PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits

Name: PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits
SKU: 6998
Price: 45.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.75 (2 reviews)

(2 Reviews)

PICOZX with ZX Spectrum emulation firmware and 2.8" IPS display

Designed by Bobricius in Slovakia

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 1

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 2

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 3

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 4

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 5

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 6

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 7

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 8

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 9

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 10

PICOZX - Handheld ZX Spectrum 128k + other 8bits 11

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Each piece is functional art you won't find anywhere else: collectible hardware that combines vintage spirit with modern innovation, made in small batches just for makers like you.

PICOZX with ZX Spectrum emulation firmware and 2.8" IPS display

PICOZX Retro Computing Platform Available Models PLEASE READ: Explore Our Product Family Check out our complete lineup of retro-computing devices: PICOZX VGA - Desktop model with ZX Spectrum-style k…

PICOZX Retro Computing Platform

Available Models

PLEASE READ: Explore Our Product Family

Check out our complete lineup of retro-computing devices:

PICOZX VGA - Desktop model with ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored motherboard PCB, also fits into original case PICOZX-VGA
PICOZX LCD - Handheld portable with IPS LCD, ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored cover PCB with ZX layout, also with MCUME support, optional VGA PICOZX-LCD
PICOZX HDMI - Latest IPS LCD handheld with ZX Spectrum-style keyboard, colored cover PCB, HDMI with audio support PICOZX-HDMI
PYPRCA - Handheld device with calculator-style/QWERTY keyboard, originally designed as CircuitPython calculator PyPrCa
PICOmputer ZX - Handheld device with round corner IPS LCD PICOmputer ZX
PICOmputer MAX - Handheld device with 2" IPS LCD PICOmputer MAX

Hardware Specifications

Display: 2.8" IPS Screen delivering exceptional clarity with vibrant color reproduction
Processor: Powered by the versatile Raspberry Pi PICO microcontroller
Connectivity: Micro USB-C interface for data transfer and programming
Power: Integrated 18650 lithium battery charging circuit
Input: Comfortable 49-button QWERTY keyboard layout
Audio: AY sound chip emulation for authentic retro gaming audio
Dimensions: Compact 180 × 120 mm form factor

Use Cases

Educational Tool: Perfect platform for learning programming concepts
Retro Gaming: Runs MCUME multi-emulator platform for classic systems including ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Atari 800, and more (MCUME GitHub Repository)
ZX Spectrum: Specially optimized for ZX Spectrum emulation, which perfectly matches the 320×240 screen resolution (PICO ZX Spectrum by Fruit-Bat)

SD Card Setup Instructions

To properly configure your device, create the following directory structure on your SD card:

/zxspectrum/snapshots - Directory for storing .z80 game snapshot files
/zxspectrum/quicksaves - Dedicated folder for your quick-save states
/zxspectrum/tapes - Storage location for .tap tape image files

Purchase Options

Choose from three configurations:

PCB Set Only
Complete set of 7 circuit boards:
- 1× main circuit board
- 1× front panel board
- 1× bottom board
- 1× left side board
- 1× right side board
- 1× bottom side board
- 1× top side board
No electronic components included (DIY assembly required)
Assembled "Slim" Device
Fully assembled and tested, ready-to-use unit
LCD display only configuration
Requires 18650 Li-Ion battery (not included)
Assembled "Full" Device
Fully assembled and tested, ready-to-use unit with expanded connectivity
Includes VGA output, joystick port, and USB host functionality
Requires 18650 Li-Ion battery (not included)

> Note: The standard 18650 battery holder can be removed to accommodate flat LiPo batteries inside the case if a slimmer profile is desired.

Model Comparison: Slim vs. Full

Physical Differences

FULL Version:
Triangle-shaped side board design
Upper side cover includes cutouts for VGA port, joystick connector, USB host port, and additional interfaces
Maximized connectivity options
SLIM Version:
Uniform side board dimensions for sleeker appearance
Upper cover features only essential openings for SD card access and USB charging
Optimized for portability

Modification Potential

With some modifications, the main board can be adapted to work with original ZX Spectrum membrane keyboards and cases for authentic retro builds

Component List for DIY Assembly

> Important: We do not currently offer component kits or individual parts. Only bare PCB sets or fully assembled units are available.

Essential Components:

Component	Quantity	Description	Notes
Raspberry Pi PICO	1	Main microcontroller board	x
DTS63K	50	Tactile switches (7mm height, 1N force)	Any comparable 1N force switch will provide comfortable typing experience
SD Card Reader	1	Standard microSD card slot	Required for retro computer emulation functionality
2.8" IPS Display	1	12-PIN 280×240 ST7789V	Purchase options: IPS HP28010-D Option 1 or IPS HP28010-D Option 2
LPT1109DS	1	Piezoelectric element	Audio feedback and sound generation

Electronic Components:

Component	Quantity	Description	Function
BSS123	1	Transistor	Display backlight control
10R 0603	1	Resistor	Display backlight circuit
4.7kΩ	1	Resistor	Display backlight bias
JS202011CQN (C&K) or MSS-2235 (NINIGI)	1	Side-mounted switch	Power control (device will function without this, but recommended)

Software Resources

CircuitPython Implementation:

Raspberry Pi PICO CircuitPython Installation - Official firmware download
Main Code Repository and Libraries - Source code and required libraries

Community and Support Resources

Stay connected with our development community and receive the latest updates:

YouTube Channel - First access to new features and demonstrations
Facebook Group - Join our active community discussion
Patreon - Support ongoing development with any contribution amount
Twitter - Follow for immediate announcements and updates
Instagram - Visual documentation of new prototypes and builds

Development Roadmap

We're constantly improving the PICOZX platform with new features and capabilities. Current development focuses include:

Expanded emulator compatibility
Enhanced battery management
Additional input device support
Improved audio reproduction
Community-driven feature requests

Join our online community to participate in the evolution of this project!

Change Destination Country:

Bobricius Shipping Policy:

📦 Ready to Ship All products I offer are pre-built, tested, and ready for immediate dispatch. I maintain inventory of finished items to ensure you receive a quality-tested product as quickly as possible. I'm committed to shipping your order as soon as possible – typically within 1-2 business days of receiving payment. 🔧 What I Sell I primarily offer two types of products:

Bare PCBs – for advanced makers who want to source and solder their own components
Finished products – fully assembled, tested, and ready to use

Please note: I do not sell complete component kits or beginner assembly sets. My products are designed for intermediate to advanced electronics enthusiasts who are comfortable with soldering and component sourcing. Why This Approach? I want to work with experienced makers who have solid soldering skills and electronics knowledge. However, I've designed my PCBs to be as builder-friendly as possible:

Minimal component count – simpler builds, fewer parts to source
Easy-to-find components – standard parts available from common suppliers
Clear labeling – all component values printed directly on the PCB next to each footprint

💰 Pricing Transparency You'll notice my PCB prices are higher than ordering directly from mass manufacturers. Here's why: Every product represents months of intensive development, multiple prototype iterations, and several failed batches before reaching perfection. The pricing reflects:

Extensive R&D and testing cycles
Small-batch artisan production
High-quality materials and components
Continuous design improvements

The fact that each piece is handcrafted at home, not mass-produced in a factory

When you purchase from me, you're supporting independent hardware development and getting a unique, collectible piece of functional art that you won't find anywhere else.

✨ What Makes My Products Special

Handcrafted in small batches – each piece made with care
Constantly evolving designs – every batch can include improvements
Not just hardware, but functional art – unique, one-of-a-kind creations
Smarter design with fewer components
Retro spirit meets modern innovation
Perfect for makers, retro enthusiasts, learners, and collectors

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📬 Questions? If you have any questions about shipping, product specifications, or component sourcing, feel free to contact me.

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (5.00)

Documentation: (4.00)

Shipping: (5.00)

Communication: (5.00)

Michiel | Feb. 4, 2024

what a nice diy zx spectrum is this

The quality of the pcb's are exceptional quality, the solder mask on the pcb helps a lot to locate which part needs to go.
i really enjoy the build! About the documentation, i give it a 3 star, since the url points to hackerspace website without any documentation.

overall im really happy with it!

Falligan | Dec. 21, 2023