Retro Games, a company celebrated for its meticulous and technologically enhanced recreations of legendary home computers from the 1980s and 1990s—most notably the revered Commodore 64 and the innovative Amiga—has unveiled its latest nostalgic endeavor: the revival of another emblematic peripheral from that same golden era of digital entertainment. For anyone who experienced the earliest age of home computer gaming, particularly before the arrival of Nintendo’s NES console transformed the industry, the name Quickshot II likely evokes vivid memories. This joystick wasn’t merely a piece of hardware; it represented a rite of passage for many early gamers, a tactile connection to a formative period in interactive entertainment. Now, several decades later, enthusiasts and newcomers alike can relive that experience through an authentic, faithfully crafted recreation priced at £29.99, or roughly $40, which is anticipated to hit retail markets on January 30, 2026.
This newly revitalized edition of the Quickshot II is being produced through a strategic collaboration between Retro Games and Plaion Replai, merging vintage design philosophy with contemporary production precision. The joystick retains the original model’s unmistakable aviation-inspired aesthetic—a design direction heavily influenced by flight simulators and aircraft controls that dominated the pre-gamepad era. Before Nintendo introduced its now-standard gamepad layout, joysticks like the Quickshot II defined how players interacted with their games, emphasizing physicality and mimicry of real-world machinery. While its sculpted form might appear somewhat antiquated by modern ergonomic standards, the grip’s broad contours were once heralded for offering immense comfort compared to earlier, boxier designs. Importantly, it introduced a defining feature—a responsive trigger beneath the index finger, complemented by a top-mounted action button—an arrangement that mirrored the control schemes of contemporary arcade machines and lent home gaming an exciting sense of authenticity.
In its modern incarnation, the Quickshot II remains remarkably faithful to its original visual identity, exuding the same sturdy, angular profile that veterans will recognize instantly. However, subtle but meaningful advancements have been introduced to reconcile the joystick’s nostalgic charm with modern usability. Six additional buttons have been seamlessly integrated into the base, carefully positioned for intuitive access. These can be remapped to suit a wide range of modern titles, although the controller’s true spirit arguably shines brightest when paired with classic, minimalist games that defined its heyday. Internally, the joystick mechanism has undergone significant refinement: it now employs a sophisticated floating ball-joint system that enables smoother, more fluid directional movement while preserving the responsiveness and tactile feedback provided by classic microswitches. This blend of old and new allows the device to retain its characteristic ‘clicky’ precision—a beloved trait among enthusiasts—without compromising the improved control expected of modern peripherals.
Naturally, full compatibility with today’s hardware ecosystems necessitated a few technological updates. The original DE-9 connector, once standard among 8- and 16-bit computers, has been gracefully retired in favor of contemporary USB connectivity. This upgrade ensures plug-and-play functionality across PCs and current-generation gaming consoles, offering universal ease of use without requiring additional adapters or software. Yet, in a gesture of respect for its heritage, two quintessential hallmarks from the original model have been intentionally preserved. A small toggle switch, located on the base, continues to enable the beloved ‘auto-fire’ mode—an early innovation that allowed players to simulate rapid-fire actions without constant button pressing. Furthermore, the underside of the joystick still features its distinctive suction cups, a quirky but practical design choice that keeps the controller anchored firmly to the desk surface even during the most frenzied arcade sessions.
In essence, this modern Quickshot II perfectly encapsulates Retro Games’ guiding philosophy: to resurrect the past not as a mere replica, but as a thoughtfully reimagined artifact that bridges generations of gaming culture. It honors the mechanical artistry and tangible engagement that defined early computing, while adapting gracefully to the expectations of contemporary hardware. For players who once gripped its handle in the glow of a CRT monitor—or for younger gamers curious about the origins of their favorite pastime—this revival provides both a nostalgic time capsule and a functional piece of timeless design, poised to deliver the same sense of wonder it inspired decades ago.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/845447/retro-games-the-quickshot-ii-joystick-controller-commodore-64
