The A1200 Home Computer: A Modernized Recreation
A modernized, full-sized recreation of a popular early 1990s home computer, THEA1200, is scheduled for release. The device aims to capture the experience of the original machine while incorporating modern connectivity standards such as HDMI and USB.
Availability and Release
- Pre-order Start Date: 10 November 2025
- Target Launch/Shipping Date: June 2026
- Included Components: The full-sized computer unit, a classic-style mouse, and a retro-style gamepad.
Key Features and Functionality
THEA1200 is designed to be plug-and-play, allowing users to experience classic content immediately.
- Full-sized Working Keyboard: The unit features a functional keyboard, providing an authentic input method.
- Pre-loaded Games: A selection of 25 classic games is included, such as Beneath a Steel Sky, Lure of the Temptress, Ruff ’n’ Tumble, Defender of the Crown I & II, the Turrican trilogy, and The Settlers II.
- Game Management: Users have access to four save-slots per game.
- External File Support: Games owned by the user can be played via USB-stick support.
- Integrated Desktop: The Workbench desktop environment is included, allowing for exploration, creation, and customization.
- Connectivity: Features multi-region HDMI video output and USB connectivity.
- Input Devices: Comes with a classic-style mouse and a retro-style game controller.
Architectural Speculation
While official details regarding the core technology remain unconfirmed, we speculate that THEA1200 will be ARM-based, relying on a software emulation layer to replicate the original computer’s architecture. This is based on previous products from the company, as well as the price point reflecting this. An FPGA-based solution would substantially raise the price.
THEA1200 Retail Pricing
- United States: $189.99
- United Kingdom: £149.99
- Europe: €189.99
- Australia: AU$299.99
[Source retrogames]
This is awesome. Can’t wait.
It looks very good
– Games ‘owned’ by the user can be played via USB-stick support….Owned, sure haha
This seems to be a mock-up/CGI video? It seems as if there’s a diskdrive slot on the right side but I think that is just an aesthetic thing right? Also no mention of it actually having a diskdrive (not calling it a floppydrive because those 3.5 inch disks don’t flop haha). But maybe some USB solution could add this? It remains to be seen.
And Pixel, regarding your comment in the Retro 168 #4 video about the mouse and controller but not a joystick: did they make one that is USB based? That mouse and controller were included with the A500 Mini and were USB based, but I don’t remember there being an offer for an ‘official’ joystick.
they did make one: https://retrogames.biz/products/thejoystick/
Edit: they made another haha: https://retrogames.biz/products/thecxstick/