{
  "id": 652275,
  "title": "Commodore re-releases TAC-2 joystick after 40 years for just $49 — says retro-controller is tougher than ever and now comes in five colorways",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/commodore-re-releases-tac-2-joystick-after-40-years-for-just-49-says",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-12T10:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/controllers-gamepads/commodore-re-releases-tac-2-joystick-after-40-years-for-just-usd49-says-retro-controller-is-tougher-than-ever-and-now-comes-in-five-colorways"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Commodore has reintroduced the TAC-2 joystick, a favorite among C64 and Amiga enthusiasts from the 1980s, after 40 years. Missing secondhand units have become scarce, with secondhand units selling for $100 or more, prompting the company to remake the popular controller. Priced at $49.99, the new model includes improved features like stronger steel shafts and LED-illuminated fire buttons. Commodore designed the TAC-2 to be durable and accurate, with the original model tested to withstand 3 million moves without failure. To cater to modern gaming technology, the TAC-2 connects via a 9-pin controller port and uses a 2-meter cable. The joystick weighs 300g and comes in 5 colorways, including BASIC Beige, Starlight, Founders (gold), C= White, and Knight Black, with LED options on certain models. Pre-orders for the TAC-2 are now open, and shipping is scheduled to commence on October 20, 2026.",
  "summary": "After 40 years, Commodore has brought back the 'Totally Accurate Controller' joystick, better known among C64 and Amiga aficionados as the TAC-2.",
  "key_points": [
    "Commodore re-releases TAC-2 joystick after 40 years",
    "New model includes stronger steel shafts and LED buttons",
    "Five colorways available, shipping starts October 20, 2026"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Commodore's re-release of the TAC-2 joystick at a lower price than used units currently sell means enthusiasts can now buy a durable, accurate controller for less than the secondhand market.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}