The 80s cult joystick Quickshot II is back – with USB connection
With the Quickshot II, a joystick returns that, like few others, belongs to the image of home computer games of the 1980s.
Retro Games is bringing back an old acquaintance from the eighties with "TheQuickShot II".
(Image: Retro Games Ltd.)
The reissue, named “TheQuickShot II”, was developed by Retro Games Ltd. in cooperation with Plaion Replai and remains true to the iconic design of the original: a joystick-like grip, red fire buttons, and suction cups on the underside. However, the joystick has been modernized technically. Instead of the original 9-pin connector, a 1.8-meter USB-A cable is now used, offering plug-and-play support for the company's own retro consoles as well as modern systems.
Also suitable for current systems
In addition to the two classic fire buttons, the new model features six additional function keys. This allows the stick to be used not only for emulators but also as a gamepad replacement for modern games. The auto-fire switch – a key selling point of the original – has also been retained.
According to the manufacturer, the stick is constructed with a floating ball joint for the smoothest possible eight-way movements. Furthermore, a microswitch design specially developed by Retro Games Ltd. is intended to ensure greater precision. “TheQuickShot II” is available now and costs just under 35 Euros. The manufacturer Retro Games Ltd. is likely known to most retro fans primarily for its reissues of iconic hardware such as The C64 Mini or Amiga 500.
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An 80s Original
The original Quickshot was launched in the early 1980s and quickly became one of the most widespread joysticks of its time. It was originally developed by Spectravideo – a manufacturer specializing in accessories for home computers such as the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, or Amstrad CPC. The Quickshot II was known not only for its striking design but also for the then-rare auto-fire function, which was particularly advantageous in arcade titles.
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Its grip resembled an aircraft control stick, which, combined with the characteristic clicking sound of the microswitches, made it a distinctive piece of gaming hardware. With over 40 million units sold worldwide, the Quickshot series became one of the most successful joysticks of all time, even if it wasn't exactly known for its longevity.
(joe)
