Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2 Joystick Port Connector Type

This article explores the hardware specifications of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2, specifically focusing on its built-in peripheral connectivity. Readers will learn exactly which connector type was implemented for the joystick ports, how it compared to previous models, and what kind of controllers were compatible with the system upon its release in 1986.

When Amstrad acquired Sinclair Research and launched the ZX Spectrum +2, one of the most welcome additions was the inclusion of built-in joystick ports. Unlike the original ZX Spectrum 48K, which required a separate Interface 2 to connect gamepads, the +2 integrated this functionality directly into the main unit. This change streamlined the setup for gamers and aligned the computer more closely with competing home consoles of the mid-1980s.

The specific connector used for these joystick ports was the 9-pin D-subminiature connector, commonly known as DB9. These ports were designed to be electrically compatible with the Atari 2600 joystick standard, which was the dominant interface for joysticks at the time. This decision ensured that users could utilize a wide variety of existing third-party controllers without needing specialized adapters or proprietary hardware.

Located on the right-hand side of the casing, the two ports allowed for two-player gaming out of the box. While the hardware used the Atari standard connector, software support varied. Some games were programmed to read the ports directly as Atari-compatible inputs, while others required Kempston joystick emulation, which the +2 could handle through its internal architecture. This flexibility made the DB9 connector a versatile choice for the platform.