This LEGO ZX Spectrum Is The Perfect Tribute To Sir Clive Sinclair's Retro Masterpiece

Retro gaming and LEGO have become synonymous of late, especially with the arrival of the LEGO Game Boy and the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controller. It's no surprise, therefore, that designers have been looking to the consoles that haven't made LEGO's initial list, retro gaming icons that might not have as much advertising power as the likes of Nintendo and Sega, but are still iconic and influential machines nonetheless.

I came across this design for a LEGO ZX Spectrum on the LEGO Ideas page that was posted just 24 hours ago at the time of writing, a 2,130-piece set that pays tribute to the works of Sir Clive Sinclair and the console that brought gaming into the homes of millions of eager players back in 1985. As lem.designs says, this isn't just a replica, 'it’s a tribute to innovation, creativity, and the joy of discovery', something with Sir Clive's grandson Grant Sinclair knows all too well with his work on the world's thinnest handheld.

And the set needs 17 more votes at the time of writing to help it get to the next milestone, so read on to find out how to back the project for free.

This LEGO set comprises the ZX Spectrum itself complete with 100 printed tiles for the keyboard commands, a retro TV that shows LEGO versions of gameplay stills from JetPac, Jet Set Willy & Knightlore, and a hidden Easter egg of Sir Clive Sinclair and the Sinclair C5 Electric Vehicle. As I said, this set is far more than just a replica - it pays homage to a pivotal point of gaming and an inventor who dared to dream.

I like hearing why creators have chosen to pick specific consoles or games as their muse, as nostalgia has a powerful effect on us all and evokes many different memories. In lem.designs case, they were given a ZX Spectrum as a child that opened up an infinite world of possibilities and instilled a strong love for technology and design within them. For them, this set pays homage to a retro gaming icon that might not get as much credit as they deserve in today's world of teraflops and 4K graphics, but without whose work none of that would have been possible.

If you're someone who loves retro gaming and already has retro gaming-themed LEGO products, then this would look perfect alongside them. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Brick Boy set to work making a kit that turned it into a working ZX Spectrum once it becomes a reality - that would be something, huh?

Head to the official LEGO Ideas page to show your support for the project for free. Obviously, 100 supporters is just the first milestone, and the set needs 10,000 before it can be put to the LEGO team. Let's show lem.designs some love and help to get this over the line - I want a LEGO ZX Spectrum sitting next to my real one ASAP!