Let’s try the C64 mini joystick’s with The Spectrum! C64 mini‘s joystick is Retro Games‘s The Joystick.

I’ve never had a Commodore 64 or a Commodore Amiga, I’ve jumped from my ZX Spectrum 48K Plus to the IBM compatible Personal Computer (aka PC), first with MSDOS, then MS Windows. On the way some Macs and a lot of Linux in physical and virtual servers.

But, since I’m very found of Computer History, and The Commodore 64 was one of the most popular home computers in the 80’s (the most sold, at least), I bought a few years ago the C64 mini (also from Retrogames). Didn’t used it much, tested a few games the day it arrived, and then put it next to the retro gadgets collection.

Since I’m still waiting for stock to buy The Gamepad, and being the The Joystick compatible with THEC64, THEC64 Mini, THEVIC20, THEA500 Mini, it must work with The Spectrum.

I connected it, and it just works! The joystick and the buttons work well with the main interface (carrousel), and works as a Kempston Joystick in games!

For the main interface, intuitively uses up-down-left-right to navigate, left button to select, right button to go back, third small front button jumps to “Options” (same as “SPACE” key) and forth small button jumps to “home” (same function as the home button, jumps to main menu when running a game).

I tried Sabouter! Remastered and Target Renegade, selected Kemptston Joystick as the interface, and it worked fine- I still prefer using the keyboard for those two games!

Back in the old days, I used to have a Kempston Joystick for a second player (friend or sister), the keyboard was always my first option, but for some arcade / shoot’em’up games, a joystick can improve the gameplay.

Well, now let’s try The Spectrum on a more decent screen!

Let’s Play a Game!

In conclusion, the C64 mini joystick’s with The Spectrum is a good option! I’ve to try some ZX Spectrum Arcade classics conversions, like 1942, 1943, R-Type, to name a few.