Who was going to tell us that in the 2020s we were going to see a computer appear that would be the direct continuation of one of the most popular 8-bit systems of the 80s. One that an entire generation, already in its forties, enjoyed of our childhood and also our first steps in the world of computing. Let’s see, therefore, what the ZX Spectrum Next is like and how it differs from other retro systems.
Those of us who were able to enjoy the 80 will remember that there were many 8-bit microcomputers, but the one that stood out was the ZX Spectrum , especially for the excellent marketing work of its distributor in our country: Investronica. Although it is not necessary to detract from its hardware. The ZX Spectrum, thanks to its simplicity at the hardware level, was very easy to program. This last element made it a success, especially in Spain and the United Kingdom. In both countries, the ZX Spectrum gave rise to a small video game industry, of which we can highlight the appearance of mythical companies such as Ultimate, currently Rare, in the United Kingdom and the Spanish Dinamic.
Unfortunately, Sinclair, the company that created the original ZX Spectrum, disappeared to be bought by Amstrad from Alan Sugar. Company that also abandoned the personal computer market, leaving its computers as part of a historical legacy. Well, the ZX Spectrum Next is not a hardware-based replica of a mobile phone with a computer, but rather a true successor to the classic ZX Spectrum if it had had a successor. Which makes it a unique and extremely interesting piece of hardware.
This is the ZX Spectrum Next
Both the main processor of the ZX Spectrum Next and the support processors are based on FPGA technology , so these have been configured or programmed through languages such as Verilog and VHDL to function as a specific processor, as well as all the accessory hardware to your surroundings. This means that its creators are not going to mass-produce it and it is a very exclusive device because its creators do not seek to mass-produce said computer. Let’s not forget that there are cases in which FPGAs have an outlet as commercial processors, as is the case with units with a very limited print run, as is the case with which we find ourselves.
The central processor is a Z80N , which is based on the same processor used by the original ZX Spectrum, but can go up to 28 MHz speed and has additional instructions . So it runs the original software natively. This means that we are dealing with a CPU with 16-bit addressing and, therefore, it only supports up to 64 KB of RAM. Luckily, a multi-bank mechanism has been added to the main FPGA that allows it to access up to 2048 KB of memory , although 256 KB is for the ROM where things like BASIC and the simple operating system it uses are stored.
Graphics and sound on the ZX Spectrum Next
In the same way, the original video hardware has also been added, but now with the ability to support up to a resolution of up to 640 x 256 pixels. The system supports several layers of backgrounds and sprites with configurations that can go from 16 colors to 256 colors depending on the video mode that is being used at that moment.
Although the biggest novelty is a sprite generator, with support for up to 16 simultaneous sprites of up to 16 x 16 pixels in size each . This was one of the biggest handicaps of the original system that has been fixed in the ZX Spectrum Next. Also, sprites have multicolor support, so they can support more than one color. The graphics that it can achieve can be seen in the images above, and as you can see they are a step forward compared to the classic 80’s computer, but it does not reach the levels of a Commodore Amiga.
As for the sound, we have integrated both the classic internal speaker, as well as 3 General Instruments AY-3-8910 that each provide 3 square wave channels and a noise channel . So it gives original games stereo capability on the ZX Spectrum Next. In addition to having two 8-bit DACs for playing PCM soundtracks.
Thought to replace the original
The creators of this computer have equipped the system with a series of modern interfaces, as it is the case that it has an SD card slot , but it is also compatible with the tape drive of the original Spectrum, as well as any other type of system. of storage that it will use, including the MicroDrive.
As for other ports, we can find the following:
- A mini Jack to connect a tape drive from where to load the original ZX Spectrum games.
- Another mini Jack as an audio output for headphones or speakers.
- A VGA/RGB video output to connect a CRT monitor to your computer or an older TV.
- An HDMI output in case we want to use our ZX Spectrum Next on a modern monitor or TV.
- Sinclair style joystick connectors
- A port of the PS/2 type to connect a mouse.
- Same expansion port as the original ZX Spectrum
- Certain models have a built-in WiFi module.
So if you are a fan of the mythical 8-bit computer and you still have the games at hand, but you cannot play it because it has been broken by the passage of time. Then the ZX Spectrum Next is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the experience again, with the same experience as the original system. And in case you weren’t living through the times and want to experience a computer like this, then you have everything you need to do so right out of the box.
If you’re interested in one you’ll have to wait for it to become available again, but be prepared to shell out a good £300 for this unique piece of hardware or even more.