Released in 1987, the Spectrum+3 is the final ZX Spectrum, released by Amstrad under the Sinclair brand.
Article Contents
System Overview
The Spectrum+3 is similar to the Spectrum+2A but with a 3-inch floppy disk drive instead of a tape deck. It is worth noting that a tape deck can still be added to the Spectrum+3.
Production of the Spectrum+3 ended in 1990, bringing an end to the classic ZX Spectrum computer, at least in terms of the original machine. There is still a huge following for the ZX Spectrum with many ZX Spectrum inspired clones having been developed.
BEST ZX SPECTRUM GAMES
With over 12,000 games developed for the ZX Spectrum, it is tough whittling down a definitive Best ZX Spectrum Games list. Luckily, we have put together our favourites for you. Check out our article below as a great place to start.
22 OF THE BEST ZX SPECTRUM GAMES | HOW TO RETRO
WHERE TO BUY THE SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM +3
How to Emulate this system?
Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 emulation is reasonably well catered for, we recommend taking a look at RetroArch if you are seeking an all in one solution. RetroArch emulates a large number of systems including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3. RetroArch is a front end that utilises emulator ‘cores’, it is reasonably easy to use and has lots of good supporting documentation on how to use it. RetroArch is available across a number of platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi and many consoles. Take a look at our quick start guide for RetroArch which can get you up and running in 5 minutes.
Also, check out the other Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 emulators we enjoy using:
| Emulator | Description | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Spectaculator | Spectaculator is one of the best ZX Spectrum emulators available across a number of platforms, definitely the simplest start to ZX Spectrum emulation. | Windows / Android/ iOS |
| Fuse | FUSE is one of the most widely regarded standalone emulators for the ZX Spectrum. | Windows |
Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 emulation using a Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a compact single board computer which has become very popular for emulating retro computers and consoles. You can buy the Pi very cheaply and has a whole community supporting and building accessories and applications that are compatible with.
Significantly, for Retro Gaming enthusiasts, the Raspberry Pi offers fantastic all round emulation of many systems. It offers the ability to play Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 games on HDTVs via HDMI or older CRT TVs via composite outputs. Combining the Raspberry Pi with Retropie, you have a device capable of emulating anything from the Atari 2600 to the Sony PlayStation.
Check out the different Raspberry Pi packages you can pick up on Amazon using the button below.