ZX81 vs bb_pingball
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ZX81
Experience early 1980s home computing with this app dedicated to the Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81. It includes a wealth of example software, offering a nostalgic journey into the origins of personal computing.
- Sinclair ZX80/ZX81 emulation
- Timex Sinclair 1000 support
- Includes example software
- Focuses on early 1980s computing
- ROM code included with permission
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Welcome to a taste of early 1980s home computing. This app focuses on the Sinclair ZX81 experience and is loaded with example software. A streamlined watchOS app is included, offering saved session syncing with the iOS app on the paired iPhone. Background: In 1980 the British company Science of Cambridge (later renamed Sinclair Research) released the Sinclair ZX80 home computer. The computer was developed with another technology company, Nine Tiles, and manufactured in a Timex Corporation factory in Dundee, Scotland. Followed in March 1981 by the even more popular successor, the Sinclair ZX81, both models had a profound impact on home and hobbyist computing in the UK and many other countries. Timex Corporation and Sinclair Research continued their joint venture and released the Timex Sinclair 1000 (TS1000) and 1500 (TS1500) variants of the ZX81 for the US market in July 1982 and July 1983 respectively. Meanwhile, another iconic British home computer, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, was under development and hit the market in April 1982... but that's another story. Special thanks to Nine Tiles for granting permission to include the ROM code, to which they retain the intellectual property rights after all these years. Additionally, many thanks to all the developers of the loaded ZX81 software who have all granted permission to include their titles in the app. We hope this list of software will continue to grow in future updates.
bb_pingball
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Experience the authentic charm of traditional night market pinball! "bb_pingball" brings the classic street arcade experience to your iPhone and iPad with stunning realism and addictive gameplay. Crafted with high-quality wooden textures and lifelike glass marble physics, this game captures the pure nostalgia of traditional pinball machines. Key Features: Realistic Physics Engine: Feel the weight and authentic bounce of classic glass swirl marbles. Every collision with the precisely tuned nail grid is calculated for a true-to-life arcade experience. Immersive Visuals: Enjoy a beautifully rendered wooden board and a smooth, modern UI designed to provide a premium vintage feel. Dual Launch Modes: Shoot your way! Use the traditional red spring-loaded button for consistent power, or use your finger to manually flick and push the marble with tactical precision. High-Stakes Credit System: Strategy meets luck! Select your credits before each round. Aim for the randomly appearing Red Slots to double your balls and keep the game going! Dynamic UI Layout: Optimized to look perfect on all devices. Whether you are on the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max or an iPad, the interface is designed to be spacious, clear, and easy to interact with. Tactile Haptic Feedback: Integrated haptic effects let you feel every strike against the pins, making every launch more engaging. Whether you want to relive childhood memories or enjoy a relaxing physics-based challenge, bb_pingball offers endless arcade fun right in the palm of your hand. How many slots can you fill? Download now and test your skills!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: ZX81 at none against bb_pingball's shown. ZX81 also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.5.1). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ZX81 ships an update every 10 days, bb_pingball every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ZX81 | bb_pingball |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (92 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 98.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 92 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.5.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 86 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kevin Palser | HER WEN CHANG |
In-app purchases
ZX81
No in-app purchases
bb_pingball
No in-app purchases









