Battery Contacts
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background and Identification
The first Speak & Spell was introduced at the summer Consumer Electronics Show in June 1978, making it one of the earliest handheld electronic devices with a visual display to use interchangeable game cartridges. The Speak & Spell is designed to be an educational toy for children, allowing them to practice spelling the words that the device plays.
The original version of the Speak & Spell was sold from 1978-1992. The original Speak & Spell has a place today in both electronics museums (like the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Computer History Museum) and pop culture. The Speak & Spell is commonly recognized in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as being one of the main components of the interstellar communicator. The Speak & Spell has also appeared in both Toy Story and Toy Story 2.
A modern rendition of the 1980s Speak & Spell has been available on Amazon since July of 2019. This new version claims to be true to the original device with 80s graphics and sounds. The Speak & Spell offers five play modes: Spell, Mystery Word, Say It, Secret Code, and Letter.
The Speak & Spell is a rectangular toy with a red body. It has a physical keypad, carrying handle, and black display screen.
If the Speak & Spell isn’t turning on, it can be reactivated by pressing the small reset button on the back of the toy.
Specifications (2019 Rendition)
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 7 x 10 inches
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Recommended Age: 7-15 years
- Batteries: 3 AA