should this stretch goal be achieved, the Next would add the Amstrad CPC’s legacy to its growing list of supported platforms, which already includes options for the Sinclair QL, C64, and Sam Coupé.

Further stretch targets promise significant titles for fans of classic adventure and platform genres, including a Spectrum Next version of Mike Singleton’s sequel Doomdark’s Revenge (£2.7 million goal) and an entirely new entry in the Monty Mole series (£3 million goal).

In prior updates, SpecNext Ltd also unveiled a ZX81 core, further reinforcing the Next as a comprehensive platform for 8-bit computing. SpecNext Ltd said that the addition of these new cores and exclusive remakes reflects a commitment to making Spectrum Next a central destination for both retro gaming and hardware preservation.

The team emphasized that, "by continually expanding the Next’s supported cores and game library, we’re enabling a new generation of fans to experience the essence of 8-bit computing on modern hardware." The ZX Spectrum Next Kickstarter campaign is set to conclude on Monday, August 18th, 2025, at 7:59 AM BST.

Interested backers can still support the campaign and become part of this milestone in retro computing history.

With mounting momentum, the Spectrum Next looks poised to further cement its place as the ultimate console for 8-bit aficionados.

Ltd. Kickstarter Ltd ZX Spectrum retro gaming SpecNext ZX Spectrum Next SpecNext Ltd Amstrad CPC Micro-Gen Doomdark's Revenge Monty Mole Wally Week Sinclair QL Commodore 64 Sam Coupé ZX81