# Tablet Arcade Sticks ThinkGeek's Joystick-It Brings Retro Control to the iPad By Meghan Young | Published 2011-01-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joystick-it References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5725986/put-a-real-arcade-joystick-on-your-ipad) & [thinkgeek](http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/cellphone/e75a/) The [iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elago-magnetic-stand-for-ipad) may have rid itself of buttons and tactile controls for a reason, but that doesn't mean people don't want a touch of the past with something like the Joystick-It. This [arcade-style aluminum stick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitdo-all-button-arcade-controller) specifically made for the iPad will have you back in the 90s in no time. If you're looking for a more updated version, you can always try the [Fling iPad Joystick](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fling-ipad-accessory), but the Joystick-It has that retro vibe that is hard to beat. Brought to you by ThinkGeek, the Joystick-It suctions on and uses conductive foam to work. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro Gaming Accessories:** There is an opportunity for more retro gaming accessories to be developed for the modern, touch-screen technology like the Joystick-It and Fling iPad Joystick. - **Tactile Interface:** As touch-screen devices become more popular, there is an opportunity to create products that provide a more tactile interface, such as the Joystick-It. - **Nostalgia Marketing:** Products like the Joystick-It tap into nostalgia marketing which can be successful in promoting new technology products. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming Accessories:** The gaming industry can benefit from creating more accessories that provide haptic feedback for modern, touch-screen devices. - **Mobile Devices:** Mobile device manufacturers could see a benefit in developing more accessories that provide haptic feedback like the Joystick-It and Fling iPad Joystick. - **Marketing:** Nostalgia marketing can be applied to many industries and products, as seen with the success of the Joystick-It in promoting new technology products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arcade-Style Console Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-arcade-pro.md) - [Slim Tabletop Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitdo-arcade-controller.md) - [90s-Themed Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitdo-arcade-stick-for-xbox-series.md) - [Compact Mobile Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8bitdo-flippad.md) - [Retro-Style Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-flight-stick.md) - [Racing Wheel-Inspired Joysticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-varvatos-joystick.md) - [Tablet-Friendly Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-kishi-ultra.md) - [Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-arcade-gamestation-portable.md) - [Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go.md)