Home / Technology / Retro Joystick Returns: Flaws and All
Retro Joystick Returns: Flaws and All
20 Feb
Summary
- The QuickShot II joystick is back with retro charm and updated features.
- New version offers configurable buttons and USB connectivity for modern PCs.
- It captures nostalgic feelings despite its budget limitations and awkwardness.
The iconic QuickShot II joystick from the early 1980s has been reborn, offering a taste of retro gaming for a new generation. This updated replica meticulously preserves the original's dimensions and feel, including its distinctive soft-click buttons and the unique suckers for table mounting.
Tasteful modernizations include independently configurable fire buttons and six base buttons, aligning with contemporary joypad layouts. Its USB connectivity allows seamless integration with PCs and modern retro computer remakes from Retro Games, facilitating play with classic titles.
While the stick offers ample travel, a characteristic that made it challenging for some games, microswitches have been added for a satisfying click. The soft click of the fire buttons, however, remains a cherished nostalgic element for many.
Though it functions well with Steam and modern PCs after calibration, the QuickShot II is not a high-end modern controller. Its inherent low-budget charm and compromises, including potential issues with emulation platforms, are part of its appeal. This remake is a testament to the original's spirit, offering an affordable and nostalgic experience for former owners.
