I literally just finished a news post about the ANBERNIC RG Rotate, and in it I say that the retro handheld scene is a little quiet at the moment, well, that's all about to change thanks to Hyper Mega Tech! revealing not one, but two new handheld devices inspired by the C64 and ZX Spectrum.
Shadowdropped out of nowhere, these are two handhelds built to look like the 80's classic consoles and pre-loaded with officially licensed games, creating an incredibly unique and nostalgic way to play the authentic ROMs via a console that looks like it was released in the 80s.
According to Hyper Mega Tech, each handheld is styled after the original home computers in a clamshell form factor, just like the palmtops of the era, and has a 4.3” IPS screen for sharp, bright gameplay. Each features 25 built-in games, and you can bring your own with the included MicroSD card slot using your own legally sourced ROM files.
I'm actually really digging the design of these. Hyper Mega Tech's previous handhelds have all looked very similar, but this is the first time we're seeing them innovate in the space, and I am all for it!
C64 Handheld Included Games
- A Pig Quest
- A Pig Quest
- Sam’s Journey
- Nebulus
- Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
- Super Boulder Dash
- Paradroid
- Hunter’s Moon Remastered
- Knight ’n’ Grail
- Aztec Challenge
- Krakout
- Lee
- Druid
- Encounter!
- Galencia
- Ice Guys
- Metal Warrior Ultra
- Millie & Molly
- Planet Golf
- Shadow Switcher
- Spherical
- Squish ‘Em
- Steel Ranger
- X-Out
- Yeti Mountain
- It’s Magic 2
Spectrum Handheld Included Games
- Head Over Heels
- Manic Miner
- Skool Daze
- Tiny Dungeons
- Archon: The Light and the Dark
- The Great Escape
- Bounder
- Switchblade
- Nightmare Rally
- M.O.V.I.E.
- Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II
- Bugaboo the Flea
- Devwill Too ZX
- Hammerfist
- Hammer Knight
- Penguin Attack
- S1NCLA1R C1TY
- Shovel Adventure
- Snake Escape
- Sorcerer Kid Adventure
- Splat, Tourmaline
- Where Time Stood Still
- Zynaps
- Starquake
Specifications
- 4.3" 840 x 480 IPS Display
- 1.2Ghz Quad-core CPU
- 256MB RAM
- 2000MAH Battery (3+ Hours)
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- USB-C Charging
- Micro-SD Card Slot
It's interesting that they allow you to insert your own games, because from a business perspective, should they release different versions in the future, it makes it a little redundant, as users have already added their own Spectrum/C64 games to this device. So I believe this will be a one-off pair of consoles, and they won't release versions with different games as they do with their Super Pocket handhelds.
I respect that they've done this; it adds more value for the customer and will likely offer great emulation if these are official ROMs installed. There's also a USB port for those wanting to attach a keyboard!
Pricing & Release Date
The C64 and Spectrum handheld will retail for £109.99/$129.99/€129.99 and is already available to pre-order via Amazon UK. However, Amazon USA is labelled as "coming soon". We'll add links below once they are live.
- View Hyper Mega Tech! C64 Handheld on Amazon UK 🇬🇧
- View Hyper Mega Tech! ZX Spectrum Handheld on Amazon UK 🇬🇧
It will officially release and begin shipping on October 15th 2026, similar to the release of the Evercade Nexus, which is owned by their sister company Evercade.
Collector's Edition
They've also created a collector's edition bundle offering not only an exclusive carry case but also an exclusive retro gaming magazine for each variant that goes over the games included, interviews and the handheld console you have purchased.
Though from what I can tell, the consoles won't be different in any way, which is a shame, as they made their Nexus 64 console slightly different, which enticed collectors so much that it sold out in just 24 hours. I would have liked to have seen a distinct change in the consoles in this collector's edition, or even a serialised number on the back, for example.
Only 2000 of each have been made and its avaialble to purchase, exclusively on FunStock's website for £129.99!
