A legendary piece of British gaming hardware is poised for a triumphant return. The Quickshot 2, arguably the most ubiquitous joystick of the 1980s home computer era, is being resurrected by the specialists at Retro Games.
From ZX Spectrum to USB: A Nostalgic Revival
For a generation of UK gamers, the term 'joystick' was synonymous with the Quickshot 2. In the days before joypads dominated, this controller was the default way to play on iconic 8-bit and 16-bit systems like the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST. While the Competition Pro had its devotees, the Quickshot 2 was a common sight in living rooms across the country throughout the 80s and early 90s.
The company behind this revival, Retro Games, is no stranger to curating nostalgia. They are the masterminds behind popular mini console recreations like The C64 Mini, The A500 Mini, and The Spectrum. Their latest project aims to bring the physical feel of classic gaming right back to players' hands.
Modern Features in a Classic Shell
At first glance, the new 'TheQuickshot 2' looks identical to its beloved predecessor. It retains the classic design and even the familiar suction cups on the base for securing it to a desk. However, several crucial updates bring it firmly into the 21st century.
The most significant change is the shift from the old proprietary port to a universal USB connection. This means it can be used not only with Retro Games' own mini computers but with any modern PC. The joystick also boasts a 1.8-metre cable for greater flexibility.
Perhaps the biggest upgrade is in the button department. Original 8-bit joysticks typically had just one fire button, relying on the computer's keyboard for additional commands. The new version addresses this with eight action and feature buttons, removing that limitation. It also includes the all-important autofire button, a must-have feature for any serious retro gamer. The unit is fully microswitched, promising a precise and durable experience that its sometimes fragile forebear did not always deliver.
Pricing, Release, and Amusing Possibilities
The revived Quickshot 2 will carry a price tag of £29.99, positioning it as an affordable piece of nostalgia compared to many contemporary controllers. Unfortunately for those hoping for a festive gift, it will narrowly miss Christmas, with its release date set for January 30.
It's important to note that the joystick does not come with any built-in games. Its primary purpose is to be paired with the retro mini consoles from the same manufacturer. However, that USB connection opens up a world of quirky possibilities. Imagine the curious challenge of attempting to play a modern title like Battlefield 6 with this single-stick, button-laden relic—a true culture clash between gaming eras.
This launch is a very specific nod to UK and European gaming history. As the original article noted, in regions like the US and Japan where consoles reigned supreme earlier, the Quickshot 2 is likely an unknown entity. But for British gamers who grew up with the distinctive click of its microswitches, its return is a welcome blast from the past.
