Commodore is bringing back the indestructible TAC-2 joystick
The classic 9-pin controller returns with a solid steel shaft, a longer cable, and the same microswitch-free design that made the 1983 original famous.
Commodore has officially opened pre-orders for a modernized revival of the TAC-2 joystick. Originally produced by Suncom Technologies in 1983, the "Totally Accurate Controller" earned a reputation for surviving just about anything you could throw at it. Now, Commodore is bringing the design back to production, keeping the universal Atari 9-pin standard intact while upgrading the internal hardware.
The original TAC-2 achieved its tank-like durability by skipping fragile microswitches entirely in favor of a direct metal-contact mechanism. It was famously "tested to 3 million moves without failure" during its original run. The 1980s version actually used a copper TR418 tire valve and a brass ball centering mechanism to handle the physical stress of intense arcade ports. I am genuinely curious how the new solid steel replacement changes the weight distribution in the hand, but the company promises the classic feel remains unchanged.
Upgrading the tire valve
The 2026 revision stays faithful to the original layout but replaces the old copper valve with a custom-engineered steel shaft assembly. It retains full 1-to-1 compatibility with the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, Amiga, TI-99/4A, and any other vintage hardware that accepts an Atari 9-pin plug.
The Atari 9-pin standard, introduced with the Atari 2600 in 1977, became the default control interface across home computing during the 1980s. Because so many systems adopted the DE-9 connector, a good joystick was a long-term investment. You could unplug your TAC-2 from a Commodore VIC-20 and plug it straight into a Sega Master System.
According to Commodore, the new unit weighs in at roughly 300 grams. The footprint remains a compact 101mm by 101mm, standing 114mm tall. They also extended the cable to two meters, which adds a welcome 20 centimeters of slack compared to the vintage models. For a final cosmetic touch, the Commodore "Chicken Lips" logo is molded directly into the connector shell.
Five models and some LEDs
The lineup includes five different colorways. Purists can grab the Knight Black or C= White versions, which replicate the original look without any extra lighting. The BASIC Beige and Starlight Edition models add soft glowing LEDs under the dual fire buttons.
There is also a Founders Edition. That premium tier includes the LED buttons alongside a gold PVD-coated ball and fire buttons.
This release follows Commodore's recent push back into the hardware space, including 2025's Commodore 64 Ultimate. Original Suncom units routinely command $100 or more on the secondary market today, assuming you can find one with intact contacts. Getting a brand new steel-shaft replacement makes it a lot easier to justify playing Decathlon again.
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