Just Acquired a ZX Spectrum +2 – And It Doesn’t Fit in My Kallax!

I’ve just added a new gem to my collection: the ZX Spectrum +2. It’s a machine that oozes 1980s charm and represents a pivotal moment in UK home computing history. However, there’s one little hitch—I hadn’t anticipated just how chunky it is. It doesn’t fit in my IKEA Kallax unit! So, while I’m thrilled to own it, finding the right display space has become my next retro-themed challenge.

The ZX Spectrum +2 was released in 1986 and marked a significant shift in the Spectrum line. After Sinclair's computer division was sold to Amstrad, the Spectrum +2 became the first Spectrum model produced under Amstrad’s stewardship. It retained much of the original Spectrum's spirit but came with some major enhancements—most notably, a built-in cassette tape deck. That alone explains its larger size compared to earlier models.

While it wasn’t as sleek as the earlier Spectrums, the +2 gained a reputation for being a solid, all-in-one home computing solution—ideal for gaming, BASIC programming, and endless hours of tape loading nostalgia.

Back to my personal setup: like many collectors, I use an IKEA Kallax unit to display my retro tech. The grid-like layout and minimalist design are perfect for showcasing smaller systems like the ZX Spectrum 48K or Commodore 64. But the +2, with its integrated cassette deck and wide body, just doesn’t squeeze in.

Despite its size, I’m absolutely delighted with the ZX Spectrum +2. It represents the beginning of a new era for the Spectrum range, and the fact that it’s still functional nearly 40 years later is a testament to its build quality. Firing it up, hearing the click of the tape mechanism, and seeing those classic loading screens is pure retro joy.