The Legend Reborn

The new QuickShot II, released by Retro Games and Plaion Replai, is an almost exact replica of the original. It maintains the same ergonomic shaft, large red buttons, and—most importantly—the suckers on the base to keep it stuck to your computer table during intense sessions of Green Beret.

While the “feel” remains faithful, the designers have included several tasteful modern updates:

• Independently Configurable Buttons: The two fire buttons on the stick can now be mapped separately, a dream come true for those who wanted to laser and bomb simultaneously in Skramble.
• Modern Connectivity: The USB cable allows it to plug directly into a PC or any of the modern “mini” console remakes like the TheC64 or the Spectrum.
• Microswitches: The stick now features microswitches for a satisfying “click” upon movement, though the fire buttons retain their classic, soft-click nostalgic feel.

Performance: Authentic “Flaws”

If you are looking for a professional-grade flight stick, this isn’t it. The stick still has a lot of “travel,” meaning you have to push it quite far to register movement. This makes it authentically unsuitable for “joystick-waggling” sports titles like Daley Thompson’s Decathlon, where aggressive movement often led to broken plastic and bruised egos.

Tested with Steam, the joystick performed well after calibration, making it a joy to play classic shooters like Truxton. However, some users may find difficulty configuring it with advanced emulation platforms like RetroArch.

The Verdict

The QuickShot II was never the best joystick—it was the one we could afford. It looked cool, it felt like an arcade cabinet, and it was hardwired into the memories of a generation. This remake respects that spirit entirely.

“Every time I see it sitting there beside my hi-tech PC and big HD monitor, I smile. It’s good to have you back, old friend, with all your flaws and shortcomings.” — Keith Stuart

Price: £30.95 (Available Now)

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The post QuickShot II Joystick Review: 80s Clicks and Waggles Lovingly Recreated appeared first on GamingGear 360.

This plasticky joystick originally dominated early 1980s computer desks. The original controller offered a cheap fighter plane aesthetic. You could easily pretend to fly spaceships in Star Wars. The new USB version preserves this raw, nostalgic magic perfectly.

A Faithful and Flawed Replica

The new QuickShot II replicates the original dimensions exactly. You can grasp the ergonomic shaft tightly in your fist. You wrap your thumb around the large red trigger. The designers even included the classic stabilizing suction cups. Furthermore, they retained the famous rear auto-fire switch.

However, the creators tastefully updated several key hardware elements. The two stick buttons now feature independent configuration options. The base also features six new programmable function buttons. A generous 1.8-meter USB cable connects to modern PCs. You can also plug it into the C64 Mini or The Spectrum.

Beautifully Tactile Microswitches

The build quality balances necessary updates with respectful preservation. The stick requires significant travel distance to register movement. This design makes aggressive joystick-waggling games incredibly dangerous.

Fortunately, the designers added precise internal microswitches. You hear a highly satisfying click during directional movements. Meanwhile, the fire buttons retain their original soft click. Pressing those buttons instantly triggers deep teenage gaming memories.

The Verdict: Pure Nostalgic Joy

This controller does not rival serious modern joysticks. It feels low-budget and somewhat awkward during intense gameplay. You might struggle to configure it with emulators like RetroArch.

However, the original QuickShot II lacked premium quality too. We loved it because it looked cool and affordable. The modern remake stays completely true to that exact spirit. If you owned one previously, you will absolutely love this. The absolute raw nostalgia earns this controller four stars.

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The post The QuickShot II Joystick Review: 80s Nostalgia Returns appeared first on GamingGear 360.