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| lifespan =
| lifespan =
| discontinued =
| discontinued =
| cpu = [[Zilog Z80]] implemented in [[FPGA]]
| cpu = Z80 implemented in FPGA
| memory = 1 [[MiB]] (Issue 1, upgradeable to 2 [[MiB]]), 2 [[MiB]] (Issue 2)
| memory = 1 MB (upgradeable to 2 MB)
| display = [[VGA]], [[RGB]], [[HDMI]]
| display = [[VGA]], [[RGB]], [[HDMI]]
| predecessor = [[ZX Spectrum#ZX Spectrum 128|ZX Spectrum 128]]
| predecessor = [[ZX Spectrum#ZX Spectrum 128|ZX Spectrum 128]]
| successor =
| successor =
| releasedate = December 2017 (Issue 1 development board), February 2020 (Issue 1 cased), August 2021 (Issue 2, estimated)
| releasedate = February 2020
| unitssold = 3000+
| unitssold = 3010+ (3010 Issue 1 cased<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cadwallader‎ |first1=‎Mike |title=From my records, we made 3010 cased computers |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/specnext/permalink/1231078797249438/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCYToZrpyykFzR95dUMWcBveQgwByw-Q6eCucAxs3s77oQpH7mv43iuGrMO31IHoLD4jYTL_RwlafLlG5DI5h9Zz0HKMHkmknZBUwrEPU7AoWzfmiMarqCwXQhxIiCR6cIsS33vVCcfoqCrJXnoRM98QAR-J-foAGFaLb2j_RR4G6FgqQYQlghDMcD4ltmsMpOZbm4vQMJN135pTxSAqjwtar-9t_nItfahtpqc7Dx0OcHvs-zuWRH91KkPxQmOdos4Urk4md67OYdx_lxKfbtWkfIaU1CduputiPSICfzlZuNp-2rTCD42daD1QYcHQuEsCgLLRanYSmwy8g&__tn__=-R |website=Facebook |accessdate=14 August 2020}}</ref>)
| dimensions =
| dimensions =
| weight =
| weight =
Line 27: Line 27:
}}
}}


'''Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next''' is a modern 8-bit [[home computer]], backwards compatible with the [[ZX Spectrum]] both in software and hardware, but also featuring enhanced capabilities.<ref>{{cite news
'''Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next''' is a modern 8-bit [[home computer]], backwards compatible with the [[ZX Spectrum]], but also featuring enhanced capabilities.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Bush
| last = Bush
| first = Steve
| first = Steve
Line 39: Line 39:
| newspaper = BoingBoing
| newspaper = BoingBoing
| date = 30 April 2017
| date = 30 April 2017
| url = https://boingboing.net/2017/04/30/zx-spectrum-next-is-an-advance.html }}</ref>. It is intended to appeal to retro-computing enthusiasts and also to "encourage a new generation of bedroom coders", according to project member Jim Bagley.<ref name=crookspi>{{cite news
| url = https://boingboing.net/2017/04/30/zx-spectrum-next-is-an-advance.html }}</ref>. It is intended to appeal to retro-computing enthusiasts and also to "encourage a new generation of bedroom coders", according to project member Jim Bagley.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Crooks
| last = Crooks
| first = David
| first = David
Line 46: Line 46:
| date = December 2019
| date = December 2019
| url = https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/articles/zx-spectrum-next-raspberry-pi-project-showcase }}</ref>
| url = https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/articles/zx-spectrum-next-raspberry-pi-project-showcase }}</ref>

Despite the name, the machine is not directly affiliated with [[Sinclair Research]] Ltd., Sir [[Clive Sinclair]] or the current owner of the trademarks [[Sky Group]]. Instead the license to use the "Sinclair" name and "ZX Spectrum" trademark was granted to SpecNext Ltd. by the owner of the trademarks in exchange for a charitable donation to the [[Royal National Institute of Blind People]]{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}.


==History==
==History==
The ZX Spectrum Next started life in 2010 in Brazil, as a variant of the [[TK95]] Spectrum clone. In 2016 Victor Trucco and Fabio Belavenuto announced the "TBBlue" board, named after the two creators and the colour of the [[solder mask]] of the motherboard, a bare circuit board implementation of the product for advanced hobbyists.
The ZX Spectrum Next started life in 2010 in Brazil, as a variant of the [[TK95]] Spectrum clone. The design is based on an [[Altera]] DE1 FPGA, which implements the original ZX Spectrum's Z80 CPU.
In 2016 Victor Trucco and Fabio Belavenuto announced the "TBBlue" board, named for the two creators and the color of the [[solder mask]] of the motherboard, a bare circuit board implementation of the product for advanced hobbyists.


With the help of [[Henrique Olifiers]] the duo wanted to export the TBBlue to the UK, the ZX Spectrum's original home, having received moderate success with the board in Brazil.<ref name=carroll>{{cite news
With the help of [[Henrique Olifiers]] the duo wanted to export the TBBlue to the UK, the ZX Spectrum's original home, having received moderate success with the board in Brazil.<ref name=carroll>{{cite news
Line 65: Line 65:
| newspaper = Metro (UK)
| newspaper = Metro (UK)
| date = 24 April 2017
| date = 24 April 2017
| url = https://metro.co.uk/2017/04/24/celebrate-the-sinclair-zx-spectrums-35th-anniversary-with-yet-another-retro-console-6594446/amp/ }}</ref> At the end of the campaign 3,113 backers pledged £723,390. While the campaign was succesfull in creating a userbase for the new platform, it wasn't a commercial success. Due to what campaign creators call "bad tax advice" the production of the machines ended up causing costs instead of revenue to the creators.<ref>{{cite news
| url = https://metro.co.uk/2017/04/24/celebrate-the-sinclair-zx-spectrums-35th-anniversary-with-yet-another-retro-console-6594446/amp/ }}</ref> At the end of the campaign 3,113 backers pledged £723,390.


The board-only computer was delivered to backers in December 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-next/posts/2085604|title=Update 24: What's next for the Next (including full computers shipping estimate) · ZX Spectrum Next|website=Kickstarter|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref>. After some design and production delays, the first batch of finished units were delivered to backers in March 2020.
| title = ZX Spectrum reboot promising – steady now – 28MHz of sizzling Speccy speed now boasts improved Wi-Fi
| newspaper = The Register
| date = 13 August 2020
| url = https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/13/spectrum_next_issue_2_crowdfunding/ }}</ref>


A second Kickstarter, which was started on 11 August 2020<ref>[[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2/]]</ref>, was funded (£250,000) in 6 minutes, doubling that amount 35 minutes later. It reached its first 1.000 backers in 13 minutes.
Although initially intended to use the original ZX Spectrum's Z80 chip<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ridden |first1=Paul |title=Home computing classic reborn as ZX Spectrum Next |url=https://newatlas.com/specnext-zx-spectrum-next/49180/ |accessdate=13 August 2020 |work=New Atlas |date=24 April 2017}}</ref>, the design was altered to use the [[Xilinx#Spartan_family|Xilinx Spartan-6]] FPGA<ref name=lucypi>{{cite news
| last = Hattersley
| first = Lucy
| title = ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated review
| newspaper = MagPi Magazine
| date = April 2020
| url = https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/articles/zx-spectrum-next-accelerated-review }}</ref>, to allow "hardware sprites, scrolling, and other advanced features to be incorporated within the machine itself".<ref name=crookspi/>


==Models==
The board-only computer was delivered to backers in December 2017<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-next/posts/2085604|title=Update 24: What's next for the Next (including full computers shipping estimate) · ZX Spectrum Next|website=Kickstarter|access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref>. After some design and production delays, the first batch of finished units were delivered to backers in March 2020.
Four models of the Next have been produced:
* ZX Spectrum Next developer board (Base 1024 kb memory model that could fit in the original ZX Spectrum case with minor adjustments. The board design was changed slightly for the next three models.)
* ZX Spectrum Next with 1024 kb memory (768 kb free) or 2048 kb in the second Kickstarter
* ZX Spectrum Next Plus adds a [[real-time clock]] and Wifi over the standard Next
* ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated adds a [[Raspberry Pi]] Zero over the Plus.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Ridden
| first = Paul
| title = Home computing classic reborn as ZX Spectrum Next
| newspaper = New Atlas
| date = 24 April 2017
| url = https://newatlas.com/specnext-zx-spectrum-next/49180/ }}</ref>


Further options include 2× 512 kb memory, internal beeper speaker. A real-time clock, Wifi and Pi Zero can easily be user-installed in the standard model.
A second Kickstarter launched on {{Date|2020-08-11|}} at 21:00 BST and reached 100% funding (£250,000) within six minutes (at least one report claims four minutes<ref>{{cite news


==Pricing==
| title = Opvolger ZX Spectrum Next krijgt snellere cpu-modes en meer ram
| newspaper = Tweakers
| date = 12 August 2020
| url = https://tweakers.net/geek/170780/opvolger-zx-spectrum-next-krijgt-snellere-cpu-modes-en-meer-ram.html }}</ref>, while the project creator claims five minutes<ref name="zxn-ks2-update-1">{{cite web |last1=Olifiers |first1=Henrique |title=We Got Funded at 28MHz! |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2/posts/2921271 |website=Kickstarter |accessdate=13 August 2020}}</ref>). This performance earned it coverage from [[BBC News]] <ref>{{cite news |title=ZX Spectrum Next Issue 2 blasts through Kickstarter goal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53765852 |accessdate=13 August 2020 |work=BBC News |date=13 August 2020 |ref=bbc-news-ks2}}</ref>. The campaign passed 400% funding (£1,000,000) on {{Date|2020-08-14}}<ref>{{cite web |title=£1,000,161 thanks everyone|last1=Bagley |first1=Jim |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/specnext/permalink/1230932530597398/ |website=Facebook |accessdate=14 August 2020}}</ref>.

==Models==
Four models of the Next were produced in the first Kickstarter<ref>{{cite web |title=ZX Spectrum Next - Issue 1: Campaign |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next/description |website=Kickstarter |accessdate=13 August 2020 |ref=zxn-ks1-c}}</ref>:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+ Overview of [[ZX Spectrum Next]] Issue 1 models
|-
|-
|
! Model name !! Cased !! [[real-time clock]] installed !! [[Wi-Fi]] installed !! [[Raspberry Pi]] Zero "Accelerator" installed !! Board revision !! Notes
| Motherboard
| Base model
| Plus
| Accelerated
|-
|-
| First Kickstarter
| ZX Spectrum Next developer board || No || No || No || No || 2A || Only board revision which can fit in an original, modified, [[ZX Spectrum]] case
| £99
| £175
| £215
| £230
|-
|-
| SpecNext webshop
| ZX Spectrum Next || Yes || No || No || No || 2B || Does not require modification, with a capacitor, to eliminate electronic "noise"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Olifiers |first1=Henrique |title=Next Board 2A Capacitor Mod |url=https://www.specnext.com/next-board-2a-capacitor-mod/ |website=ZX Spectrum Next |accessdate=13 August 2020}}</ref>
| -
| £254.10 (£210 + 21% VAT)
| £302.50 (£250 + 21% VAT)
| £332.75 (£275 + 21% VAT)
|-
|-
| Second Kickstarter
| ZX Spectrum Next Plus || Yes || Yes || Yes || No || 2B ||
|-
| -
| -
| ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated || Yes || Yes || Yes || Yes || 2B || Accelerator will enable loading compressed tzx tape images from SD-card and provide emulation of the [[MOS Technology 6581]] SID soundchip.
| £300
| £325
|}
|}


After the Kickstarter, a few dozen came available through the SpecNext's webshop.
All models include 1024 kb [[Random-access memory|RAM]] (768 kb free) and can be upgraded by the owner;
* Adding two 512 kb chips brings the RAM to 2048 kb.
* An internal "beeper" speaker can be installed.
* Any of the higher models' optional extras can be installed.


The price increase of the second Kickstarter was explained as taxes. It was assumed during the first campaign that crowdfunding was exempt from taxes and the SpecNext team had to foot the bill at personal cost.
The second Kickstarter offers just two models<ref>{{cite web |title=ZX Spectrum Next - Issue 2: Pledge |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2/pledge/new |website=Kickstarter |accessdate=13 August 2020 |ref=zxn-ks2-p}}</ref>, though at the time of writing their details are being amended as the funding reaches "stretch goal" targets<ref>{{cite web |title=ZX Spectrum Next - Issue 2: Stretch Goals |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2#h:stretch-goals |website=Kickstarter |accessdate=13 August 2020 |ref=zxn-ks2-sg}}</ref>;


All prices excluding shipping (£10 UK; £25 elsewhere)
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Overview of [[ZX Spectrum Next]] Issue 2 models
|-
! Model name !! Raspberry Pi Zero "Accelerator" installed !! Notes
|-
| ZX Spectrum Next Plus || No || [[Wi-Fi]] module relocated to avoid audio interference
|-
| ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated || Yes ||
|}

Both models are cased, include a [[real-time clock]], [[Wi-Fi]], and 2048 kb [[Random-access memory|RAM]], use board revision 2C, and can be upgraded by the owner;
* An internal "beeper" speaker can be installed.
* A Raspberry Pi Zero unit can be installed as an "Accelerator" into the ZX Spectrum Next Plus.

All models feature a ZX Spectrum compatible expansion bus and c-cassette tape input/output ports, enabling existing ZX Spectrum peripherals, such as microdrive units and printers to be used with the Next. In addition the machine has built-in DIVMMC-style SD-card support, two Kempston/Sinclair joystick ports and a PS/2 style mouse connector.


==Reception==
==Reception==
The Next has received generally favorable reviews in the specialist press. In the official Raspberry Pi magazine "[[The MagPi|MagPi]]", Lucy Hattersley called it "a lovely piece of kit", noting that it is "well-designed and well-built: authentic to the original, and with technology that nods to the past while remaining functional and relevant in the modern age".<ref name=lucypi/>
The Next has received generally favorable reviews in the specialist press. In the official Raspberry Pi magazine "[[The MagPi|MagPi]]", Lucy Hattersley called it "a lovely piece of kit", noting that it is "well-designed and well-built: authentic to the original, and with technology that nods to the past while remaining functional and relevant in the modern age".<ref>{{cite news
| last = Hattersley
| first = Lucy
| title = ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated review
| newspaper = MagPi Magazine
| date = April 2020
| url = https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/articles/zx-spectrum-next-accelerated-review }}</ref>


In [[PC Pro]] magazine, columnist Gareth Halfacree called the Next "undeniably impressive" while noting that the printed manual lacks an index, and that some features are "not quite ready".<ref>{{cite news
In [[PC Pro]] magazine, columnist Gareth Halfacree called the Next "undeniably impressive" while noting that the printed manual lacks an index, and that some features are "not quite ready".<ref>{{cite news
Line 143: Line 142:
[[Retro Gamer]] featured an 8-page interview with the creators of the machine about the highs and lows of creating a "true successor to the much-loved Sinclair micro".<ref name=carroll/>
[[Retro Gamer]] featured an 8-page interview with the creators of the machine about the highs and lows of creating a "true successor to the much-loved Sinclair micro".<ref name=carroll/>


==Clones and emulators==
==Clones==
The Spectrum Next team actively encourages the manufacture of clone machines to promote and expand the userbase as much as possible.
The Spectrum Next team actively encourages the manufacture of clone machines to promote and expand the userbase as much as possible.


Clones of the ZX Spectrum Next include;
Clones of the ZX Spectrum Next include:
* ZXDOS+ (board) / gomaDOS+ (board with case)
* ZXDOS+ (board) / gomaDOS+ (board with case)
* A ZX Next/TBBlue Clone
* A ZX Next/TBBlue Clone


Also two Spectrum Next emulators are available: ZEsarUX by Cesar Hernandez and #CSpect by Mike Dailly.
Emulators of the Next include<ref>{{cite web |title=Emulators |url=https://wiki.specnext.dev/Emulators |website=SpecNext official Wiki |accessdate=14 August 2020}}</ref>;
* ZEsarUX by Cesar Hernandez<ref>{{cite web |last1=Olifiers |first1=Henrique |title=ZEsarUX: Next emulator |url=https://www.specnext.com/emulating-the-next-zesarux/ |website=ZX Spectrum Next |accessdate=14 August 2020}}</ref>
* #CSpect by Mike Dailly<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dailly |first1=Mike |url=http://www.cspect.org/ |website=The life of a Games Programmer |accessdate=14 August 2020}}</ref>


==Visual Design==
==Visual Design==
Line 165: Line 162:
==Hardware Specifications==
==Hardware Specifications==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Overview of [[ZX Spectrum Next]] hardware specifications
|+ ZX Spectrum Next
|-
|-
| CPU
! Aspect !! Issue 1 revision boards (2A, 2B) !! Issue 2 revision board (2C)
| Z80N (Zilog Z80 compatible with additional instructions) implemented in FPGA
|-
|-
| Speed
| CPU || Z80N ([[Zilog Z80]] compatible with additional instructions) implemented in [[FPGA]] || TBC
| 3.5, 7, 14 or 28 MHz
|-
|-
| RAM (Memory)
| Speed || 3.5, 7, 14 or 28 MHz || TBC
| 768K (base), 1792K (expanded)
|-
|-
|Graphics
| RAM (Memory) || 768K (base), 1792K (expanded) || TBC
| From 128 × 96 to 640 × 256 pixels
|-
|-
| Colour
| Graphics || From 128 × 96 to 640 × 256 pixels || TBC
| Depending on mode and layer, 16 or 256 colours. No [[colour clash]] in certain modes.
|-
|-
| Sprites
| Colour || Depending on mode and layer, 16 or 256 colours. No [[colour clash]] in certain modes. || TBC
| Up to 128 hardware sprites of 16 × 16 pixels.
|-
|-
| Sound
| Sprites || Up to 128 hardware sprites of 16 × 16 pixels. || TBC
| Traditional "Beeper", 3 × AY 8910 FM synthesizers, and 4 × 8-bit [[DAC]]s.
|-
|-
| Software
| Sound || Traditional "Beeper", 3 × [[General Instrument AY-3-8910]] programmable sound generators, and 4 × 8-bit [[DAC]]s implemented in FPGA|| TBC
| The Next can be configured to boot into up to thirty alternate cores resident in [[flash memory]], giving it the ability to simulate other 8-bit microcomputers such as the [[Acorn Computers|Acorn]] [[BBC Micro]], game consoles and arcade games.
|-
| Software || NextZXOS Operating System + Next[[BASIC]]. || TBC
|-
| Connectivity || Tape in/out, Audio out, HDMI, VGA, 2 x Kempston/Sinclair joystick connectors, PS/2 mouse port, ZX Spectrum compatible expansion bus || TBC
|}
|}

==Other recreations and emulations==

ZX Spectrum Next can be used to recreate a number of other computers such as the [[Acorn Computers|Acorn]] [[BBC Micro]], as long as their hardware will "fit" into the [[FPGA]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dokos |first1=Phoebus |title=Multiple FPGA Cores Support |url=https://www.specnext.com/multicore/ |website=ZX Spectrum Next |accessdate=13 August 2020 |date=27 April 2020}}</ref>. These recreations are known as "cores". The machine can also be made to boot directly into an alternative core. While the use of alternate cores is supported, the cores themselves are unofficial third-party projects. Among the notable collections of cores is [[GitLab]] [[Git|repository]] [https://gitlab.com/victor.trucco/zx-spectrum-next-cores Victor Trucco: ZX Spectrum Next Cores].

A selection of [[8-bit]] [[arcade machine]]s can be emulated with [http://www.rustypixels.uk/?page_id=313 Rusty Pixels's RAMS] (Rusty Arcade MachineS), a ZX Spectrum Next [[Program (computer)|program]], as long as the user has the [[arcade machine]]'s [[ROM|ROM data]].


==References==
==References==
Line 199: Line 194:
==External links==
==External links==
* [https://specnext.com/ Official website]
* [https://specnext.com/ Official website]
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-next/ Issue 1 Kickstarter page]
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-next/ First Kickstarter]
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2 Issue 2 Kickstarter page]
* [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spectrumnext/zx-spectrum-next-issue-2/ Second Kickstarter]
* [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA Open-source FPGA firmware]
* [https://gitlab.com/SpectrumNext/ZX_Spectrum_Next_FPGA Open-source FPGA firmware]


Revision as of 20:51, 14 August 2020

Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next
DeveloperSpecNext Ltd.
ManufacturerSMS Electronics
TypeHome computer
Release dateFebruary 2020
Units sold3000+
CPUZ80 implemented in FPGA
Memory1 MB (upgradeable to 2 MB)
DisplayVGA, RGB, HDMI
PredecessorZX Spectrum 128

Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next is a modern 8-bit home computer, backwards compatible with the ZX Spectrum, but also featuring enhanced capabilities.[1][2]. It is intended to appeal to retro-computing enthusiasts and also to "encourage a new generation of bedroom coders", according to project member Jim Bagley.[3]

History

The ZX Spectrum Next started life in 2010 in Brazil, as a variant of the TK95 Spectrum clone. The design is based on an Altera DE1 FPGA, which implements the original ZX Spectrum's Z80 CPU.

In 2016 Victor Trucco and Fabio Belavenuto announced the "TBBlue" board, named for the two creators and the color of the solder mask of the motherboard, a bare circuit board implementation of the product for advanced hobbyists.

With the help of Henrique Olifiers the duo wanted to export the TBBlue to the UK, the ZX Spectrum's original home, having received moderate success with the board in Brazil.[4]

The Next was first announced as a distinct product in 2016 after the participation of original Spectrum industrial designer Rick Dickinson was secured. A crowdfunding campaign was launched on the Kickstarter platform in January 2017 with an initial funding goal of £250,000.[5] At the end of the campaign 3,113 backers pledged £723,390.

The board-only computer was delivered to backers in December 2017[6]. After some design and production delays, the first batch of finished units were delivered to backers in March 2020.

A second Kickstarter, which was started on 11 August 2020[7], was funded (£250,000) in 6 minutes, doubling that amount 35 minutes later. It reached its first 1.000 backers in 13 minutes.

Models

Four models of the Next have been produced:

  • ZX Spectrum Next developer board (Base 1024 kb memory model that could fit in the original ZX Spectrum case with minor adjustments. The board design was changed slightly for the next three models.)
  • ZX Spectrum Next with 1024 kb memory (768 kb free) or 2048 kb in the second Kickstarter
  • ZX Spectrum Next Plus adds a real-time clock and Wifi over the standard Next
  • ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated adds a Raspberry Pi Zero over the Plus.[8]

Further options include 2× 512 kb memory, internal beeper speaker. A real-time clock, Wifi and Pi Zero can easily be user-installed in the standard model.

Pricing

Motherboard Base model Plus Accelerated
First Kickstarter £99 £175 £215 £230
SpecNext webshop - £254.10 (£210 + 21% VAT) £302.50 (£250 + 21% VAT) £332.75 (£275 + 21% VAT)
Second Kickstarter - - £300 £325

After the Kickstarter, a few dozen came available through the SpecNext's webshop.

The price increase of the second Kickstarter was explained as taxes. It was assumed during the first campaign that crowdfunding was exempt from taxes and the SpecNext team had to foot the bill at personal cost.

All prices excluding shipping (£10 UK; £25 elsewhere)

Reception

The Next has received generally favorable reviews in the specialist press. In the official Raspberry Pi magazine "MagPi", Lucy Hattersley called it "a lovely piece of kit", noting that it is "well-designed and well-built: authentic to the original, and with technology that nods to the past while remaining functional and relevant in the modern age".[9]

In PC Pro magazine, columnist Gareth Halfacree called the Next "undeniably impressive" while noting that the printed manual lacks an index, and that some features are "not quite ready".[10]

Retro Gamer featured an 8-page interview with the creators of the machine about the highs and lows of creating a "true successor to the much-loved Sinclair micro".[4]

Clones

The Spectrum Next team actively encourages the manufacture of clone machines to promote and expand the userbase as much as possible.

Clones of the ZX Spectrum Next include:

  • ZXDOS+ (board) / gomaDOS+ (board with case)
  • A ZX Next/TBBlue Clone

Also two Spectrum Next emulators are available: ZEsarUX by Cesar Hernandez and #CSpect by Mike Dailly.

Visual Design

The Next's case design[11] is by Rick Dickinson who designed the original 48K Spectrum and Spectrum+, but died during the development of the keyboard of the computer.[12] It takes design cues from the Spectrum+ and Spectrum 128, not the later Spectrum +2 or +3 manufactured by Amstrad.

Hardware Specifications

ZX Spectrum Next
CPU Z80N (Zilog Z80 compatible with additional instructions) implemented in FPGA
Speed 3.5, 7, 14 or 28 MHz
RAM (Memory) 768K (base), 1792K (expanded)
Graphics From 128 × 96 to 640 × 256 pixels
Colour Depending on mode and layer, 16 or 256 colours. No colour clash in certain modes.
Sprites Up to 128 hardware sprites of 16 × 16 pixels.
Sound Traditional "Beeper", 3 × AY 8910 FM synthesizers, and 4 × 8-bit DACs.
Software The Next can be configured to boot into up to thirty alternate cores resident in flash memory, giving it the ability to simulate other 8-bit microcomputers such as the Acorn BBC Micro, game consoles and arcade games.

References

  1. ^ Bush, Steve (April 28, 2017). "ZX Spectrum rides again, with Z80 and optional Raspberry Pi Zero". Electronics Weekly.
  2. ^ Beschizza, Rob (April 30, 2017). "ZX Spectrum Next is an advanced version of the original 8-bit monster machine". BoingBoing.
  3. ^ Crooks, David (December 2019). "ZX Spectrum Next Raspberry Pi project showcase". MagPi Magazine.
  4. ^ a b Carroll, Martyn (January 15, 2020). "The Next Level - Introducing the ZX Spectrum Next". Retro Gamer (UK).
  5. ^ "Celebrate the Sinclair ZX Spectrum's 35th anniversary with… yet another retro console". Metro (UK). April 24, 2017.
  6. ^ "Update 24: What's next for the Next (including full computers shipping estimate) · ZX Spectrum Next". Kickstarter. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  7. ^ [[1]]
  8. ^ Ridden, Paul (April 24, 2017). "Home computing classic reborn as ZX Spectrum Next". New Atlas.
  9. ^ Hattersley, Lucy (April 2020). "ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated review". MagPi Magazine.
  10. ^ Halfacree, Gareth (July 2020). "ZX Spectrum Next". PC Pro Magazine (UK). No. 309. pp. 48–50.
  11. ^ https://www.flickr.com/photos/9574086@N02/albums/72157685519763101
  12. ^ Halfacree, Gareth (April 26, 2018). "Industrial designer Rick Dickinson passes away". Bit-Tech.Net.
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