Retro Commodore 64 and Spectrum PCs from the 1980s have been turned into retro gaming handhelds

In the 1980s, the idea of the home or personal computer was still relatively new or niche, which is why affordable options that connected to a standard TV found success. Two of the biggest names from the era, the Commodore 64 and the ZX Spectrum, found success in the US and Europe, respectively, and were also home to what we know as computer games.

Games for these systems would go on to influence and even lead to the creation of some of the most well-respected designers and development studios in gaming history. And to celebrate the gaming legacy of these computers, Blaze Entertainment and Retro Games Ltd have partnered to create two portable retro gaming handheld consoles focused on classic Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum gaming.

Dubbed the THEC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld, both devices flip open to reveal a 4.3-inch display with an 800x480 resolution. Certainly low-res by modern standards, but this is still a lot more pixels than these early home computers were pushing out. Each handheld comes pre-installed with 25 classic games to highlight this era of early gaming.

The custom UI on each device, in addition to the overall physical design, has been modeled to replicate the original look of the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum software, and the included microSD card slots ensure that you've also got the option to bring your own retro gaming collection to each device. You can also connect a keyboard and old-school joystick via the rear USB port to replicate that authentic 1980s feel, with multiple customization options available for retro tinkerers.

"THEC64 and The Spectrum are two of the most iconic names in gaming history, with generations of players who hold them close to their hearts. Bringing these experiences into a brand-new handheld form feels like a natural next step, and we're proud to bring these to both longtime fans and a new audience discovering them for the first time," Andrew Byatt, CEO, Blaze Entertainment, said. "We are delighted to be working with Retro Games Ltd to make this happen."

Both handhelds are set to release in October 2026, with an affordable price tag of £109.99, $129.99, and €129.99. Collector's edition models are also expected via Funstock, featuring a hard-shell carry case and a retro-gaming magazine covering the games on each console.

Here's a look at the specs and games for each device.

And here's the list of pre-loaded games.

• THEC64 Handheld Games: A Pig Quest, Sam's Journey, Nebulus, Boulder Dash, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, Paradroid, Hunter's Moon Remastered, Knight 'n' Grail, Aztec Challenge, Krakout Lee, Druid, Encounter!, Galencia, Ice Guys, Metal Warrior Ultra, Millie & Molly, Planet Golf, Shadow Switcher, Spherical, Squish 'Em, Steel Ranger, X-Out, Yeti Mountain, It's Magic 2.
• The Spectrum Handheld Games: Head Over Heels, Manic Miner, Skool Daze, Tiny Dungeons, Archon: The Light and the Dark, The Great Escape, Bounder, Switchblade, Nightmare Rally, M.O.V.I.E., Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II, Bugaboo the Flea, Devwill Too ZX, Hammerfist, Hammer Knight, Penguin Attack, S1NCLA1R C1TY, Shovel Adventure, Snake Escape, Sorcerer Kid Adventure, Splat!, Tourmaline, Where Time , Stood Still, Zynaps, Starquake.