No matter how high spec, ultra-realistic and large scale modern gaming gets, we'll always have a soft spot for the pioneers of home computing, their beautiful, blocky graphics and their ultra-addictive gameplay.
And the daddy of them all was the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, an 8-bit titan originally released back in 1982 and loved by a generation, becoming Britain's best-selling home computer. Now it seems that a new horde could be about to fall in love all over again, as it's being recreated as a modern machine, in a project endorsed by its inventor, Sir Clive Sinclair.
The new Sinclair Spectrum Vega has simplified the original keyboard into a rectangular gamepad, complete with trademark rainbow swoosh, which has 1,000 games preloaded, plus the ability to use an SD card to load up any old games you still have. There's up, down, left, right, 1, 2, A and B - and that's it. Just how we used to like it.
The first 1,000 machines are available via an indiegogo project for the sum of just £100, along with the opportunity to buy a host of other goodies, including artwork and lunch with the team behind it. If all goes to plan, the company behind the 'new' machine, Retro Computers, is promising to release more free games once the console has been released. Delivery is expected in February next year.
So indulge someone's retro tendencies this Christmas and get them one of these. Watch the promo videos below and head to the indiegogo page for more information.
