The ZX Spectrum, launched in 1982 by Sinclair Research, was one of the most influential and beloved home computers of the 1980s. Designed by Sir Clive Sinclair, the Spectrum was a successor to the earlier ZX81 and was notable for its affordability, compact design, and colorful graphics. It played a crucial role in popularizing home computing and programming in the UK and beyond.
The ZX Spectrum featured a rubber-keyed design, a Zilog Z80A processor, and 16 KB or 48 KB of RAM, depending on the model. Despite its modest hardware, the machine became known for its distinctive color palette and ability to run a wide variety of games and software. Its BASIC programming language also made it a favorite among budding programmers, fostering a vibrant homebrew and independent development scene.
One of the Spectrum’s greatest legacies is its impact on the gaming industry. Games like “Manic Miner,” “Jet Set Willy,” and “Dizzy” became household names, and the system’s low-cost accessibility inspired a generation of developers and game designers. The ZX Spectrum’s influence can still be seen today in retro gaming communities and indie game development.
With various models released throughout the 1980s, including the Spectrum+, Spectrum 128, and later models produced by Amstrad, the ZX Spectrum maintained a loyal following well beyond its initial heyday. Its affordability, ease of use, and vast library of games and software cemented its place as a cornerstone of retro computing history.
ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum 16K and 48K (1982
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 16K
RAM: 16KB or 48KB
Sound: (1 channel, 10 octaves)
Ports: Expansion I/O, RF, Ear, Mic
Price at launch: £125 (16K), £175 (48K)
ZX Spectrum+ (1984)
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 16K
RAM: 48KB
Sound: (1 channel, 10 octaves)
Ports: Expansion I/O, RF, Ear, Mic
Price at launch: £179.95
ZX Spectrum 128 (1985 Spain, 1986 UK)
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 32KB (16K for 128K mode, 16K for 48K mode)
RAM: 128KB (8 x 16K)
Sound: 3 Channels, 7 Octaves (Yamaha AY-3-8912)
Ports: Expansion I/O, RGB, Keypad, RS232/Midi, RF
Price at launch: £179.95
ZX Spectrum +2 (1986)
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 32KB (16K for 128K mode, 16K for 48K mode)
RAM: 128KB (8 x 16K)
Sound: 3 Channels, 7 Octaves (Yamaha AY-3-8912)
Ports: Expansion I/O, RS232/Midi, Keypad, RGB, RF, Sound
Price at launch: £149
ZX Spectrum +2 a/b (1987)
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 64KB (32K for 128K mode, 16K for 48K mode, 16K for +3DOS)
RAM: 128KB (8 x 16K)
Sound: 3 Channels, 7 Octaves (Yamaha AY-3-8912)
Ports: Printer, Expansion I/O, RS232/Midi, Aux (formerly ‘keypad’), RGB, RF, Sound
Price at launch: £199
ZX Spectrum +3 (1987)
Specifications
CPU: Z80A
Speed: 3.5MHz
ROM: 64KB (32K for 128K mode, 16K for 48K mode, 16K for +3DOS)
RAM: 128KB (8 x 16K)
Sound: 3 Channels, 7 Octaves (Yamaha AY-3-8912)
Ports: Disk B, Printer, Expansion I/O, RS232/Midi, Aux, RGB, RF, Sound, 2 x Joystick ports
3″ Hitachi Floppy Disk Drive – single sided
Price at launch: £249