Commodore blog

There was this short post where I haven't answered the question I posed since then. Of course, it won't be left unanswered, but it won't happen in this post. That post was just an introduction to a series where I review joysticks. Primarily from the Commodore side, of course, but since the joysticks conforming to the quasi-standard introduced by Atari fit almost every contemporary computer and console, this won't be a dedicated Commodore topic.

Although chronologically, the Atari, or even Commodore's own joysticks could start the series, I'm instead opening with Spectravideo, known to everyone by its products, if not necessarily by name, and specifically with their first truly popular model, the Quickshot I, known by its less common factory code SVI-101.

The Quickshot I, i.e., the SVI-101

Spectravideo (SVI) was an American company that became known in the early 1980s in the computer and video game market. Although they also manufactured their own microcomputers, their greatest impact was with their joysticks. The company originally started in the United States (as SpectraVision), then changed its name to Spectravideo and also manufactured products in Taiwan. Between 1983–1985, they developed their own microcomputers (SVI-318, SVI-328, SVI-728, etc.), which were MSX-compatible. However, the computer business became unprofitable, so the company later returned to manufacturing peripherals, focusing primarily on joysticks and gamepads. The brand gradually disappeared in the early 90s, but the QuickShot name lived on through various clones and aftermarket models.

Around 1981–1982, Spectravideo released its first successful peripherals, including the legendary QuickShot series.

The QuickShot I (SVI-101) and QuickShot II (SVI-102) models were the most famous. These were spring-return joysticks with suction cup bases, compatible with the era's popular machines (Commodore, Atari, Amstrad/Schneider, Sinclair, etc.). The QuickShot II Turbo, QuickShot Python 1, QuickShot Maverick, QuickShot QS-123, and other later models received improved buttons, microswitches, and more ergonomic designs.

By the mid-80s, the QuickShot name became synonymous with joysticks for home gaming; for many computer owners, this was their first "serious" controller.

Spectravideo joysticks were often rebranded or sold under license by other manufacturers, making them widespread globally.

The subject of this post is the Quickshot I (SVI-101) joystick. By today's standards, and even when reviewing Spectravideo's palette, it gives a rather simple, almost shoddy impression. However, at its launch, it had to compete with rivals like the notoriously unreliable "mirror egg" Commodore 1311, or the similarly not very durable Atari CX-10. Compared to these, it was a significant step forward. Its quality and reliability, while not comparable to later Spectravideo products, certainly served as the foundation for their development.

The Quickshot I, i.e., the SVI-101

The helicopter-style joystick grip, also invented by SVI and later adopted by almost every manufacturer, is not present here at all; just some kind of handle was added to the "stick" form previously used by both Atari and Commodore. The two fire buttons were also a great feature, as we could fire with either the left hand gripping the base or the right hand gripping the handle - or even with both during more intense moments. In any case, it's clear they took the product seriously; the "Ergonomic joystick" was even patented in 1982.

The control was relatively loose and imprecise even when new; shaking the joystick in hand would make the on-screen character move. This is primarily because the Quickshot doesn't know microswitches from hearsay; it contains simple leaf contacts, and under the fire buttons, there's a similarly unreliable leaf contact-"bell".

The Quickshot I's excellent leaf sensors

These provided neither adequate tactile feedback nor reliable contact even in relatively young controllers, and later became the primary cause of early failure in almost every Quickshot I - and also in the Quickshot II, as can be seen quite well in the next photo:

The death of a Quickshot II, the broken leaf contact

The other classic problem, which perhaps plagued the entire series, was the tearing of the suction cups due to their variable quality material. However, at least the joystick continued to function, even if it was extremely uncomfortable to use this way.

Despite this, the first Quickshot was produced in millions of units, and since it was light-years ahead of its competitors in usability despite its cheap and unreliable construction, it established the brand's lasting fame.

Finding a Quickshot I in working condition today is difficult, and perhaps not even worth the effort. It's a must-have item for collectors, but not a good choice for those wanting to play, even with the retro factor.