What are Flash Cartridges?

Flash cartridges are a type of game cartridge that uses flash memory to store games. They are often used with retro consoles to play games that are no longer in production or that are very expensive to purchase. Flash cartridges can also be used to play homebrew games, which are games that are created by independent developers. They are known by different names such as flash carts, SD Multicarts and ROM carts.

There are many different types of flash cartridges available (which we show below) each with its own set of features. Some flash cartridges can only store a limited number of games, while others can store hundreds or even thousands of games on a micro SD card.

What are the advantages of using a Flash Cartridge?

Flash cartridges offer a number of advantages over traditional game cartridges. First, they are much more convenient. With a flash cartridge, you can store all of your games on a single cartridge, rather than having to carry around multiple cartridges. Second, ROM carts are often cheaper than traditional game cartridges. Third, they can be used to play games that are no longer in production or that are very expensive to purchase.

What are the disadvantages of using a Flash Cartridge?

However, flash cartridges also have some disadvantages. First, they can be illegal in some countries. Second, they can damage your console if they are not used properly or clones of originals. Third, ROM carts can be used to pirate games, which is illegal in many countries.

Overall, flash carts are a great way to play retro games. They are convenient, affordable, and can be used to play games that are no longer in production or that are very expensive to purchase. However, it is important to be aware of the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of flash cartridges.

Pros and cons of using Flash Cartridges

There are many advantages to using flash carts for consoles. Some of the most notable advantages include:

Pros

• Convenience: Flash cartridges allow you to store a large number of games on a single cartridge, which can be much more convenient than carrying around multiple cartridges.
• Affordability: They are often much cheaper than buying original game cartridges.
• Homebrew support: Flash cartridges can also be used to play homebrew games, which are games that are created by independent developers.
• Access to rare and expensive games: They can be used to play games that are no longer in production or that are very expensive to purchase.

Cons

• Legality: In some countries, it is illegal to use flash cartridges. It is important to check the laws in your country before using a flash cartridge.
• Damage to consoles: If not used properly, flash cartridges can damage your console. It is important to follow the instructions that come with your flash cartridge to avoid damaging your console. Also third party clones may be poorly manufactured and cause issues.
• Piracy: Flash cartridges can be used to pirate games, which is illegal in many countries. It is important to only play games that you have legally purchased.

Should I buy a Flash Cartridge?

Flash cartridges offer a number of advantages over traditional game cartridges. However, it is important to be aware of the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of flash cartridges. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a flash cartridge is up to you.

What Flash Cartridges are available?

Amstrad GX4000

Flash+ Cartridge: WIP cartridge based on other designs but will be easier to use without having to use dip switches, remove proms etc. https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/amstrad-gx4000-cpc-464-6128-plus-reflashable-flash-cartridge/

Amstrad CPC 464/664/6128

M4: Amazing flash cartridge that supports a variety of formats including CPC+ cartridges. http://www.spinpoint.org/

Atari 2600

Harmony cart: http://harmony.atariage.com/order.html

Atari 5200

Atarimax 5200: http://www.atarimax.com/5200sd/documentation/index.html

Atari 7800

Mateos Atari 7800 Rewritable Multigame Cartridge 16in1:  http://www.vectrex.hackermesh.org/index.php/en/mvbd-mvmc-3/faq
RetroHQ Mega 7800 Game Drive: Read our 7800 GameDrive review here. Learn more about it on the RetroHQ homepage.

Atari Jaguar

RetroHQ Jaguar Game Drive: RetroHQ. Read our Jaguar Game Drive review here.

Atari Lynx

RetroHQ Lynx Game Drive & Game Drive Classic: RetroHQ
ElCheapoSD-Lynx: BennVenn (UK) ZedLabz – Read our ElCheapoSD-Lynx review here.
AgaCart – No longer manufactured or sold

Bandai Wonderswan

WS Flash Masta:  http://www.flashmasta.com/

BBC Micro

TurboSPI – Read or watch our BBC Micro Retro Restore where we cover the TurboSPI
NOTE: There are slightly different models which have varying features such as the SmartSPI and MicroSPI.

SD2BBC – The Future Was 8bit Store

Casio Loopy

Floopy Drive – https://www.tindie.com/products/partlyhuman/the-floopy-drive/

Colecovision

Atarimax Colecovision Ultimate SD Multi-Cart: http://www.atarimax.com/colecosd/documentation/

Commodore 64/128 (C64/C128)

Kung Fu Flash: Multi format C64/C128 Cartridge supporting CRT, PRG & D64 files. https://github.com/KimJorgensen/KungFuFlash. Read our Kung Fu Flash review here.

Dragon 32/64 & Tandy CoCo 1, 2 and 3

CoCo SDC: Compatible with Dragon 32/64 and Tandy CoCo 1, 2 and 3. http://cocosdc.blogspot.com/

MSX

There are quite a few different flash carts that all do essentially the same.
MegaFlashROM SCC+ SD – https://www.msx.org/wiki/MSX_Cartridge_Shop_MegaFlashROM_SCC%2B_SD

Neo Geo (Both AES & MVS)

Neo SD AES & MVS: Both succeeded by the Pro models with Neo Geo CD Support
Neo SD Pro AES & MVS: https://terraonion.com/
Darksoft’s Multi MVS: https://www.arcade-projects.com/threads/get-your-multimvs-here.4449/
Darksoft’s Multi AES: https://www.arcade-projects.com/threads/get-your-aes-multi-here.8786/ – Read our Darksoft Multi AES review here

Neo Geo Pocket (NGPC)

RetroHQ Neo Pocket Game Drive: RetroHQ – Read our Neo Pocket Game Drive review here.
Neo Pocket Flash Masta : http://www.flashmasta.com/

Nintendo 3DS

TBA

Nintendo 64 (N64) :

Everdrive 64: https://krikzz.com/

Nintendo DS (NDS)

TBA

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Everdrive N8 Pro: https://krikzz.com/

Nintendo Famicom Disk System (FDS):  

FDSStick:  http://3dscapture.com/fdsstick/

Nintendo Game Boy / Game Boy Color (GB/GBC)

Everdrve GB x5: https://krikzz.com/
Everdrive GB x7: https://krikzz.com/

Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA)

Everdrive GBA x5: https://krikzz.com/

Nintendo Virtual Boy

HyperBoy 32Mbit Flashcart – RetroOnyx
HyperFlash32 eInk Flash Cart – RetroOnyx

PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 (PCE/TG16)

Turbo Everdrive: https://krikzz.com/
Turbo Everdrive Pro (CD support): https://krikzz.com/
Super SD System 3:  Terraonion

SEGA Game Gear (GG)

Everdrive GG: https://krikzz.com/

SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive (MD)

Mega Everdrive Pro – https://krikzz.com/
Mega SD – Terraonion
Mega Everdrive X7: https://krikzz.com/
Mega Everdrive X5: https://krikzz.com/
Mega Everdrive X3: https://krikzz.com/

SEGA Master System (SMS)

Master Everdrive: https://krikzz.com/

Super Nintendo (SNES)

FXPAK Pro (aka SD2SNES): https://krikzz.com/
Super Everdrive: https://krikzz.com/

Vectrex

Vectrex Multi Cart: http://www.vectrexmulti.com/
72 Game Multicart v2: http://vectrex.playntradeonline.com

ZS Spectrum

divMMC Future: Runs ESXDOS and supports a few different file formats. The Future Was 8bit Store. Read our divMMC Future review here.