Iconic Quickshot II Joystick Returns With Modern Features In 2026
The iconic Quickshot II joystick, a staple for ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and Atari gamers in the 1980s and 1990s, is being revived for 2026. Retro Games Limited and PLAION REPLAI are releasing a modern USB version with updated features including an auto-fire switch and microswitch construction.
Retro Games Limited has announced the return of the classic Quickshot II joystick, with a modernised version set for release on 30 January 2026. According to the company's announcement, the new model, dubbed THEQUICKSHOT II, will retail for £29.99 and feature a USB connection, an auto-fire switch, and a design overhaul for contemporary hardware.
The original Quickshot II was a staple of the 8-bit era, a ubiquitous peripheral found plugged into ZX Spectrums, Commodore 64s, and Atari home computers throughout the 1980s. Its distinctive red fire buttons and sturdy base were instrumental in countless sessions of games like Manic Miner, Ghosts 'n Goblins, and Uridium. This revival aims to capture that tactile feel while updating the internals, promising an “all-microswitch construction” and a floating ball-joint design for more precise control.
Beyond nostalgia, the new joystick is designed for practical use with Retro Games Limited's own systems, such as the THEA500 Mini and THE C64 Mini. Its USB interface also opens up compatibility with a wider range of modern PCs and consoles, effectively positioning it as a one-stop arcade controller for both retro re-releases and modern indie titles that benefit from a digital joystick. The inclusion of eight action buttons and six function buttons suggests it could handle everything from a simple game of Jetpac to more complex emulator front-ends.
For a generation that learned to play with a joystick in one hand and a tape-deck load command in the other, the Quickshot's return is a welcome piece of hardware history. Its success will likely depend on whether that classic microswitch 'click' and firm grip can convincingly bridge the gap between 1985 and 2026, offering more than just a curio for the shelf.
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