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SpeccyDate
What it is
SpeccyDate is a ZX Spectrum emulator designed for Playdate that runs 48K and 128K modes. It lets you play your own legally obtained backups; no games come with the build. The listed 48K file formats are .sna, .z80, .tap, and .tzx. TAP fast loading and common TZX tape formats are supported, with optional automatic turbo loading for games that take longer to load. A built-in library helps you choose games, and the B button rescans for newly added files. Add backups by connecting the Playdate over USB and copying them into the SpeccyDate Games folder on its data disk. During play, you can save or load states from the Playdate system menu. Several control profiles are available, and D-pad and A/B inputs can be mapped to keyboard keys and saved per game. A movable on-screen Spectrum keyboard opens with one full crank turn. Three 1-bit display modes are included. The product page labels SpeccyDate as in development and warns that updates may remove stored games.
For and against
For
- Runs ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K modes.
- Supports .sna, .z80, .tap, and .tzx files.
- Save and load states from the system menu.
- Control mappings can be saved per game.
- Includes a built-in game library.
Against
- No games are included.
- Updates may remove stored games.
- The product page labels it in development.
The verdict
SpeccyDate offers Playdate users several ways to load and control their own ZX Spectrum backups. Keep backup copies of game files, since updates may remove stored games.
Who it suits
SpeccyDate suits Playdate owners who want to run their own legally obtained ZX Spectrum backups. It may also suit players who want per-game controls, save states, or tape loading options.
Plans and prices
Name your own price
Download includes Speccydate3.pdx.zip and Speccydate-Legacy.pdx.zip
Read 8 Oct 2026 · shadowbreakgames.itch.io
SpeccyDate
Download includes Speccydate3.pdx.zip and Speccydate-Legacy.pdx.zip
Read 8 Oct 2026 · shadowbreakgames.itch.io
On the record
- 128K support
- The latest update supports switching between 48K and 128K on the ROM selection screen.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The maker describes SpeccyDate as designed and optimized for Playdate hardware.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Controls
- Several common control profiles are available, and a newer update allows D-pad and A/B controls to be mapped to keyboard keys and saved per game.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Display
- The emulator includes three 1-bit display modes.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- File formats
- The feature list says it supports 48K .sna, .z80, .tap, and .tzx files.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Game files
- No games are included in the build; users add their own legally obtained backups.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Game library
- A built-in library lets users select games, and the B button rescans for newly added games.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Included games
- The maker states that no games are included in the build.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Users add backup files by connecting the Playdate over USB and copying them into the SpeccyDate Games folder on its data disk.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Loading
- An optional automatic turbo loading mode is available for games that take a long time to load.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Shadow Break Games describes itself as a family-oriented indie game studio creating games for Playdate and beyond.shadowbreakgames.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Model support
- The emulator supports ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K modes.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SpeccyDate is a native ZX Spectrum emulator designed for Playdate; it lets users play their own legally obtained backups.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Save states
- Users can save and load states from the Playdate system menu.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Status
- The product page labels SpeccyDate as in development.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites users to report problems and says they are available to help.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Tape loading
- It supports TAP fast loading and common TZX tape formats.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Update limit
- The maker warns that updates can remove games and recommends backing them up; a shared/Speccydate/Games folder is described as a way to prevent later updates from removing them.shadowbreakgames.itch.io · read 8 Oct 2026
