Post by spannernick on Mar 31, 2021 11:51:36 GMT
The ZX Spectrum Vega is a modern redesign of the ZX Spectrum in the form of a miniaturized TV game, that comes preloaded with several games from the platform, endorsed by Sir Clive Sinclair.
Hardware
Motherboard of the console.
The Vega mimics the look of the original 48k Spectrum computer, however, the keyboard that consisted of 40 rubber keys has been replaced in favour of a simplified layout consisting of only 13 buttons so its been turned into a controller with a DPad. On the left a segmented directional pad (DPad) made of hard red plastic for movement, on the right are four grey rectangular rubber keys that are the same size and shape as the original keys, alongside four smaller square rubber buttons on the bottom, and in the centre lays the reset button. The Iconic rainbow strip that appeared on the bottom right corner of the original has been reduced to a small decal on the corner.
The console connects to the television via an RCA composite cable, and uses a USB cable to draw power, both cables are hardwired to the back of the console, thats a shame, better if it had ports you could connect the cables to so you could remove them when not used. Since the console is meant to be held like a controller, the size of the unit has been reduced to fit in the hands, and the cables measure around 3 metres so it can be comfortably used with some distance between the screen and the user.
On the front, it contains a green LED to indicate the power is on, and a micro SD card slot for adding save files and more titles, it looks and feels like a real ZX Spectrum, even if its 50% smaller.
The Box
Software
This Mini Console comes pre-loaded with 1000 titles, brilliant ...
there is no need to add any games at all, most are included, this is how it should be.
Some notable titles include Jetpac by Ultimate Play the Game (Rare), the Horace series.
The console includes a menu to navigate and select games to play, and can be categorized by two categories, adventure and arcade. A third option allows to load games from a micro SD if one is inserted, only really needed for saving games.
The system allows for one save-state in each game, but only when a micro SD is inserted.
This is how you make a ZX Spectrum, its a great little device, its just a shame it does not have a better menu, its only text based but RGL consoles are mainly text based too because you can only load your own games with a text based menu, the carousel was made for RGL to add there own games to and to make the console GUI to look nice, so just for show so no real point to it, better to have more games then a nice looking carousel that can only be used with there games only, the carousel on THEA500/THE400 Mini's are becoming redundant because you end up using the text based menu more on them and there carousel both look identical so has no soul added to them so they have no heart and no character, they are made mainly now for profit only, you can see the change between THEC64 Mini (it has character) and THE400 Mini (that does not and looks like THEA500 Mini).
History
In 2014, a £100 Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega retro video game console was announced by Retro Computers and crowdfunded on IndieGogo, with the apparent backing of Clive Sinclair as an investor, but without a full keyboard and manufactured in a limited capacity.
It was released on the 24 of April, 2015.
In 2021, it is still been sold on eBay for £100, but I think its way over the top like most things on eBay are now.
More info on the ZX Spectrum Vega/ZX Vega Plus here.
Hardware
Motherboard of the console.
The Vega mimics the look of the original 48k Spectrum computer, however, the keyboard that consisted of 40 rubber keys has been replaced in favour of a simplified layout consisting of only 13 buttons so its been turned into a controller with a DPad. On the left a segmented directional pad (DPad) made of hard red plastic for movement, on the right are four grey rectangular rubber keys that are the same size and shape as the original keys, alongside four smaller square rubber buttons on the bottom, and in the centre lays the reset button. The Iconic rainbow strip that appeared on the bottom right corner of the original has been reduced to a small decal on the corner.
The console connects to the television via an RCA composite cable, and uses a USB cable to draw power, both cables are hardwired to the back of the console, thats a shame, better if it had ports you could connect the cables to so you could remove them when not used. Since the console is meant to be held like a controller, the size of the unit has been reduced to fit in the hands, and the cables measure around 3 metres so it can be comfortably used with some distance between the screen and the user.
On the front, it contains a green LED to indicate the power is on, and a micro SD card slot for adding save files and more titles, it looks and feels like a real ZX Spectrum, even if its 50% smaller.
The Box
Software
This Mini Console comes pre-loaded with 1000 titles, brilliant ...
there is no need to add any games at all, most are included, this is how it should be.Some notable titles include Jetpac by Ultimate Play the Game (Rare), the Horace series.
The console includes a menu to navigate and select games to play, and can be categorized by two categories, adventure and arcade. A third option allows to load games from a micro SD if one is inserted, only really needed for saving games.
The system allows for one save-state in each game, but only when a micro SD is inserted.
This is how you make a ZX Spectrum, its a great little device, its just a shame it does not have a better menu, its only text based but RGL consoles are mainly text based too because you can only load your own games with a text based menu, the carousel was made for RGL to add there own games to and to make the console GUI to look nice, so just for show so no real point to it, better to have more games then a nice looking carousel that can only be used with there games only, the carousel on THEA500/THE400 Mini's are becoming redundant because you end up using the text based menu more on them and there carousel both look identical so has no soul added to them so they have no heart and no character, they are made mainly now for profit only, you can see the change between THEC64 Mini (it has character) and THE400 Mini (that does not and looks like THEA500 Mini).
History
In 2014, a £100 Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega retro video game console was announced by Retro Computers and crowdfunded on IndieGogo, with the apparent backing of Clive Sinclair as an investor, but without a full keyboard and manufactured in a limited capacity.
It was released on the 24 of April, 2015.
In 2021, it is still been sold on eBay for £100, but I think its way over the top like most things on eBay are now.
More info on the ZX Spectrum Vega/ZX Vega Plus here.
