15 May 2002 AMSTRAD E-M@ILERPLUS GIVES ‘SPECCY’ GAMES A NEW LEASE OF LIFE Despite the huge hype around next generation gaming consoles such as Nintendo GameCube™ and Microsoft XBox™, one British company is taking on these giants in true retro style. Amstrad, the consumer electronics company, is spearheading the revival of classic Sinclair ZX Spectrum games with its popular home communications gadget, the e-m@ilerplus. Amstrad reports that around 10,000 games per week are being downloaded by e-m@ilerplus users, meaning that the games are set to be even more popular now than in their 1980s heyday. British gamers are in the midst of a retro craze, with many shunning new hi-tech games for the original ‘Speccy’ variety: an exhibition dedicated to retro gaming launches at the Barbican today. Amstrad reports that ‘Arcade’ and ‘Shoot Em Up’ games are proving particularly popular, and old favourite ‘Pheenix’ has been revealed as the most downloaded game to date on the e-m@ilerplus. The Internet enabled telephone, which was launched in February 2002, has a digital screen on which users can play games from the classic Sinclair ZX Spectrum library. With a 48k emulator, the e-m@ilerplus allows gaming fans to experience the excitement of the original games that set a standard in the industry in the 1980s. In addition to classic computer games, the e-m@ilerplus has Internet access via Microsoft Mobile Explorer, as well as email and SMS text messaging. The product, which is priced at £99.99, appeals to everyone from original ‘Speccys’ to a whole new generation of retro gaming fanatics. Simon Sugar, Amstrad’s Commercial Director, said: “With Amstrad’s pedigree in the games market we are thrilled to have made such an exciting return. Retro gaming and nostalgia for Sinclair ZX Spectrum games is stronger than ever, particularly with the new ‘Game On’ exhibition beginning at the Barbican in London this week. Sinclair ZX Spectrum games remain some of the most enjoyable and playable ever made and we are proud to have brought them to a whole new audience. We believe they will continue to be popular, despite the supposed dominance of the next generation gaming consoles.” To access games on the e-m@ilerplus users simply choose a game to play from the menu, download it to the machine, and start playing. A game will take approximately one minute to download and is priced at 25 p for one hour or 50 p for three day’s use. The e-m@ilerplus is available from a wide range of retail outlets, including Dixons, Currys and the Link. For stockist information, call the Amstrad brochure line on 01277 208811 or visit www.amstrad.com. ENDS Notes to editors: One session on the e-m@iler plus costs 12 pence (plus local call rate per minute). A single session can be used to send multiple emails, plus collect waiting emails at the same time. One SMS text message can be sent in any one session. Electronic greetings cards can be sent individually at a cost of 25p per card. Normal email session rate applies when connecting to ‘amsurf’. The cost of games can be viewed on screen prior to downloading and is dependent on length of use. The em@iler plus uses Microsoft Mobile Explorer, which is specifically designed to display low graphic content sites. Other websites may also be viewed, but due to their complexity, may offer limited access. For further information please contact Andrew Bloch/Eva Sogbanmu/Gavin Lewis at Frank PR 0207 693 6999 or Gavin@frankpr.it / Andrew@frankpr.it Go to News Headlines