Top Third-Party Companies for ZX Spectrum+ Accessories

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ revitalized the 8-bit home computer market in 1984, leading to a surge in demand for hardware enhancements. This article examines the prominent third-party manufacturers that created the widest range of accessories for the system, from input devices to storage solutions. Readers will gain insight into which companies defined the peripheral ecosystem during the peak of the Spectrum’s popularity.

The Dominance of Kempston

Kempston Micro Electronics was arguably the most recognizable name in the ZX Spectrum peripheral market. While Sinclair produced the official Interface 2, Kempston captured the majority of the joystick market with their dedicated joystick interface. Their hardware allowed users to connect standard Atari-style joysticks, which became the preferred input method for action games. Beyond input devices, Kempston also produced RS232 interfaces and memory expansions, solidifying their position as a primary supplier of essential hardware add-ons for the Spectrum+.

Currah and Multimedia Expansion

Currah was another major player known for pushing the technical boundaries of the machine. They produced the Currah Microspeech, a speech synthesis unit that allowed the computer to speak, which was a novel feature for the era. Additionally, Currah manufactured RAM packs and disk interfaces that expanded the system’s limited memory and storage capabilities. Their products were widely available in retail stores across the UK, making them one of the most accessible third-party brands for Spectrum+ owners looking to upgrade their setup.

Miles Gordon Technology and Storage

Miles Gordon Technology (MGT) became a critical partner for users requiring serious storage solutions. They developed the DISCiPLE and the +D disk interfaces, which provided floppy disk support far superior to the standard cassette tape loading method. These interfaces often included built-in printer ports and extra memory, functioning as all-in-one expansion units. MGT’s hardware was so influential that it remained in use by dedicated enthusiasts long after the computer ceased production, marking them as a key producer of high-end accessories.

Datel and Gaming Peripherals

Datel Electronics focused heavily on the gaming demographic, producing a wide array of controllers and cheat devices. Their Action Replay cartridge was one of the best-selling accessories, allowing users to save game states and modify code. Datel also manufactured various joysticks and paddles compatible with the Spectrum+ expansion port. Their marketing reach was extensive, ensuring their products were among the most purchased third-party items alongside software titles.

Other Notable Manufacturers

Several other companies contributed significantly to the accessory landscape. Interface Technology Ltd produced serial interfaces for business users, while Cheetah marketed popular budget joysticks. Amstrad, which eventually purchased Sinclair, also released compatible peripherals later in the machine’s lifecycle. However, during the peak years of the Spectrum+, Kempston, Currah, MGT, and Datel stood out as the companies that produced the highest volume and variety of hardware extensions for the platform.