Amstrad Magazine

Amstrad Magazine was an Italian monthly publication focused on the Amstrad CPC and, later, the Amstrad PC series. Launched in the mid-1980s during the height of the 8-bit home computer boom, it was one of the earliest Italian-language magazines dedicated to the Amstrad ecosystem. It provided vital support to the growing user base of Amstrad CPC 464, 664, and 6128 owners by offering programming tutorials, hardware reviews, and software coverage specific to the Italian and broader European market.

Each issue of Amstrad Magazine featured a well-balanced mix of content aimed at both beginners and advanced users. It included type-in programs (mostly in BASIC or Z80 assembly), guides for using Amstrad peripherals, gaming reviews, productivity software walkthroughs, and news from the rapidly evolving computer scene. It also gave attention to international developments, translating or adapting technical content for its local audience.

The magazine later extended coverage to Amstrad’s MS-DOS-based PC1512 and PC1640, reflecting the company’s shift toward IBM-compatible personal computers. However, as the popularity of the CPC line declined and the computing press consolidated, Amstrad Magazine eventually ceased publication in the early 1990s.

It is remembered today as a key resource for Italian Amstrad users and a nostalgic snapshot of 1980s home computing culture in Europe.