Tag: retro games

  • Classic 80s Joystick Makes a Comeback with Modern Upgrades

    Classic 80s Joystick Makes a Comeback with Modern Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Quickshot II retro joystick has been re-released with improved connectivity options while retaining its classic design.
    2. The joystick is compatible with PCs, retro devices, and home computer replicas by Retro Games, but not with original C64 or Commodore Amiga.
    3. It features a 180 cm USB cable and does not support wireless connections.
    4. The joystick includes modern features such as accurate microswitches, a ball joint, two action buttons, six programmable fire buttons, and an autofire button.
    5. The Quickshot II has a nostalgic design that appeals to gamers who remember using it in the 80s, having sold over 42 million units historically.

    Following the mid-December 2025 announcement from Retro Games and Plaion, TheQuickshot II retro joystick is now accessible through a variety of retailers. It keeps the classic look of the original but comes with improved connectivity options.

    Nostalgic Design

    For those who played with a C64, Schneider CPC, or Commodore Amiga back in the 80s, the familiar black joystick with its red buttons may bring back memories. Aside from the compact Competition Pro, the original Quickshot II, launched by Spectravideo in 1983, was a standout joystick from that time. It was designed like a flight control stick, which made it unique; its size was perfect for bigger hands, and it had suction cups that held it steady even during intense gameplay in titles like Winter Games. While the controls could sometimes be a bit off, it did include an autofire feature. The Quickshot II and its related models have sold over 42 million units, solidifying its legendary status. Now, it’s back in stores (check it out on Amazon).

    Modern Features

    To match the needs of today’s gamers, the updated Quickshot II offers USB compatibility for ease of use and comes with a 180 cm USB cable. It’s compatible not only with PCs and various retro devices but also supports home computer replicas made by Retro Games, such as TheC64, The Spectrum, TheA500, and the soon-to-be-released TheA1200. However, it’s worth noting that it cannot connect to the original C64 or Commodore Amiga using the 9-pin interface, nor does it support wireless connections. Additional features include accurate microswitches, a ball joint, two action buttons, six programmable fire buttons, an autofire button, and the same reliable suction cups.

    Retro Games’

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  • Affordable $12 Gamepad Turns Your Smartphone into a Handheld Console

    Affordable $12 Gamepad Turns Your Smartphone into a Handheld Console

    Key Takeaways

    1. Playtiles is a credit-card-sized gamepad that provides physical buttons for mobile gaming without adhesives, batteries, or Bluetooth.
    2. The device is compatible with any modern iPhone or Android phone that is wider than 68mm and supports repositionable on-screen controls.
    3. A QR code included with Playtiles leads to a browser-based OS with a catalog of games, including 12 weeks of retro titles for Season 1 backers.
    4. Early users are generally pleased with the compact design and durability, enjoying the tactile experience it offers over touch controls.
    5. While some users found it basic in design, the pricing at $12 for the basic pack and $28 for the pack with games is considered a good deal for retro gaming fans.

    Playtiles, the nifty gamepad that has grabbed the attention of countless mobile gamers since its pre-orders kicked off in July, is finally shipping its initial batch to early supporters. The first reviews are in, and while it might have seemed too good to be true or just another crowdfunding dream, Playtiles is indeed real, priced at only $12.

    A Unique Device

    For those not familiar, Playtiles is designed as a small, credit-card-sized piece of plastic equipped with a D-pad and two action buttons, which adheres to your phone’s screen. What’s fascinating is that it doesn’t need any adhesives, batteries, or Bluetooth to operate.

    Playtiles simply presses on your virtual on-screen controls, providing gamers with physical buttons for any phone, almost like a modern handheld console. It works with any contemporary iPhone or Android device, as long as it’s wider than 68mm and the game allows for repositioning of on-screen controls.

    Accessing Games Made Easy

    Another interesting aspect of Playtiles is the QR code it comes with. When scanned, this code opens the browser-based Playtiles OS, allowing gamers to access a catalog of titles to enjoy. Those early backers who grabbed the Season 1 bundle will receive 12 weeks of short retro games developed in GB Studio.

    Production for Playtiles scaled up in October, with content creators receiving review units first, followed by Season 1 developers, and then the pre-orders were fulfilled. Now, as we reach mid-December, the first shipments are already arriving in backers’ mailboxes throughout the US and Europe.

    Positive Feedback from Early Users

    Early supporters are quite pleased with Playtiles, with many appreciating its compact design and the ability to run their own Game Boy Color (GBC) ROMs. Some users remarked on how durable Playtiles feels for a device the size of a credit card.

    A few customers faced minor issues when trying to access the Season 1 titles, but a quick rescan of the QR code sorted them out. Overall, early adopters of Playtiles are enjoying a tactile upgrade that allows them to pass the time by playing games on their phone screens without dealing with touch controls.

    Some users criticized the product for being a bit too basic up close, but at just $14 for the basic Lagoon Pack or $28 for the pack that includes Season 1 games, it’s a bargain for retro gaming enthusiasts.

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  • Silent Hill: Retro Games Could Return on PS5 and Xbox Series

    Silent Hill: Retro Games Could Return on PS5 and Xbox Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Silent Hill franchise is gaining attention with the remake of Silent Hill 2 and the upcoming Silent Hill f.
    2. GOG (Good Old Games) is a platform that helps revive classic games and allows users to manage their game collections.
    3. The first two Silent Hill games are currently unavailable on major platforms despite high demand from fans.
    4. The GOG Dreamlist program enables players to propose and vote for games they’d like to see added to the GOG library.
    5. Silent Hill games have received significant support on the Dreamlist, with high vote counts indicating strong interest in their potential return.

    Silent Hill is a franchise that many gamers around the globe hold in high regard. With the remake of Silent Hill 2 and the anticipated launch of Silent Hill f, fans are in for a treat. However, there are two exciting new updates that may soon come to light, both related to classic games.

    GOG’s Role in Reviving Classics

    To understand this, we should focus on GOG (Good Old Games), a service akin to Steam that gives players access to a wide range of titles. But it doesn’t just stop there; it also provides users full management over their game collections, whether they are new or older titles.

    Demand for Classic Games

    At present, the first two Silent Hill games are not being sold on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series, despite a growing demand. These games have left a lasting mark on the gaming industry, and many fans are eager to dive back into these captivating and eerie settings that once enthralled and terrified them.

    Thanks to GOG, this aspiration might become a reality. A recent YouTube video focused on the Silent Hill horror series has drawn attention. Additionally, the GOG Dreamlist program is something to think about.

    The GOG Dreamlist Program

    If you’re unfamiliar with it, this program allows players to propose games they wish to see included in the GOG library. It’s important to mention that there is also a voting feature, which lets some suggestions gain more visibility than others.

    By supporting this franchise, numerous fans have made their preferences known, with the first game receiving 95,000 votes and the second nearing 96,000 votes. In simpler terms, these two titles might soon be available on GOG in the near future.

    This situation is even more impressive considering they are currently outperformed by only two titles: Digimon World with 107,000 votes and Black & White with 106,000 votes. Nevertheless, we must be patient for official confirmations before celebrating, but the path seems bright for the return of these classic games.

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  • Relive C64 Glory Days: Play 99,000 Games for Free Now

    Relive C64 Glory Days: Play 99,000 Games for Free Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Commodore C64 was hugely popular in the 1980s, selling between 12.5 and 30 million units globally.
    2. The C64 was known for its extensive library of games, featuring iconic titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
    3. Game development continued for the C64 into the early 1990s, with new games still being created by hobbyists today.
    4. Many notable game publishers from the C64 era have disappeared, while some like Activision and Electronic Arts remain active.
    5. The Internet Archive offers a vast collection of nearly 99,000 free games and applications, allowing users to explore the history of gaming.

    The Commodore C64, a home computer, became extremely popular during the 1980s, especially due to its wide range of games, which were key selling points. It is believed that between 12.5 and 30 million units were sold globally over the 11 years following its launch in 1982.

    Sales Success

    While there are no exact sales numbers, the C64 is regarded as the top-selling computer of its era. Jack Tramiel, the founder of the company, captured the essence of its mission well: “We need to build computers for the masses, not the classes!”

    Game Development

    The C64 was home to nearly every significant computer game of the 1980s, with famous titles like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, the Mario-inspired Great Giana Sisters, International Soccer, Katakis, and many arcade games being developed for it. Even in the early 90s, the C64 continued to be a dominant force in gaming, and current hobbyists still create new games for the platform. If you’re interested in the beginnings of the gaming industry, check out the Internet Archive, which boasts nearly 99,000 games and applications that are free to play directly in your browser. There are also a few games available for the Amiga and Atari. This collection of free games is not a new concept, but it remains largely unknown to many.

    Notable Titles

    Compiling a list of standout games is challenging, as the vast selection means various titles resonate differently with each person. For those who enjoy action games, we suggest Airborne Ranger, Apocalypse Now, Choplifter, and Wings of Fury. Sports fans should check out Ballblazer, Summer Games, Decathlon, Hyper Sports, or Winter Games.

    The Legacy of Publishers

    Numerous publishers from that era were trailblazers that defined the C64 landscape, but many have since vanished, like Epyx, System 3, Mastertronic, and Ocean Software. However, some, such as Activision, Electronic Arts, and Konami, are still around today. If you have a passion for retro games, want to learn more about their history, or simply wish to revisit the golden days of computing, the Internet Archive offers an extensive library of games for you to enjoy.

    Prices are subject to change. The offer was available at the time of publication of the article, but may be limited in time or quantity. All information without guarantee.

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