Plaion Distributes The Spectrum From Retro Games and Also the Atari 7800+

Plaion and Retro Games have announced that The Spectrum - a modern recreation of the 1982 ZX Spectrum - will be released across Europe on 22 November 2024 for 99.99 Euros. The ZX Spectrum is "a widely recognized symbol of the technological revolution of the 1980s, and it is this historical status that helped inspire Retro Games Ltd to make a faithful replica that incorporates modern quality of life features," says Plaion.

Plaion and Retro Games have announced that The Spectrum - a modern recreation of the 1982 ZX Spectrum - will be released across Europe on 22 November 2024 for 99.99 Euros. The ZX Spectrum is "a widely recognized symbol of the technological revolution of the 1980s, and it is this historical status that helped inspire Retro Games Ltd to make a faithful replica that incorporates modern quality of life features," says Plaion.

As well as 48 pre-installed games, The Spectrum features 720p HD output via HDMI, four USB ports (for gamepads and joysticks) and a replica of the 'rubber' keyboard with fully functional keys, just like in 1982. Other features include the ability to rewind gameplay by up to 40 seconds to help players through difficult levels, the inclusion of four 'save game' slots per title, a CRT filter option and the ability to add own games via a USB stick. Retro games even include BASIC programming. The Spectrum emulates all ZX Spectrum models from 16k to 128k. It is compatible with a wide range of new and old proprietary and third party controllers/joysticks.

"While we've enjoyed working on our other retro computers, this is the one that we've always really wanted to do. We all remember it fondly from our childhoods, so it was important that we got every detail right, it's been a real passion project. So many enthusiasts will be excited by the return of this iconic machine, and we don't want to let them down, so we've poured years of exacting detail into our recreation of arguably the most loved home computer of all time", said Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd. "It has drawn an emotional response from those who have seen it, which is not surprising given its close association with childhood and the 1980s, which are now viewed as a halcyon time. We can't wait for gamers to get their hands on The Spectrum and enjoy a truly magical reminder of the past."

All pre-installed games are officially licensed and can be played using the keys only. The 48 pre-installed games are Alien Girl (Skirmish Edition), Ant Attack, Army Moves, Auf Wiedersehen Monty, Avalon, Bobby Bearing, Cosmic Payback, Devwill Too ZX, Exolon, Fairlight, Firelord, Football Manager 2, Freddy Hardest, The Great Escape, Head Over Heels, Highway Encounter, The Hobbit, Horace Goes Skiing, Jack the Nipper, Knot in 3D, The Lords of Midnight, Manic Miner, Match Day II, Movie, Nodes of Yesod, Penetrator, Phantis (Game Over II), Pheenix, Pyracurse, Quazatron, Robin of the Wood, Saboteur! Remastered, Shovel Adventure, Skool Daze, Snake Escape, Spellbound, Starquake, Starstrike II, El Stompo, Stonkers, Target: Renegade, TCQ, Technician Ted - The Megamix, Tenebra, Trashman, The Way of the Exploding Fist, Wheelie, and Where Time Stood Still.

"What a privilege it has been to work with Retro Games on The Spectrum. I remember getting the original for Christmas in 1982 and spending the entire day trying to master 'Horace Goes Skiing'. My parents couldn't afford a Commodore 64, but thanks to the accessibility and low price point of its main rival, my friends and I were able to spend magical hours battling it out on 'Match Day II' while marveling at the interactivity of 'The Hobbit'. I've been amazed at the feel-good factor associated with this computer, and would like to thank the many community groups who have created a supportive, fun, and vibrant culture around the legacy of The Spectrum. It is these enthusiasts who have laid the foundations for our new machine," said Plaion UK Marketing Director, Simon Turner.

This means that Plaion has announced not one, but two retro consoles in just a few days. At gamescom 2024, the company already unveiled the Atari 7800+, a modern recreation (with HDMI) of the console that first appeared in 1986. It will be released worldwide on 29 November 2024 (119.99 Euros). It will come with a wireless gamepad, the CX 78+. Plaion and Atari are also announcing two new solus controllers, the CX40+ Wireless Joystick (34.99 Euros) and the CX78+ Wireless Gamepad (34.99 Euros). These new peripherals will be released on the same day as the Atari 7800+.

Last but not least, six separate Atari 7800+ games will also be released on 29 November. Complete with new packaging and cartridges, these games include Asteroids Deluxe, Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest, Berzerk, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Frenzy and Space Duel.

And to complete Atari's support of the "+" range this year, the company will also release four new Atari 2600+ games, also on 29 November 2024. These games are Caverns Of Mars, RealSports Collection, Epyx Games and M-Network Collection (Armor Ambush, Star Strike, Astroblast and Frogs & Flies).

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