Legendary 80s joystick returns with modern features

Following its announcement by Retro Games and Plaion in mid-December 2025, TheQuickshot II retro joystick is now available through retailers. It retains the same iconic design as the original whilst featuring updated connectivity.

TheQuickshot II combines modern tech with retro aesthetic

Those who used to work and play on a C64, Schneider CPC or Commodore Amiga in the 80s may remember the once-ubiquitous black joysticks with red buttons. Besides the fairly compact Competition Pro, the original Quickshot II – released by Spectravideo in 1983 – was another memorable joystick of the era. Resembling a flight control stick, it stood out because it was big enough for larger hands and featured suction cups that kept it firmly in place, even during frantic movements required in titles such as Winter Games. Admittedly, its controls could sometimes feel imprecise, but it did offer autofire. The Quickshot II, along with its sibling models, has sold more than 42 million units in total, cementing its status as a legend. And it has now made a return to store shelves (available here on Amazon).

To keep up with modern controllers, the revamped Quickshot II has been updated with USB support for convenience and includes a 180 cm USB cable. In addition to PCs and various retro devices, the controller also works with the following home computer replicas made by Retro Games: TheC64, The Spectrum, TheA500, and the upcoming TheA1200. That said, it can’t connect to the original C64 and Commodore Amiga via the 9-pin interface, nor does it offer wireless connectivity. Other notable features include precise microswitches, a ball joint, two action buttons, six programmable fire buttons, an autofire button, and suction cups.