Iconic Commodore 64 Joystick Makes a Comeback
▼ Summary
– Retro Games, known for reviving classic computers, is releasing a recreation of the popular 1980s Quickshot II joystick for approximately $40, starting January 30, 2026.
– The new version retains the original’s aviation-inspired design, large contoured handle, trigger, top button, and suction cup base, but lacks wireless functionality.
– It features six additional, remappable buttons on its base to better accommodate modern games, though it remains best suited for simpler retro titles.
– The joystick has been updated with a smoother “floating ball-joint design” for movement but still uses microswitches to detect inputs.
– Connectivity has been modernized with USB for plug-and-play use on PCs and consoles, while preserving retro features like an auto-fire switch and suction cups.
For gamers who remember the golden age of 8-bit computing, a beloved piece of hardware is returning. Retro Games, in collaboration with Plaion Replai, has announced a faithful recreation of the classic Quickshot II joystick, set for release in early 2026. Priced at approximately $40, this revival aims to capture the authentic feel of the iconic controller that dominated living rooms before the Nintendo Entertainment System made gamepads the standard.
The design remains unmistakably true to its 1980s roots, featuring the same aviation-inspired silhouette with a large, contoured handle. This ergonomic shape was a significant improvement over earlier, more basic joysticks, offering greater comfort during long play sessions. It also introduced a trigger-style button alongside its top-mounted fire button, mimicking the control scheme found in popular arcade cabinets of the era. While its form factor may seem dated compared to modern controllers, it holds a special place in gaming history.
This isn’t merely a museum piece, however. The new Quickshot II has been thoughtfully updated for contemporary use. The most notable addition is six extra programmable buttons on the base, allowing players to map commands for more complex modern games, though its simple two-button layout still makes it ideal for classic retro titles. The original’s stiff movement has been refined with a new “floating ball-joint design” intended to provide smoother, more precise control, while still utilizing tactile microswitches for that satisfying, clicky feedback.
Connectivity has received a crucial modern upgrade. Gone is the old DE-9 port, replaced with a standard USB connection for straightforward plug-and-play compatibility with modern PCs and various consoles. Yet, the designers have wisely kept two charmingly retro features. A physical switch on the base still activates a handy auto-fire function, and the underside retains the original’s suction cup base, designed to keep the joystick firmly anchored to a desk during the most frantic gameplay. This blend of nostalgic design and practical modern updates creates a unique controller that bridges generations of gaming.
(Source: The Verge)
