Spectaculator
spectaculator.com
What it is
Spectaculator is a Sinclair ZX Spectrum emulator for Windows, iOS, and Android. It supports TAP and TZX tape formats and SZX, SNA, and Z80 snapshot formats, with a built-in debugger and support for a range of peripherals, including joysticks, mice, Microdrives, printers, and Multiface models. The Windows debugger includes projects, complex breakpoints, watches, an inline assembler, memory inspector, call stack, screen inspector, and graphics inspector. Windows version 9.1 can save or copy screenshots at configurable sizes as PNG or BMP, and includes joystick and controller configuration enhancements. The iOS app accepts games in.tap,.tzx,.dsk,.szx, and.z80 formats, with customizable controls and artwork. On iOS 13.4 and later, an external keyboard can be used for games and BASIC programs; devices on iOS 12 and earlier are limited to text adventures. The Android 2.6 release requires Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later. Spectaculator is paid, with listed one-time plans from $2.99, paid once and a 30-day trial for the Windows plan.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Spectaculator is a Sinclair ZX Spectrum emulator.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the apps do not collect, store, or process personal information and operate on-device without transmitting data to external servers or third-party services.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Support
- Users can contact support with questions, bug reports, or comments through the site’s contact form; Windows users can also access comprehensive help in the application.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Android integration
- The Android 2.6 release restored Dropbox integration.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Android requirement
- The Android 2.6 release requires Android 6.0 Marshmallow (API 23) or later; Android 4.4 and Android 5.x no longer receive updates.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- iOS game formats
- The iOS app supports adding games in .tap, .tzx, .dsk, .szx, and .z80 formats, with customizable controls and artwork for each game.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Joystick support
- Windows version 9.1 includes joystick and controller configuration enhancements, including named button labels for Quickshot II and X52 H.O.T.A.S.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Keyboard support
- On iOS 13.4 and later, an external keyboard can be used to play games and write BASIC programs; older devices on iOS 12 and below are limited to text adventures.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- License limit
- The maker says only games covered by a distribution agreement with their rights owners are distributed with Spectaculator.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Linux
- The maker says Spectaculator can run on Linux via Wine and describes running it on Linux Mint.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Screenshots
- Windows version 9.1 can save or copy screenshots at configurable sizes, supports PNG and BMP, and uses PNG by default.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Windows debugger
- The Windows debugger includes projects, complex breakpoints, watches, an inline assembler, memory inspector, call stack window, screen inspector, and graphics inspector.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
- Windows display
- Windows version 9 supports high-DPI displays and multi-monitor setups.Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
Plans and prices
Spectaculator 8.0 for iPhone, iPod touch & iPad $2.99, paid once Includes Sinclair BASIC and 22 games · more games available in-app Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
Spectaculator 2.5 for Android $3.99, paid once Includes Sinclair BASIC and Stephen Crow Anthology · more games available in-app Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
Spectaculator 9.1 for Windows $16.99, paid once Windows 10 and later · 30-day fully enabled trial Read 7 Oct 2026 · spectaculator.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Built-in debugger and extensive Windows inspection tools.
- Supports TAP, TZX, SZX, SNA, and Z80 formats.
- iOS accepts DSK games and customizable controls.
- Privacy policy says apps operate on-device without transmitting data.
Limits
- Paid one-time plans start at $2.99, paid once.
- Android 2.6 requires Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.
- iOS 12 and earlier are limited to text adventures.
- Only games covered by distribution agreements are included.
Who it suits
Spectaculator suits people who want to run ZX Spectrum software on Windows, iOS, or Android, including users who need debugger tools or listed peripheral support. iOS users with older devices should note the text-adventure limitation on iOS 12 and below.
Verdict
Spectaculator lists its file formats, debugger features, and peripheral support across three platforms. Check the specific platform requirements and game distribution limits before choosing an edition.
Where Specifiction places it
- ZX Spectrum Emulators#10 of 237.8
