Sir Clive Sinclair is bringing a classic of 80s computing back to life in a new form via IndieGoGo . A new version of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum — the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega — has been designed by Retro Computers, a Luton-based startup that counts Sir Clive among its investors.
Like the original Spectrum, the ZX Spectrum Vega plugs in directly to your TV but thanks to the huge leaps in storage and processor design in the intervening years it’s got space for all of the 14,000+ original Spectrum games.
The first 1,000 Spectrum Vega models will be built in the UK and cost $157 (£100). All proceeds from the project will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The new model comes preloaded with 1,000 games. Retro Games promises more titles will be available to download free online.
The team behind the project also says that the price of the ZX Spectrum Vega will drop if it gets to produce further manufacturing runs. But it still has a long way to go.
At the time of writing, the campaign had pulled in just £1,876 of its £100,000 target but with 60 days to go, there’s still plenty of time for nostalgic gamers to jump on board. If it hits its goal, the first ZX Spectrum Vega models will ship in April 2015.
You can take a closer look at the new ZX Spectrum in the pleasingly retro ad below:
➤ Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega [IndieGoGo]
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Apple announces iPad mini 3 with Touch ID fingerprint sensor
At its October media event today, Apple announced the next generation of the iPad mini, adding the Touch ID fingerprint sensor that first arrived with the iPhone 5s last year. Pre-orders for the device will begin on October 17, with shipping set to start by the end of next week.
The iPad mini 3 will start at $399 for WiFi models and $529 for cellular versions. The tablet now comes in silver, space grey and gold.
Details about the iPad mini 3 accidentally leaked yesterday when Apple published the iOS 8.1 user guide early. Apple also announced the iPad Air 2 with an improved 8MP camera at the event.
The iPad mini 2 will continue to be available at a reduced price of $299. The original iPad mini will also sell for $249.
Read next: Apple has sold 225 million iPads worldwide
Nintendo launches NFC-equipped Amiibo figurines that work alongside Wii U games
Nintendo is looking to integrate near-field communications (NFC) technology into figurines that work in tandem with specially designed Wii U games, the company announced at the E3 games conference today.
The company said that the figurines can interact with in-game content, allowing you to develop and improve your individual character.
The first game to support it will be Super Smash Bros for Wii U, but it will also be supported on more games in the future, including Mario Kart 8, Nintendo confirmed.
Data is exchanged between the device and figurine when it’s placed on a Wii U game pad. There’s a two-way data exchange, which means that not only does your individual character appear in games, but in some instances also become a playable character and earns new skills, as will be the case with Super Smash Bros.
While only announced today, if this sort of thing excites you, there’s not too long to wait until the figurines are available – Nintendo said they’ll be arriving “this holiday season”.
The company also confirmed that the Amiibo characters will also be compatible with some 3DS games by using a special piece of hardware in conjunction with the handheld.
Featured Image Credit – Frederic J Brown/AFP/ Getty Images