Retro Games Ltd. has officially brought back one of the most iconic joystick shapes of the 8‑bit era: THEQUICKSHOT II, a modern recreation of the classic Quickshot II. The product page confirms availability starting 30 January 2026 — and with first units already shipping worldwide, this is one of those small hardware releases that can have a surprisingly big impact on day-to-day C64 (and retro) use: input quality.
Because on real hardware (and even on FPGA/mini systems), the joystick is still the bottleneck. Latency, inconsistent diagonals, worn membranes, sloppy centering, and cheap switches can ruin otherwise perfect sessions. THEQUICKSHOT II is clearly designed to address exactly that — with a feature set that reads more like “modern fight stick thinking” than a nostalgia shell.
Core technical highlights (from the official specs)
1) All‑microswitch architecture (directions + fire)
Retro Games Ltd. states an all‑microswitch design, covering:
- the joystick’s directional movement
- the fire buttons
This matters because microswitches provide:
- consistent actuation force
- crisp, repeatable engagement points
- better long-term reliability than many membrane-based retro sticks
- clearer “edge” feedback for fast twitch games
For C64 players chasing score tables, microswitch precision is often the difference between “missed input” and “clean run”, especially in games that punish diagonal ambiguity or require rapid direction changes.
2) 8-way movement: “eight degrees of circular freedom”
The product page describes precise control with the ability to move “in eight degrees of circular freedom.” In practical terms, that’s the classic 8-direction requirement (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) — but the wording suggests the stick is tuned to feel smooth across the gate rather than “square and clunky”.
For C64 gameplay, diagonals are where many modern cheap sticks fail. If the mechanical design is solid, this should improve:
- platformers and run’n’guns that rely on diagonal aim
- maze games where diagonal clipping is fatal
- sports titles and isometric movement schemes
3) Auto‑fire switch (hardware-side rapid fire)
THEQUICKSHOT II includes an auto‑fire switch (“rapid auto-firing mode”). That implies the rapid-fire behavior is handled on the controller side, not by software. Benefits:
- consistent firing cadence regardless of game timing
- no need for in-game autofire support
- useful for shooters and score-chasers where sustained fire is part of the meta
From a technical perspective, hardware autofire also reduces finger fatigue and keeps input cadence stable — which is exactly what you want when you’re optimizing runs.
4) “Full gamepad functionality” via 8 buttons total
Retro Games Ltd. highlights eight action and feature buttons:
- two fire buttons
- six additional action/function buttons integrated into the base
This is a notable design decision: it pushes the device beyond “single-button retro stick” into something that can map to modern mini/FPGA ecosystems and multi-button control schemes. Even if you only use a subset on a classic C64 workflow, the extra buttons can be valuable on:
- modern retro platforms
- menu navigation / system UI
- multi-button game ports and enhanced control mappings
5) USB-A connectivity + 1.8m cable
THEQUICKSHOT II ships with a 1.8m USB‑A cable. That’s a practical spec, but it’s also a technical one: USB means broad compatibility with modern retro systems and computers, and 1.8m is long enough for real living-room setups (CRT/TV distance, desk routing, capture rigs).
6) Stabilising suction cups (mechanical stability)
The base includes stabilising suction cups for “easy single-handed play.” That’s not just comfort — it’s mechanical stability under stress input:
- reduces base drift during rapid diagonals
- keeps the stick planted during autofire-heavy sessions
- improves consistency for competitive score attempts
7) Ergonomic grip + plug-and-play positioning
The page calls out an ergonomic grip and plug-and-play use with “most popular games and computer systems.” That’s broad wording, but paired with USB and multi-button design, the intent is clear: minimal setup, maximum compatibility.
What to expect in real use (C64/scene perspective)
If the hardware delivers on the microswitch promise, THEQUICKSHOT II should be a strong upgrade for:
- fast arcade conversions
- shooters with sustained fire (especially with hardware autofire)
- games where diagonals must be reliable
- long sessions where grip comfort and base stability matter
In short: this is not just a nostalgia accessory — it’s a modern input device built around the realities of retro gaming in 2026.
Source (technical specs): Retro Games Ltd. product page
https://retrogames.biz/products/thequickshot-ii/
(Buy page linked there: https://retrogames.biz/purchase/thequickshot-ii)
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