ZX Touch
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 | |
 ZX Touch model ZXT-001 with home screen and illuminated side lights | |
| Also known as | ZXT |
|---|---|
| Developer | Goran Radan |
| Manufacturer | Elmar Electronic d.o.o. |
| Type | Handheld gaming console |
| Release date | 18 November 2023 |
| Operating system | Bare-metal (no operating system) |
| CPU | 480 Mhz ARM Cortex-M7 |
| Storage | Internal (for built-in games), microSD card slot |
| Removable storage | microSD (FAT32) |
| Display | 7-inch IPS touchscreen, 1024 x 600 px resolution, 50 Hz refresh rate |
| Sound | 28 mm 1.5 W speaker |
| Input | Touchscreen, 8 tactile buttons and analog stick |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi ready (future firmware update), USB-C (charging) |
| Power | 3000 mAh rechargeable LiPo battery, 5VDC/1A USB-C charging |
| Current firmware | v1.12a |
| Dimensions | 249 x 123 x 15 mm |
| Weight | 533 grams (18.8 oz) |
The ZX Touch (ZXT) is a handheld gaming console released by Elmar Electronic on 18 November 2023, designed specifically for playing ZX Spectrum games. Utilising bare-metal emulation, this custom-designed device features a 7-inch touchscreen display with a 50 Hz refresh rate. The console includes 34 built-in licensed games, and users can load their own game ROMs via microSD.[1]
History
[edit]Development
[edit]The ZX Touch originated as a hobby project by Goran Radan, co-owner of Elmar Electronic from Croatia, driven by passion for the ZX Spectrum and embedded microcontrollers. Radan, who had previously designed and released the ZX-VGA-JOY interface, developed initial prototypes that led to a dedicated console focused on accurate emulation and usability for Spectrum games. The decision to bring the ZX Touch to market was influenced by discussions with fellow enthusiasts, aiming to offer a unique retro gaming experience.[2]
Launch
[edit]The device was publicly unveiled at the CRASH Live! 2023 event held in Kenilworth, England, on 18 November 2023, where units were also available for immediate purchase by attendees.[3] Elmar Electronic's existing business in related fields enabled the independent production of the ZX Touch, in contrast to the crowdfunding-reliant ZX Spectrum Next and Vega+.[4]
Hardware
[edit]The ZX Touch emulates both the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128 models using a bare-metal system on a 480 MHz ARM Cortex-M7. The absence of an operating system enables gaming to be ready in under one second from power-on (with title screen disabled) through direct hardware communication.[1]
Visuals are displayed on a 7-inch 1024 x 600 IPS touchscreen with a 50 Hz refresh rate, synchronised with the original ZX Spectrum. Player control is provided by eight tactile buttons and an analog stick, all of which are fully remappable and configurable per game. A virtual keyboard is available on the touchscreen for keyboard-centric titles. The device supports both hardware and software AY sound emulation, outputting audio through an internal speaker.[1]
Integrated LED side lighting provides dynamic visual effects, such as a synchronised display triggered by AY Sound Tracking. It also incorporates easily replaceable components, from the power button and analog stick to the touchscreen, for durability. The integrated 3000 mAh battery, also replaceable, provides up to six hours of portable gameplay.[1]
The console includes Wi-Fi hardware for potential future online features, though currently inactive.[1]
Software
[edit]The ZX Touch is a dedicated emulator, built to deliver an authentic Spectrum experience. Unlike generic retro consoles that rely on Android-based emulators, the ZXT utilises a bespoke C/C++ software environment, operating directly on its hardware without a traditional operating system.[1]
The device includes an SE Basic ROM (GPL v2 licensed), 34 built-in licensed games, and supports additional game loading via microSD for TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80, TRD, and SCL formats. Its own ZTG (ZX Touch Game) format allows for custom dashboards and bundled game data. All system functions are accessible via the touchscreen. The console also features firmware update capabilities.[1]
In-game modifications are possible through a poke tool, which also supports loading POK files from microSD or embedding them in ZTG files. Optional ULAplus colour enhancement and custom game backgrounds provide further personalisation. Two turbo modes enhance gameplay speed, while features like game rewind, save/load states, and tape player emulation offer added convenience.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "ZX Touch – ZX Spectrum handheld console". ZX Touch. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ "Who We Are?". ZX Touch. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ "ZX Touch - First Impressions on the New ZX Spectrum console". YouTube. Gentlemen's Pixel Club. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ "The Spectrum Show EP140". YouTube. Paul Jenkinson. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
External links
[edit]- ZX Touch – official site
- Elmar Electronic on YouTube – official video showcasing the console
 | ||
| Amstrad | ||
| Licenced systems | ||
| Timex Corporation | ||
| Cambridge Computer | ||
Lists of clones | ||
Compatible or related systems |
| |
| Sinclair Research peripherals | ||
| Timex peripherals |
| |
| Other peripherals | ||
| People |
| |