The beloved QuickShot II joystick, a staple of 1980s home computing, has been reissued by Retro Games Ltd. This revival aims to bring back the authentic feel and iconic design of the original, updated with modern USB connectivity. Available for approximately £29.99 (around $40), the new QuickShot II is positioned as an affordable nostalgia trip for those who grew up with it and a charming retro peripheral for new enthusiasts.
A Blast from the Past, Updated for Today
The QuickShot II was a significant controller during the peak of the 1980s home computer era. Its return, announced in late 2025 and available in early 2026, taps into a market eager for authentic retro gaming experiences.
Original Release: The QuickShot II first gained prominence in the mid-1980s.
Key Features of Original: Known for its distinct design, large buttons, and suction cups on its base for attachment to surfaces.
Modern Revival: Retro Games Ltd., in partnership with PLAION REPLAI, is behind the new version, aiming for faithful recreation with modern usability.
Availability: Pre-orders and releases began in December 2025 and January 2026.
Preserving the Classic Experience
The revival seeks to retain the core characteristics that made the original QuickShot II a favorite, while making it compatible with current technology.
Design Authenticity: The new model is said to preserve the iconic design and the feeling of the original joystick. This includes the large red buttons and the distinctive "clicks and waggles" associated with the device.
Attachment System: A notable feature of the original was its suction cups, allowing it to be fixed to a desk or "cockpit control panel." This has been retained in the new version.
Button Layout: It features the original's two classic fire buttons.
Modern Connectivity: The primary update is the move from proprietary connectors to a USB cable, ensuring compatibility with modern PCs. The cable is also longer, measuring 1.8 meters.
New Features for Enhanced Play
Beyond its retro appeal, the QuickShot II has been updated with a few modern additions.
Read More: New QuickShot II Joystick 2026 Costs £29.99 for 80s Gaming Fans
Additional Buttons: The new model includes six extra function keys located on the base, offering more input options for modern games or emulators.
Micro-Switches: These are used in the new buttons, reportedly providing improved precision and responsiveness.
Automatic Fire: The original's automatic fire feature has been kept.
| Feature | Original QuickShot II | New QuickShot II |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Proprietary | USB |
| Fire Buttons | 2 | 2 (classic) + 6 function keys |
| Attachment | Suction Cups | Suction Cups |
| Design | Iconic 80s aesthetic | Faithfully recreated |
| Cable Length | Standard (implied shorter) | 1.8 meters |
| Price (approx.) | N/A (original historical context) | £29.99 / $40 |
| Compatibility | 80s home computers (C64, Amiga, etc.) | Modern PCs |
Nostalgia and Accessibility
The pricing and features suggest the QuickShot II is being marketed as an accessible impulse buy or a thoughtful gift for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Target Audience: The joystick is aimed at those who crave old-fashioned gaming goodness or are fans of Commodore 64 and similar era machines.
Affordability: At around $40, it's presented as a cheap but cheerful retro treat.
Companion for Retro Setups: It is considered a perfect companion for an 80s retro setup.
Potential Limitations for Modern Gaming
While embracing its retro roots, the QuickShot II is not presented as a high-performance controller for contemporary gaming.
Not a "Serious Modern Joystick": Reviews indicate it is not intended for serious modern joystick requirements.
Durability Concerns: The original joystick was known to be susceptible to damage from rough gameplay. Some users have shared anecdotes of destroying previous joysticks. Was this due to the controller's inherent fragility, or the intensity of the games played?
Game Specificity: It might not be suitable for all types of games, with one review humorously noting, "don't try playing Track & Field again on it."
Expert Insights and Fan Reception
The return of the QuickShot II has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting its cultural significance.
"The original Quickshot II is one of the most recognizable joysticks of the home computer era. It's a return to roots, a sincere tribute to a time when every game was an adventure, and every controller a tool for performance." - Paul Andrews, General Manager of Retro Games Ltd.
The recall of the QuickShot II as a "cult joystick" and "monument of video game pop culture" underscores its enduring legacy. Its reappearance is a testament to its place in gaming history, resonating with those who remember it as "the controller par excellence."
Conclusion: A Faithful Echo of a Gaming Era
The reissue of the QuickShot II joystick by Retro Games Ltd. represents a deliberate effort to capture the essence of 1980s gaming for a modern audience. By retaining the iconic design, tactile feedback, and even its quirky features like suction cups, while integrating essential USB compatibility, the product aims to be both a nostalgic artifact and a functional peripheral.
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The addition of six extra buttons and the use of micro-switches signal an attempt to bridge the gap between retro charm and contemporary input needs. However, it is explicitly positioned as a device for retro enjoyment rather than demanding modern gameplay, acknowledging the limitations and specific use cases that defined its original success. The affordable price point further solidifies its role as an accessible gateway to the past for both veteran gamers and newcomers.
Sources Used:
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/feb/20/the-quickshot-ii-joystick-review-80s-clicks-and-waggles-lovingly-recreated
Context: Game review providing an assessment of the new QuickShot II against its retro predecessor, highlighting its design and playability.
TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/pc-gaming/an-iconic-80s-joystick-is-back-from-the-dead-as-an-affordable-pc-peripheral
Context: News article announcing the return of the QuickShot II, detailing its features, price, and target audience.
Tom's Hardware: https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/42-year-old-quickshot-ii-joystick-gets-an-era-appropriate-revival-iconic-joystick-is-the-perfect-companion-for-an-80s-retro-setup
Context: Report on the revival of the QuickShot II, emphasizing its relevance for 80s retro setups and user anecdotes about joystick durability.
Heise Online (English): https://www.heise.de/en/news/The-80s-cult-joystick-Quickshot-II-is-back-with-USB-connection-11160251.html
Context: News report detailing the QuickShot II's return with USB connectivity and additional function keys.
Notebookcheck: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Legendary-80s-joystick-returns-with-modern-features.1216332.0.html
Context: Article announcing the return of the QuickShot II, focusing on the blend of modern technology with its retro aesthetic.
LaRevueD'Geek (French): https://www.larevuedgeek.fr/thequickshot-ii-le-joystick-culte-des-annees-80-fait-son-grand-retour-en-2026/
Context: French article discussing the QuickShot II's cultural impact and its revival, including a quote from Retro Games Ltd.
GamingRetro.co.uk: https://gamingretro.co.uk/thequickshot-ii-revealed-retro-games-ltd-revives-the-most-famous-joystick-of-the-80s/
Context: Report on the revival of the QuickShot II, detailing its history, connection to popular games, and availability for pre-order.
Gamekult (French): https://www.gamekult.com/actualite/mythique-joystick-des-annees-80-le-quickshot-ii-revient-3050867553.html
Context: French article highlighting the return of the QuickShot II, mentioning its historical context on various 80s computers and its technical specifications.
