FAQ
ZX Spectrum questions, answered
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about playing Spectrum games, loading tapes and the hardware. Can't see yours? Ask us.
Can I play ZX Spectrum games online for free?
Yes. All seven games in our arcade are free to play in your browser, with no download or sign-up. They run in a real 48K and 128K Spectrum emulator on computers, tablets and phones.
Do I need to download an emulator to play Spectrum games?
No. A browser emulator runs inside the web page, so you just press Play. If you want disk support or developer tools, see our pick of the best desktop emulators.
Can I play Spectrum games on my phone?
Yes. On a phone or tablet Speccy shows an on-screen joystick and fire button, plus a keyboard when a game needs one. Turn the phone sideways for a bigger screen. Buzz Bee only needs a tap.
How do I load a TAP or TZX file in my browser?
Open Speccy, our emulator, press Load and choose the file. It loads through the real Sinclair ROM, as if you had typed LOAD "". Our guide to loading your own tapes covers every step.
Are the tape files I load uploaded to your server?
No. Your browser reads the file and passes it straight to Speccy on your own device. We never see or store it.
Why won't my Spectrum tape file load?
The most common fix is to switch Speccy to 48K and try again, because some older games trip over the 128K. Also check it's a Spectrum file (TAP files exist for other computers too) and that it isn't a disk image, which we don't support yet.
What is the difference between TAP and TZX?
A TAP file stores only the data blocks of a tape that uses the standard Sinclair loader. A TZX file also records exact timings, so it can preserve custom and copy-protected loaders. See Spectrum file formats explained.
What is a Z80 file?
A Z80 file is a snapshot: a copy of the Spectrum's whole memory and processor state at one moment. Loading it restores the game instantly, with no tape loading. Speccy's download button saves Z80 files.
Is it legal to play ZX Spectrum games online?
Emulators are legal, and our own games are free to play. Many classic commercial games are still in copyright, so play files you own, free homebrew games, or games whose rights holders allow sharing. This is general information, not legal advice.
When did the ZX Spectrum come out?
Sinclair Research launched the ZX Spectrum in the UK in April 1982, at £125 for the 16K model and £175 for the 48K. Read the full history of the ZX Spectrum.
How many ZX Spectrums were sold?
Around five million Spectrums were sold between 1982 and 1992, when production ended, making it the best-selling British computer of its era.
What is the difference between the 48K and 128K Spectrum?
The 128K has 128 KB of memory, switched in 16 KB banks, and an AY-3-8912 sound chip with three channels. The 48K has 48 KB and a one-channel beeper. See 48K vs 128K.
Why do some 48K games crash on a 128K Spectrum?
Usually because the game accidentally switches the 128K's memory banks, relies on exact 48K timing, or calls 48K ROM routines that moved. Choosing 48 BASIC from the 128K menu fixes many of them.
What is attribute clash on the ZX Spectrum?
Attribute clash happens because the Spectrum sets colours per 8 × 8 pixel cell, with only one foreground and one background colour each. When two colourful objects share a cell, one changes colour. See attribute clash explained.
What is a Kempston joystick?
Kempston was the most widely supported Spectrum joystick interface. It plugged into the back of the computer and gave the joystick its own input port. Speccy maps gamepads to Kempston. See Spectrum joysticks explained.
Can I use a modern gamepad with Spectrum games?
Yes. In Speccy, plug in a USB gamepad or pair a Bluetooth one and press a button; it acts as a Kempston joystick. The Spectrum from Retro Games Ltd also accepts USB controllers.
Does The Spectrum from Retro Games Ltd play my own games?
Yes. It loads TAP and TZX files from a FAT32-formatted USB stick. Reviewers found TZX support less reliable, so use a TAP where one exists. See our guide to The Spectrum.
What is the difference between The Spectrum and the Spectrum Next?
The Spectrum is a full-size 48K replica that emulates the hardware in software and plugs into a TV. The Spectrum Next is an FPGA machine that recreates the hardware and adds faster speeds, new graphics modes and an SD card. See the Spectrum Next explained.
What is the most common fault on an old ZX Spectrum?
A failed keyboard membrane, which stops rows of keys working. Replacement membranes are widely available and straightforward to fit. See buying an original Spectrum.
Can I still write new games for the ZX Spectrum?
Yes. People release new Spectrum games every year, written in BASIC, C, Z80 assembly or with game-making tools on a modern PC, and tested in emulators. Our guide shows how.
How do I win The Gullrock Light?
Relight the lighthouse lamp properly and stop the false light on the headland before midnight, game time. RAMSAVE often, and once you've found the keeper, TALK EZRA gives a hint.
How many golden tins are there in Apocalypso!?
There are 250 golden tins across 100 screens. You need every one of them to open the hatch in The Bunker on screen 100 and win.