Amstrad CPC6128+

Amstrad CPC6128+
Closing the 8-Bit Legacy

In the competitive home computer market of the 1980s, Amstrad stood out as a late but serious contender, carving a significant niche in Europe with its CPC (Colour Personal Computer) series. Among these machines, the Amstrad CPC 6128+, released in 1990, marked both an evolution and the end of the CPC line. Founded in the UK in the late 1960s by Sir Alan Sugar, Amstrad initially focused on consumer electronics like audio equipment. By the mid-1980s, observing the rapid growth of home computers driven by companies like Commodore and Sinclair, Amstrad pivoted into the microcomputer market. In 1984, the company introduced the CPC 464, followed by the CPC 664 and CPC 6128, forming the CPC series, which became particularly popular in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. These machines were known for their all-in-one design: a computer integrated with a cassette or disk drive and a bundled monitor. By the late 1980s, facing increasing competition from 16-bit systems like the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST, Amstrad responded by releasing the CPC+ range in 1990. Amstrad CPC 6128+, launched alongside the smaller 464+, was an enhanced version of the earlier 6128 model. Its primary features included:

• Zilog Z80A CPU running at 4 MHz.
• 128 KB RAM, expandable via external modules.
• Integrated 3-inch floppy disk drive.
• Enhanced ASIC graphics chip, providing:
  • 4096-color palette (but not all simultaneously).
  • Hardware sprites (up to 16).
  • Hardware scrolling.
• Improved sound capabilities via the AY-3-8912 sound chip.
• Cartridge port for game cartridges (new in the CPC+ series).
• More modernized case design resembling a game console.

Despite these improvements, the CPC 6128+ retained backward compatibility with most CPC software, allowing users to run thousands of existing games and applications.

Sales figures

By the time the CPC+ range launched in 1990, the home computer landscape was shifting towards 16-bit systems. The CPC 6128+ was fighting an uphill battle in an increasingly console-dominated market, competing with the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis), Nintendo consoles, and 16-bit computers. Total sales of the CPC+ range (both 464+ and 6128+) are estimated to be around 100,000 to 200,000 units combined. Precise sales figures for the CPC 6128+ alone are unclear but likely under 100,000 units. The majority of CPC+ sales occurred in France and Spain, where Amstrad machines remained more popular than in the UK. Compared to earlier CPC models, which sold in the millions (over 2 million CPC 464 units alone), the 6128+ was a commercial disappointment. As with earlier CPC models, the CPC 6128+ was aimed at both gaming and home productivity:

• Gaming remained its primary use. With its enhanced graphics chip, the CPC 6128+ could handle smoother scrolling, better color usage, and hardware sprites, giving games a noticeable improvement when optimized for the new hardware. Unfortunately, few games exploited these features.
• Educational software, ported from the CPC’s large existing library, continued to find use in homes and schools.
• Programming in BASIC or Z80 assembly remained popular with hobbyists.
• Productivity software like word processors and spreadsheets (e.g., Protext, Tasword) saw some use, although serious business users had largely moved to 16-bit platforms.

Amstrad also attempted to position the CPC 6128+ as a hybrid game console/home computer, thanks to its cartridge slot. However, cartridge-based games remained scarce. While the CPC 6128+ could run the entire CPC software library, few titles took advantage of its enhanced graphics and cartridge system. A small number of specially enhanced or cartridge-based games were released, including:

• Burnin’ Rubber (bundled with many systems).
• Robocop 2.
• Barbarian II (enhanced graphics).
• Switchblade (limited CPC+ enhancements).

Due to the limited software support, many users simply treated the CPC 6128+ as a slightly upgraded CPC 6128.

Press Coverage and Public Reception

Upon release, the CPC 6128+ received mixed reviews:

• The hardware upgrades were praised, especially the improved graphics chip and modernized case.
• Critics lamented the lack of dedicated software and the machine’s 8-bit architecture, which felt outdated against 16-bit competitors.
• Magazines like Amstrad Action and Amstrad Computer User provided relatively positive coverage, but broader computing magazines often viewed the CPC+ as too little, too late.

In France and Spain, where the CPC series had a stronger foothold, reception was somewhat warmer, but the system failed to gain traction as a serious competitor in the evolving market.

Why the CPC 6128+ Failed

Several factors contributed to the CPC 6128+’s commercial failure:

• Late release in an evolving 16-bit market.
• Minimal software support for its enhanced features.
• Confusing product strategy, with Amstrad marketing both the CPC+ range and their new GX4000 game console simultaneously. The GX4000 shared similar hardware but also struggled.

Amstrad CPC 6128+ stands as a symbol of both ambition and missed opportunity. While technically superior to its predecessors, it arrived too late in the market to make a lasting commercial impact. Nevertheless, it represents an important chapter in Amstrad’s legacy and holds nostalgic value for those who grew up with the brand.