Quickshot 2 Joystick Returns: A Blast From the Past for Retro Gamers
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A faithful recreation of the iconic Quickshot 2 joystick, beloved by gamers in the UK and Europe during the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, is set to launch in January 2024, courtesy of Retro Games Ltd – the team behind popular mini-consoles like The A500 Mini. This revival taps into a growing nostalgia for classic gaming peripherals, offering a tangible link to a bygone era when joysticks were the primary method of control for home computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64.
The Joystick Landscape of Yesteryear
While the term “joystick” is now largely relegated to niche gaming communities – primarily fighting game and flight simulator enthusiasts – it once dominated the home gaming experience. Unlike the US and Japan, where joypads were the standard, the UK and Europe largely favored joysticks until the arrival of the Sega Mega Drive in 1990. As one observer noted, the Quickshot 2 was a “common sight in the 80s and early 90s,” though perhaps not the most favored – some, like the author, preferred the Competition Pro 500. Retro Games does offer a product resembling the Competition Pro, but it lacks official licensing.
Modern Features, Retro Feel
The new Quickshot 2 maintains the classic aesthetic of the original but incorporates modern functionality. It now features a USB connection for compatibility with contemporary systems, alongside a significantly expanded button layout. Considering that many 8-bit and 16-bit games utilized only a single-button control scheme, the addition of eight action and feature buttons – including a crucial autofire button – offers enhanced versatility. “You could also rely on the keyboard of the computer itself,” the source text points out, but the new joystick eliminates that necessity.
Durability and Compatibility
The joystick is reportedly fully microswitched, addressing a common issue with the original model, which was prone to breakage. A 1.8-meter cable and the inclusion of suction cups – a defining feature of the original – further enhance the retro experience. While the Quickshot 2 doesn’t come pre-loaded with games, its USB connectivity allows for use with Retro Games’ mini-home computers, as well as any PC. The prospect of using it with modern titles, such as Battlefield 6, is described as an “amusing culture shock.”
Pricing and Availability
Priced at a competitive £29.99, the Quickshot 2 offers an affordable entry point for retro gaming enthusiasts. However, those hoping to unwrap one this Christmas will be disappointed, as the release date is set for January 30, 2024.
