ZX Spectrum Next

Remake of a popular microcomputer

ZX Spectrum Next

A cased ZX Spectrum Next from the 1st Kickstarter

Developer| SpecNext
Manufacturer| SMS Electronics
Type| Home computer
Release date|

* 1st Kickstarter: December 2017 (development board), February 2020 (cased)
* 2nd Kickstarter: December 2023
* 3rd Kickstarter: July 2025

Units sold|

* 1st Kickstarter: 3010+ (3010 cased)
* 2nd Kickstarter: 5100+

CPU| Zilog Z80 implemented in FPGA
Memory|

* 1st Kickstarter: 1024 KB (upgradeable to 2048 KB)
* 2nd Kickstarter: 2048 KB
* 3rd Kickstarter: 2048 KB

Display| VGA, RGB, HDMI

The ZX Spectrum Next is an 8-bit home computer, initially released in 2017, which is compatible with software and hardware for the 1982 ZX Spectrum. It also has enhanced capabilities.[1][2] It is intended to appeal to retrocomputing enthusiasts and to "encourage a new generation of bedroom coders", according to project member Jim Bagley.[3]

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.

## History

[edit]

The 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" firmware, 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.

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. While the campaign was successful in creating a userbase for the new platform, it was not 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.[6]

Although initially intended to use the original ZX Spectrum's Z80 chip,[7] the design was altered to use the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA,[8] to allow "hardware sprites, scrolling, and other advanced features to be incorporated within the machine itself".[3]

The board-only computer was delivered to backers in December 2017.[9] After some design and production delays, the first batch of finished units were delivered to backers in March 2020.

A second Kickstarter launched on 11 August 2020 at 21:00 BST and reached 100% funding (£250,000) within minutes.[10][6][11] The campaign closed on 10 September 2020 with £1,847,106 (738% funding)[12]

A third Kickstarter, featuring a translucent magenta option, launched on 19 July 2025 at 08:00 and reached 100% funding within 7 minutes and 200% within 42 minutes (First hour of pledging on YouTube). Surpassing the total funding of the first Kickstarter took slightly less than 3 hours; surpassing the second Kickstarter took 20 days.

### Industrial design

[edit]

The Next's case design[13] is by Rick Dickinson who designed the original 48K Spectrum and Spectrum+, but died during the development of the keyboard of the computer.[14] It takes design cues from the original Spectrum, Spectrum+ and Spectrum 128, not the later Spectrum +2 or +3 manufactured by Amstrad. In addition to Rick Dickinson's work, his industrial design partner, Phil Candy,[15][16][17] also collaborated on the design and took over after Dickinson's passing.

## Reception

[edit]

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".[8]

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".[18]

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]

## Models

[edit]

Revisions of the Next's motherboard's design are referred to as "Issues", in keeping with the original ZX Spectrum,[19] and have been made to either improve quality or in response to problems with the supply of components. Care has been taken to not change the core capabilities, compatibility, and specifications of all models of the Next between Issues.

Overview of the Next hardware specifications  Aspect | Details

|

CPU | Z80N (Zilog Z80 compatible with additional instructions) implemented in FPGA
Speed | 3.5, 7, 14 or 28 MHz
RAM | 1024 KB base (768 KB free), 2048 KB maximum (1792 KB free), in 8 KB banks paged in and out of Z80's 64 KB address space; 256 KB is reserved for ROMs
Graphics | From 128 × 96 to 640 × 256 pixels.
Colour | Depending on mode and layer, 16 or 256 colours on-screen with no colour clash in certain modes, from a palette of 512 colours.
Sprites | Up to 128 hardware sprites of 16 × 16 pixels
Sound | Traditional "Beeper", 3 × General Instrument AY-3-8910 programmable sound generators (each with 3 channels for a total of 9 channels), and 4 × 8-bit DACs implemented in FPGA
Software | NextZXOS Operating System + NextBASIC; prior versions of Sinclair BASIC and optionally CP/M
Connectivity | Tape in/out, Audio out, HDMI,VGA/RGB, 2 x Cursor/Kempston/Sinclair joystick connectors, PS/2 mouse port (Kempston mouse emulation), ZX Spectrum compatible expansion bus, WiFi on selected models
Storage | Built-in DV-MMC-compatible SD-card slot; optionally cassette tape, Sinclair ZX Microdrive (with Sinclair ZX Interface 1) or any other storage system compatible with original ZX Spectrum series

### First Kickstarter

[edit]

Four models of the Next were produced in the first Kickstarter[citation needed] using the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA[citation needed].

Overview of the first Kickstarter's Next models  Model name | Cased | real-time clock installed | Wi-Fi installed | Raspberry Pi Zero "Accelerator" installed | Board Issue | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|

ZX Spectrum Next developer board | No | No | No | No | 2A | Only board Issue which can fit in an original, modified, ZX Spectrum case
ZX Spectrum Next | Yes | No | No | No | 2B | Does not require modification, with a capacitor, to eliminate electronic "noise"[20]
ZX Spectrum Next Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 2B |
ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2B | Accelerator enables loading compressed tzx tape images from SD-card and provides emulation of the MOS Technology 6581 SID soundchip.

All models include 1024 KB RAM (768 KB free) and can be upgraded by the owner;

* Adding two 512 KB chips brings the RAM to 2048 KB (1792 KB free).
* An internal "beeper" speaker can be installed.
* Any of the higher models' optional extras can be installed.

The box colour is blue, similar to the text on the `1` on a ZX Spectrum.

### Second Kickstarter

[edit]

Two models of the Next were offered in the second Kickstarter[citation needed][21] using the Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A15T FPGA[citation needed].

Overview of the second Kickstarter's Next 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 RAM (1792 KB free), use board Issue 4, 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 Next Plus.

The box colour is red, similar to the text on the `2` on a ZX Spectrum.

### Third Kickstarter

[edit]

Two board models and three cased models of the Next were offered in the third Kickstarter.

Overview of the third Kickstarter's Next models  Model name | Cased | Raspberry Pi Zero "Accelerator" installed | Notes

|
|
|

ZX Spectrum Next developer board | No | No | Will only fit in an original, modified, case
ZX Spectrum Next upgrade board | No | No | Will only fit in an ZX Spectrum Next case
ZX Spectrum Next | Yes | No |
ZX Spectrum Next + Accelerator | Yes | Yes |
ZX Spectrum Next Magenta Accelerated | Yes | Yes | Comes in a translucent magenta case

The third Kickstarter machine introduced a larger FPGA (Artix A7 XC7A35T-2CSG324C) with twice as many Look-Up Tables (LUTs), flip-flops and RAM as the second machine's A7 XC7A15T. It also has out of the box support for the Sinclair QL and Commodore 64. All models include a real-time clock, Wi-Fi and 2048 KB RAM.

The translucent case colour is magenta, similar to the text on the `3` on a ZX Spectrum.

## Operating system and software

[edit]

The default operating system of the Next is NextZXOS. The operating system provides a graphical file browser and menu based access to Next's features. In addition the machine has an extended BASIC interpreter NextBASIC, with commands and features added to support the new capabilities, such as support for 9-channel AY-sound and built-in sprite graphics editor.

NextZXOS and NextBASIC were written by Garry Lancaster, and the machine is provided with printed manual covering the OS and BASIC in detail. The first edition of the manual can be downloaded from the official website.

In addition to the native OS, the Next is able to run prior versions of Sinclair BASIC, such as 48K BASIC and 128K BASIC. The Next is also able to run CP/M. Although this does potentially open a sizeable software library of CP/M to the Next users, it is worth noting that CP/M cannot take advantage of the machine's advanced capabilities, such as large memory.

Some 3rd party "Next only" software has sprung into existence despite the comparatively short time that the machine has been on the market.[22] These include the likes of NxTel by Robin Verhagen-Guest (a Teletext-style Next specific webservice accessible via Wi-Fi), and NextDAW by Gari Biasillo (a digital audio workstation software capable of utilizing the Next's sound capabilities for creating Chiptunes). NxTel comes bundled with the machine on the accompanying SD-Card.

Some of the original ZX Spectrum games have also been upgraded or are being upgraded to utilize Next's improved graphics and sound. Among the most notable remakes are Atic Atac with improved graphics by Craig Stevenson. The new game version is backed by the current owner of the rights Rare studio and the Next port is written by Kev Brady.[23]

## Licensing

[edit]

The NextZXOS and NextBASIC are both released under Open/Closed-Source hybrid license called "The Next License", with all parts of the OS being closed source by default, unless explicitly placed under open-source MIT License. The Next License prohibits selling the software and charging a duplication fee for it, but cost-free distribution is allowed under the CreativeCommons Attribution-ShareAlike license. The OS and BASIC are publicly hosted on GitLab.

Hardware is released under a "mixed source" proprietary license. The VHDL/Verilog for the FPGA digital design is available on GitLab and licensed under GPL3. Everything else is closed including the Schematics, the PCB master files and keyboard/case 3D model.

## Personalities and alternative FPGA cores

[edit]

The Next is able to reproduce the behaviour of any prior Sinclair ZX80, ZX81 or Spectrum machine, as well as some notable ZX Spectrum clones (both official and unlicensed) through a feature called "Personalities". Examples of such clone personalities are Timex Sinclair TC2048 and the Russian Pentagon machines. Personalities can match hardware features, timings, memory, graphics and sound capabilities and OS version with the machines to be reproduced in an effort to provide full compatibility with them. The default personality of the Next is based on Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3e. It is also possible for the user to configure and add new personalities as needed.[citation needed]

The Next can also be used to recreate a number of other, non-Spectrum based computers, such as the Acorn BBC Micro, as long as their hardware will "fit" into the FPGA.[24] 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. A Sinclair QL core is described as "very stable, [ booting ] every time".[25]

## Clones and emulators

[edit]

An N-GO board, a clone of ZX Spectrum Next

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

Clones of the Next include:

Xilinx FPGA-based clones

* ZXDOS+ (board) / gomaDOS+ (board with case)
* N-GO (board/computer), which can be installed into a modified ZX Spectrum case in the same way as the Next Issue 2A or comes with its own mechanical keyboard+enclosure
* XBerry Pi, a Raspberry Pi sized miniaturized full ZX Spectrum Next clone[26]

Altera FPGA-based clones

* UnAmiga (board with case)

* UnAmiga Reloaded (board with case)
* Multicore 2 / Multicore 2+ (board with case)
* NeptUNO (board with case)
* MiST (Core with TZX loading and RTC support)
* Sidi (Low cost MiST derivative)
* Mister (Core with special dual SDRAM/SRAM memory addon)
* MiSTer an Intel Cyclone V based board with 1 GB DDR3 and hundred open source retro cores [1]

Emulators of the Next include:[27]

* ZEsarUX by Cesar Hernandez[28]
* #CSpect by Mike Dailly[29]

## References

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to ZX Spectrum Next.

1. ^ Bush, Steve (28 April 2017). "ZX Spectrum rides again, with Z80 and optional Raspberry Pi Zero". Electronics Weekly.
2. ^ Beschizza, Rob (30 April 2017). "ZX Spectrum Next is an advanced version of the original 8-bit monster machine". BoingBoing.
3. ^ a b Crooks, David (December 2019). "ZX Spectrum Next Raspberry Pi project showcase". MagPi Magazine.
4. ^ a b Carroll, Martyn (15 January 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). 24 April 2017.
6. ^ a b "ZX Spectrum reboot promising – steady now – 28MHz of sizzling Speccy speed now boasts improved Wi-Fi". The Register. 13 August 2020.
7. ^ Ridden, Paul (24 April 2017). "Home computing classic reborn as ZX Spectrum Next". New Atlas. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
8. ^ a b Hattersley, Lucy (April 2020). "ZX Spectrum Next Accelerated review". MagPi Magazine.
9. ^ "Update 24: What's next for the Next (including full computers shipping estimate) · ZX Spectrum Next". Kickstarter. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
10. ^ "Opvolger ZX Spectrum Next krijgt snellere cpu-modes en meer ram". Tweakers. 12 August 2020.
11. ^ "ZX Spectrum Next Issue 2 blasts through Kickstarter goal". BBC News. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
12. ^ Clark, Adam. "Kicktraq: ZX Spectrum Next - Issue 2". Kicktraq. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
13. ^ "Specnext1.1157". 28 September 2017.
14. ^ Halfacree, Gareth (26 April 2018). "Industrial designer Rick Dickinson passes away". Bit-Tech.Net.
15. ^ "About – ZX SPECTRUM NEXT". 29 April 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
16. ^ Langevin, Audrey (15 August 2020). "ZX Spectrum, online tutoring, and hybrid air vehicles; Crowdfunding now". Maddyness UK. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
17. ^ "Retro Isle - Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next". www.retroisle.com. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
18. ^ Halfacree, Gareth (July 2020). "ZX Spectrum Next". PC Pro Magazine (UK). No. 309\. pp. 48–50.
19. ^ "ZX Spectrum Models". Spectrum For Everyone. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
20. ^ Olifiers, Henrique. "Next Board 2A Capacitor Mod". ZX Spectrum Next. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
21. ^ "ZX Spectrum Next Second Kickstarter smashes its goal in less than fifteen minutes! | News | The Digital Fix". Gaming @ The Digital Fix. 11 August 2020. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
22. ^ "Games". Spectrum Next Games. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
23. ^ "Melkhior's Mansion - In Dev Ultimate Play the Game Atic Atac inspiration looks so awesome!", Indie Retro News, 17 August 2020
24. ^ Dokos, Phoebus (27 April 2020). "Multiple FPGA Cores Support". ZX Spectrum Next. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
25. ^ Trucco, Victor. "QL progress #1". Patreon. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
26. ^ "Xberry Pi". ZX Renew. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
27. ^ "Emulators". SpecNext official Wiki. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
28. ^ Olifiers, Henrique. "ZEsarUX: Next emulator". ZX Spectrum Next. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
29. ^ Dailly, Mike. "#CSpect V2.12.34". The life of a Games Programmer. Retrieved 14 August 2020.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Kickstarter campaigns;
* First (board Issues 2A and 2B, from 23 April 2017 to 23 May 2017)
* Second (board Issue 4, from 11 August 2020 to 10 September 2020)
* FPGA cores;
* Open-source FPGA firmware
* GitLab repository Victor Trucco: ZX Spectrum Next Cores

* v
* t
* e

Sinclair computers, derivatives, and clones

Sinclair Research /
Science of Cambridge

* MK14
* ZX80
* ZX81
* ZX Spectrum (ZX Spectrum+, ZX Spectrum 128)
* QL

Amstrad|

* ZX Spectrum +2
* ZX Spectrum +3

Licenced systems|

* ZX Spectrum Vega
* ZX Spectrum Vega+

Timex Corporation|

* T/S 1000
* T/S 1500
* T/S 2068 (TC 2068)
* TC 2048
* TC 3256

Cambridge Computer|

* Z88

Lists of clones

* ZX80/81 clones
* ZX Spectrum clones
* QL clones

Compatible or
related systems

* ZX80 based: MicroAce, TK80, TK82, NE-Z80
* ZX81 based: Apply 300, AS-1000, Lambda 8300, CP-200, CZ 1000, CZ 1500, CZ 1000 plus, CZ 1500 plus, NE-Z8000, Ringo R-470, TK82C, TK83, TK85
* ZX Spectrum based: ATM, Pentagon, CZ 2000, CZ Spectrum, CZ Spectrum plus, Didaktik, Dubna 48K, Hobbit,Scorpion ZS-256, Sprinter, Kay 1024, Komputer 2086, TK90X, TK95, Robik, ZX Spectrum Next, ZX Touch
* QL based: CST Thor, One Per Desk, Q40/Q60
* Other: SAM Coupé, Jupiter Ace

Sinclair Research peripherals|

* ZX Printer
* ZX Interface 1
* ZX Interface 2
* ZX Microdrive

Timex peripherals|

* TS2040 Printer
* TS2050 Modem
* FDD Disk Drive
* FDD3000 Disk Drive

Other peripherals|

* Beta Disk Interface
* DISCiPLE
* MB02
* Rotronics Wafadrive
* Multiface
* Kempston
* Currah
* SpecDrum
* RAM Music Machine
* Stack Light Rifle
* Magnum Light Phaser

People|

* Clive Sinclair
* John Pemberton
* Rick Dickinson
* Richard Altwasser
* Steve Vickers

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