Released by Gracious Films, the box is more than a simple nostalgia pack: it’s a tribute to one of the UK’s most iconic machines, the ZX Spectrum, and a heartfelt homage to its creator, Sir Clive Sinclair.
What’s Inside the Box
Here’s a full breakdown of what the Deluxe Collectors Box includes — and why each item matters for fans and collectors alike.
A Certificate of Authenticity from the Sinclair Estate — signed by Crispin Sinclair, Sir Clive’s son.
A rare Sir Clive Sinclair 48k postage stamp — a quirky, collectible nod to his legacy.
An acrylic figurine of Clive Sinclair holding a ZX Spectrum, with art-style background.
A resin model of the ZX Spectrum itself — perfect for display on a shelf or desk.
A ZX Spectrum–themed wristband — simple, but a fun wearable for fans.
Three metal posters: the official film poster, a vintage magazine cover featuring Sinclair, and a close-up of a Spectrum keyboard key — each a little piece of retro geek art.
An exclusive A5 special-issue of CRASH Magazine, a nostalgic nod to gaming journalism in the 1980s/90s.
A USB “cassette tape” containing rare footage: interviewing developers, behind-the-scenes of ZX Spectrum game creation, and other archival material.
A Blu-ray copy of the film The Rubber-Keyed Wonder: 40 Years of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum — a documentary tracing the history of the ZX Spectrum.
All of this comes packaged in a high-quality, magnetic-closing box — designed for collectors.
Originally priced around £159–£165 (sometimes higher depending on edition), this box was launched as a limited-edition tribute to the Spectrum, timed around its 40th anniversary and the documentary’s release.
Why It Matters: More Than Nostalgia
To many, the ZX Spectrum isn’t just a computer — it’s a symbol of a formative era in British computing and gaming. At a time when home computers were rare and expensive, the Spectrum helped bring computing (and gaming) into ordinary households across the UK. Its modest specs belied its power to inspire creativity: many programmers, developers and bedroom coders cut their teeth on the Speccy.
The Deluxe Box doesn’t just celebrate that machine — it celebrates the spirit of innovation and DIY computing that defined the 1980s and guided early game development.
The inclusion of the documentary Blu-ray and developer interviews makes it more than a decorative package: it’s a mini-time capsule. As the publishers say, the box “helps fund the film” and preserves part of gaming heritage as something tangible.
Mixed Sentiments: Collector Worth vs. Fan Appeal
Of course — not everyone is sold on the value even if they love the Spectrum. On retro forums and discussion boards, some users have been critical:
“Overpriced assortment of items with no originality.”
“£159 for a box of assorted tat, and a copy of a video … ‘authenticated’ by Crispin Sinclair(!).”
That sentiment reflects the thought that, while the box is heavy on nostalgia and memorabilia, it doesn’t actually include a working Spectrum or new, exclusive software. For a purist collector, that may matter — but for someone who appreciates the aesthetic and historical tribute, the curated items and documentary content might justify the price.
Who This Box Is For
The Deluxe Collectors Box makes most sense for:
Long-time fans of the ZX Spectrum who grew up with it in the 1980s or 1990s.
Retro gaming collectors who enjoy memorabilia, limited-edition packaging, and slip-back nostalgia.
Anyone with interest in computing history and vintage British tech culture.
People who want a display-worthy “conversation piece” — a resin Spectrum or signed certificate is great for a shelf.
It’s probably less appealing to those who see the Spectrum purely as a games machine, or who were expecting a functional retro computer, because it doesn’t include working hardware or pre-installed games.
Verdict
The ZX Spectrum Deluxe Collectors Box isn’t for everyone, but then again, it doesn’t claim to be. If you see the Spectrum as part of British computing heritage, or you appreciate a well-curated piece of nostalgia (plus a documentary), then this box is a thoughtful and charming tribute. For £159–£165, it offers a comprehensive set of collectible items with real sentimental weight.
If I were you and I treasured the history of 1980s gaming and computing — especially with a UK perspective — I’d probably pick one up (if any remain). It’s less about functional value and more about honouring a legacy — and for that alone, it’s a worthy addition to a retro gaming shelf.
However, for a limited period of time The ZX Spectrum Deluxe Collectors Box is available at the heavily discounted price of £99.
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