Iconic 80s QuickShot II Joystick Gets a Retro Revival
▼ Summary
– Retro games are experiencing a resurgence, leading to the revival of the iconic QuickShot II joystick as THEQUICKSHOT II by Retro Games.
– The new version retains classic features like microswitches and auto-fire but adds modern USB connectivity and extra programmable buttons.
– Originally a staple of 1980s/90s home computing in the West, it was especially popular with systems like the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amiga.
– Despite its appealing, ergonomic flight-stick design and affordability, the joystick was notoriously unreliable and prone to breaking under heavy use.
– It will be available for purchase starting January 30, 2026, at a price of £29.99 (approximately $40 or 34€).
The QuickShot II joystick, a legendary controller from the 1980s, is making a major comeback. This iconic piece of gaming hardware is being revived by Retro Games under the name THEQUICKSHOT II, tapping directly into the powerful nostalgia for classic computing and retro gaming. The reimagined controller blends its beloved original features with modern connectivity, offering a perfect bridge between past and present for enthusiasts.
This new version stays remarkably true to its predecessor. It retains the distinct directional microswitches, auto-fire functionality, and stabilizing suction cups that defined the original experience. For contemporary use, it gains a USB-A interface and six additional programmable buttons. These extra inputs can be configured for modern titles or to create convenient shortcuts within emulation software. Retro Games has announced it will launch the joystick on January 30, 2026, with a price set at £29.99.
For many gamers across North America and Europe, the QuickShot II’s silhouette is instantly recognizable. It was the go-to joystick for Commodore 64 systems in the U.S. and Canada, while also seeing heavy use with Atari ST and Amiga computers. Across the Atlantic, it was a standard companion for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and later the Amiga. Its design, resembling an aircraft control stick, offered a tactile and visually appealing experience that felt like serious equipment, especially when playing flight simulators or action games inspired by films like Top Gun.
Despite its popularity, the QuickShot series was also infamous for its lack of durability. Even with the more robust micro-switches used in the QuickShot II and later models, the joysticks were prone to breaking under sustained, vigorous use. This was exacerbated by the button-mashing mechanics of popular sports titles like Decathlon and Track & Field, which often turned joystick failure from a possibility into an inevitability. This common issue led manufacturers to incorporate features like auto-fire and dedicated rapid-fire buttons to help preserve the hardware.
Fortunately for players and their families, a wide array of affordable third-party clones existed. Most home computers of the era used the standardized DB9 connector and protocol originating from Atari’s early consoles, ensuring broad compatibility. Choice was limited in those days, and easy access to replacement parts wasn’t common, making these accessible alternatives essential. The revival of this design acknowledges both its cherished place in gaming history and the practical demands of today’s retro gaming scene.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
