Bacchus returns on FairLight TV with a look at Trigger Happy, a massive volume by Christian Wenk. This interview dives deep into the story behind classic gaming controllers and the passion fueling Wenk’s unique collection.
The Birth of a Joystick Obsession
Christian Wenk, a semi-professional photographer, started his journey with an old Commodore joystick and a camera during pandemic lockdowns. What began as a casual photography project grew after he shared photos in a retro gaming forum. The enthusiastic response from fellow enthusiasts in Germany inspired him to document and photograph even more controllers. This hobby soon evolved into the Trigger Happy, a two-kilogram tome filled with stories, technical details, and vivid images.
Favorite Joysticks and Their Stories
The interview highlights Wenk’s top controllers. Each joystick has its own story and quirks, from the cheap, blister-inducing Commodore joystick to the legendary Competition Pro, which became a mainstay in European households. Wenk explains how different controllers bring back memories of childhood, gaming sessions with friends, and even a few battle scars from intense matches. His collection covers a range of styles, from the reliable TAC-2 and unique Suncom Star Fighter, to oddities like the green Bug joystick and the Nintendo Power Glove.
Collecting, Community, and Curiosities
Wenk’s book does more than showcase hardware. It captures community memories and the creativity behind design choices. Some controllers, like the Colani PC joystick, impress with unique looks but fail in actual gameplay. Others, such as the Resident Evil Chainsaw controller, embrace pure novelty. The conversation on FairLight TV explores not just which controllers are best, but why these artifacts matter to people who grew up with them.
Why It Matters
The Trigger Happy gives gaming fans a fresh look at controllers as objects of culture and nostalgia. Wenk’s photography and stories capture the mix of art, engineering, and personality that define each controller. The book is more than a collector’s guide—it’s a tribute to shared experiences.
If you love gaming history, you will want to learn more about the Trigger Happy and the people behind these classic designs. Check out the interview on FairLight TV for a deeper look into Christian Wenk’s passion project.
