Retro Games Ltd. is on a roll. Hot off the surprise tease buried in the announcement of The Spectrum Collector’s Edition, the company has now lifted the lid on something many retro fans had quietly hoped for: THEQUICKSHOT II, a full modern revival of what may be the most iconic joystick of the home-computer era. And yes — it looks every bit the part.
Launching 30th January 2026 and available to pre-order right now for £29.99, THEQUICKSHOT II marks the official return of a controller that shaped how millions of us learned to play games on the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad, Atari ST, and Amiga.
Did you own a Quickshot II? I did, twice
If you were gaming anytime between the mid-80s and early 90s, chances are the Quickshot II was either your first joystick… or the joystick you broke playing Kick Off 2.
Its red trigger and flight-stick silhouette made it ideal for Operation Wolf or Project Stealth Fighter on the C64, and the suction cups helped, too (they either clung like steel or absolutely refused to stick, depending on your desk).
It wasn’t just popular — it was the controller for home computing. On the C64 especially, you’d struggle to find a copy of Uridium, Impossible Mission, IK+, or Summer Games that hadn’t been played to death with a Quickshot II.
Spectrum owners loved it too. While Sinclair’s machines weren’t exactly famous for durable peripherals, the Quickshot II offered something sturdier, louder (clickier!), and far more precise for classics like Jet Set Willy, Saboteur, and Highway Encounter.
And when the Amiga came along? The Quickshot II followed — and remained a desk staple well into the 90s. But when it came to arcade soccer games… well, let’s just say the Speedlink Competition Pro’s shorter shaft and sturdier build was more suited to moving players around and applying aftertouch for real long range benders.
I killed two Quickshot IIs before I realised I needed a completely different joystick — and with the death of the second, an era ended.
The new Quickshot II
Retro Games Ltd., working with PLAION REPLAI, is very clearly aiming for authenticity with modern convenience layered on top. From the outline of the stick to the incline of the trigger, it sticks close to what people remember — but upgrades everything that matters.
Headline Features:
- Eight buttons, including two main fire buttons and six extra function buttons
- Floating ball-joint for smooth, circular 8-way movement
- Full microswitch construction — every direction, every button
- Auto-fire switch (of course — it wouldn’t be a Quickshot without it)
- Ergonomic updated grip for longer play
- Desk-hugging suction cups
- 1.8m USB-A cable
- Compatibility with all RGL machines and most USB-based PCs and retro platforms
In short, it’s the Quickshot II as you remember it, built with the reliability you wish the original had.
Paul Andrews, Managing Director at Retro Games Ltd., describes THEQUICKSHOT II as “a piece of gaming history, reborn.” And that’s exactly what it feels like: a hardware tribute designed for the fans who grew up with it and new players discovering 8-bit classics for the first time via RGL’s modern recreations.
It also fits neatly into RGL’s recent run of nostalgia-driven hardware launches — from THEC64 and THEA500 Mini to The Spectrum and its new all-white incarnation. But then… after their Competition Pro release, who didn’t see this coming?, maybe we should’ve spotted this coming.
When Can You Get One?
THEQUICKSHOT II releases 30th January 2026 with an RRP of £29.99.
Pre-orders are live now, both on the Retro Games Ltd website and on Amazon, and given how strongly the Quickshot name still resonates, expect these to move quickly.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
