UPDATED
ROM Cartridge Interfaces
The Sinclair ZX Interface 2, introduced in 1983,
established the original ROM cartridge standard for
the ZX Spectrum. It allowed software to be loaded
almost instantly from ROM cartridges, although the
format was short-lived and only ten titles were
commercially produced. Sinclair also produced a test
cartridge for servicing and testing, but this was not
a retail product.
Other ROM cartridge interfaces and systems subsequently appeared, offering different approaches to cartridge storage and access. This section includes systems sold primarily as ROM cartridge interfaces; where cartridge facilities were an additional feature of another type of expansion, the system is listed in the appropriate section.
Other ROM cartridge interfaces and systems subsequently appeared, offering different approaches to cartridge storage and access. This section includes systems sold primarily as ROM cartridge interfaces; where cartridge facilities were an additional feature of another type of expansion, the system is listed in the appropriate section.
Features
Original Price
AGF Romslot
Kempston Pro Interface
AGF Romslot
Not a joystick interface but just a ROM cartridge slot which is compatible with ZX Interface 2 software.
Includes 'Restart' feature and a full-width expansion port.
AGF Romslot
Not a joystick interface but just a ROM cartridge slot which is compatible with ZX Interface 2 software.
Includes 'Restart' feature and a full-width expansion port.
£9.95 + 50p p&p
1
Kempston Pro Joystick Interface
3 joystick ports, ROM cartridge slot and compatible with ZX Interface 1.
Two of the joystick ports are Sinclair/Psion compatible, the third has a dual facility and can be either Kempston or cursor key compatible.
Two of the joystick ports are Sinclair/Psion compatible, the third has a dual facility and can be either Kempston or cursor key compatible.
£19.95
2
RAM Turbo
2 joystick ports, ROM cartridge slot and full width through port.
Fits both ZX Spectrum and ZX Spectrum+.
Microdrive compatible.
Fits both ZX Spectrum and ZX Spectrum+.
Microdrive compatible.
ZX Interface 2
2 joystick ports, ROM cartridge slot. ZX81 style through port only supports Sinclair ZX Printer.
Image from 'Sinclair Special' promotional material depicts a ZX Interface 2 with 2 Planetoids cartridges,
one of which has been inserted into the unit.
Image from 'Sinclair Special' promotional material depicts a ZX Interface 2 with 2 Planetoids cartridges,
one of which has been inserted into the unit.
£19.95
1
References
1.
The Spectrum Add-On Guide, January 1983
2.
"Peripheral Perfection" - Kempston Micro Electronics advert, Your Spectrum, No. 9, p. 30
3.
"We'll take you beyond the Spectrum, RAM advert" - advertisment, Your Spectrum, No. 21
Page Revised: 11/09/2026