SidecarTridge® Kickstart Emulator for Amiga 500 / 2000

A programmable Kickstart ROM emulator for the Commodore Amiga

The SidecarTridge Kickstart Emulator brings modern flexibility to classic Commodore Amiga systems. Designed for the Amiga 500, 500+ and 2000, it lets you switch between multiple Kickstart ROM versions instantly — no need to swap chips or open the case.

Powered by the Raspberry RP2350 microcontroller, this new generation offers enhanced signal accuracy, faster response, and full compatibility with stock and accelerated Amigas.

Why Choose the SidecarTridge Kickstart Emulator?

Run Any Kickstart Version or Custom ROM: Load and switch between any Kickstart version — from 1.2 to 3.1 and beyond — or test custom ROMs and patched images without touching a soldering iron.

Drop-in Replacement: The emulator plugs directly into the ROM socket of your Amiga. No case modifications, no external boxes.

USB Plug-and-Play: Connect the board via USB to your computer. It mounts as a standard mass-storage drive, so copying or replacing Kickstart images is as easy as dragging files.

Key Features

Bit-Banged ROM Emulation: Using the RP2350’s PIO engines, the emulator reproduces the timing and behavior of original ROMs used in the Amiga series.

Massive Storage: With 16 MB of onboard flash, you can keep dozens of Kickstart versions ready to boot. Switching between them takes seconds.

Custom and Open-Source ROMs: Load any Kickstart-compatible image — official ROMs, patched versions (e.g. DiagROM), or open-source alternatives (EmuTOS).

In-System ROM Switching: Use a small Amiga utility to choose your active Kickstart without opening the machine or reflashing.

How It Works

The device emulates the Amiga’s internal Kickstart ROM by generating the same address and data bus signals the CPU expects during boot. It stores all ROMs in onboard flash memory and uses high-speed PIO to serve data cycles with nanosecond-level accuracy.

When powered on, it behaves like a physical ROM. The computer boots instantly with the selected image. Connect the board by USB to manage stored Kickstarts or update firmware — it appears as a FAT-formatted drive on any modern OS.

Perfect for a Range of Users

Amiga Enthusiasts – Quickly boot different Kickstart versions for compatibility or nostalgia.

Developers – Test games or system patches across multiple Kickstarts without swapping chips.

Repair Technicians – Diagnose and service Amigas easily by loading DiagROM or custom test images.

Retro Collectors – Keep your Amiga original and untouched while expanding its capabilities.

Installation

If your Amiga’s Kickstart ROMs are socketed, installation is straightforward: remove the existing ROM and insert the emulator. If they are soldered, you’ll need to desolder and install sockets first — a one-time modification that enables future upgrades.

Once installed, the board powers up automatically with the machine. No external power required.

Do you want to learn more? Visit our documentation site!

Find the Right Kit for Amiga

Ready to upgrade? Ensure compatibility by checking your Amiga motherboard model. Locate the model number inside the case, then refer to our Compatibility Guide. Determine if your ROM chips are plugged or soldered. Once confirmed, choose the perfect SidecarTridge Kickstart emulator kit for your setup.

Upgrade today and experience the future of retro computing with the SidecarTridge® TOS Emulator. For any questions or assistance, visit our Contact Page.

Kit content

The kit contains the following parts:

1. SidecarTridge ROM Emulator Board
2. SidecarTridge Amiga 500/2000 Carrier Board. The ROM Emulator Board is soldered onto this carrier board.
3. RESCUE cable and push button

You will also need the following items:

1. USB-C cable: for connecting the SidecarTridge Kickstart emulator to a computer for firmware updates and transferring Kickstart images. You can buy a USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C cables in our online shop if you do not already own one.
2. SWITCHER application. The app is downloadable from our website, but it's also in the content of the USB Mass storage mode.