ZX Spectrum 128

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128, released in the UK in January 1986, was the last Spectrum designed entirely by Sinclair Research before its acquisition by Amstrad. It featured a massive leap in capability over the 48K models, with 128KB of RAM, a new AY-3-8912 sound chip, RS-232/MIDI output, and a revised keyboard layout. It retained compatibility with 48K software while introducing a new “128 mode” and a menu-based startup system. Though it kept the familiar form factor of the Spectrum+, the 128 was a significant upgrade that pointed toward the future of the platform. Unfortunately, it arrived just months before Sinclair's financial troubles led to a sale to Amstrad.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	ZX Spectrum 128
Manufacturer	Sinclair Research Ltd
Launched	Wednesday, January 1, 1986
Discontinued	12/1/1986
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Power	9V DC (larger power draw than 48K – PSU rated ~1.85A)
Storage	Cassette tape (1200 baud), Microdrives, Floppy Drives
Ports	Edge connector, RGB video, cassette I/O, RS-232/MIDI out, audio out
Keyboard	Full-size plastic keyboard (similar to Spectrum+)
Sound	Beeper + AY-3-8912 3-channel sound chip (as in Amstrad CPC)
Display	256×192 pixels, 15 colors via attribute-based system
ROM	32 KB (two 16KB banks: 48K BASIC and 128K menu/extended BASIC)
RAM	128 KB total (with bank-switching between 16K/48K segments)
Price at Launch	£179.95