Blaze Entertainment has pushed its two retro-computing handhelds back by six months after finding construction problems during production. The company's announcement moves TheC64 Handheld and The Spectrum Handheld from October 15, 2026, to April 22, 2027.
The change covers both standard and collector's editions. Blaze said some of the issues could have been addressed quickly enough to keep a 2026 launch, but it chose additional development time because the products were not meeting its construction standards. The statement does not identify a defective part, describe a recall, or say existing orders have been canceled.
Two old computers in a clamshell
The devices are modern, portable takes on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum rather than miniature replicas of the original desktop machines. Time Extension's product overview says each model has a 4.3-inch IPS display, 25 preloaded games and a clamshell body influenced by both classic handheld consoles and 1980s portable computers.
Because neither handheld has a full built-in keyboard, both use simplified controls and four function buttons modeled on their original systems. Players can connect a USB keyboard through a USB-A port, while MicroSD support lets owners load additional compatible games. TheC64 model uses tactile plastic function keys; The Spectrum version uses rubber keys. The menu, start and select layout is also styled after the original computers.
Blaze has not linked the delay to any one of those features. Its statement refers only to areas of product construction, so attributing the change to a hinge, button, display or other specific component would go beyond the evidence it released.
The rest of Blaze's hardware calendar holds
The delay is specific to the two home-computer handhelds. Time Extension reports that Blaze still expects the separate Evercade Nexus system to begin shipping on October 30, 2026. For buyers waiting on TheC64 or The Spectrum Handheld, however, the next firm date is April 22, 2027.
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