The fierce playground debates between Commodore 64 (C-64) and ZX Spectrum loyalists defined an entire era of gaming in the 1980s. Of course, that was just in the UK, as here in the US we had very different rivalries, though still with the legendary C-64 at the center. Now, that classic UK rivalry is being resurrected worldwide for the modern era. This time, it’s totally portable, adding to the ever-growing number of ways to play/use those enduring platforms.

Shipping on October 15, 2026, two brand-new clamshell portables are hitting the market: TheC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld. Both are currently up for pre-order at $129.99 USD (along with higher-priced, and limited edition, collector’s bundles).

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each of these pocket-sized microcomputers consoles.

Shared Hardware Architecture

Before diving into the differences, it’s worth noting the shared DNA between these two units. Both handhelds feature a slick, reimagined clamshell design that protects the screen when not in use. Under the hood, they boast an 800×480 IPS high-resolution screen. While that’s not ideal from an aspect ratio standpoint, I was assured by the company that there will be ways to go 4:3, pixel perfect, etc.

For audio, you’re getting stereo speakers and a standard headphone jack, though sadly no Bluetooth audio support. They also include a MicroSD slot, which lets you add your own ROMs.

TheC64 Handheld

TheC64 Handheld leans hard into its beige-box roots. It features themed tactile plastic function buttons that evoke the feeling of the original breadbin keyboard. It comes pre-loaded with 25 built-in C64 games, representing a solid mix of legendary classics and impressive modern homebrew titles.

Standout Included Games:

• Boulder Dash
• Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
• Paradroid
• Sam’s Journey
• Galencia

The Spectrum Handheld

On the other side of the aisle, The Spectrum Handheld embraces Sinclair’s iconic aesthetic, right down to the signature themed rubber key function buttons. Just like its Commodore counterpart, it ships with 25 built-in Spectrum games, focusing heavily on the platformers and arcade adventures that defined the British microcomputer scene.

Standout Included Games:

• Manic Miner
• Head Over Heels
• Skool Daze
• The Great Escape
• Starquake

The Verdict

Whether you grew up typing LOAD "*",8,1 or LOAD "", these handhelds offer an elegant way to engage with video game history. The $129.99 price point is highly competitive for dedicated emulation hardware with a quality IPS display, and a clamshell design makes them perfect travel companions. Even better, you can add a USB keyboard or controller for even more versatility. While it’s a crowded retro gaming and computing market these days, it’s always nice to see new options that do something just a bit different.