Kickstart 10 Event Reveals New Gotek Touchscreen Designs for Amiga Floppy Emulation

The latest Kickstart Amiga gathering has provided another glimpse of the hardware projects keeping Commodore's classic computers useful.

The latest Kickstart Amiga gathering has provided another glimpse of the hardware projects keeping Commodore's classic computers useful. Video footage from Kickstart 10, held in Ottershaw near London, includes demonstrations of two new touchscreen interface designs for Gotek floppy-drive emulators. Gotek devices replace traditional floppy mechanisms with modern storage solutions, allowing disk images to be selected and loaded without relying on increasingly fragile magnetic media. Existing touchscreen modifications provide a more convenient way to browse collections than small numerical displays and physical buttons. The latest designs expand the available options beyond the established 3.5-inch screen. Demonstrations include a larger rectangular seven-inch display and a round touchscreen version. The different form factors could make Gotek installations more practical for users with customised cases, external drive enclosures or unusual workspace arrangements. The footage was recorded by Chris Thomas, known as Retronaut, and provides a useful look at the hardware rather than merely presenting design illustrations. However, the demonstration does not establish commercial availability, pricing or compatibility with every Gotek configuration. Enthusiasts considering such modifications should check the project's documentation before ordering components. The development illustrates how retro-computing accessories continue evolving alongside modern display technology. Original Amiga users once spent considerable time swapping floppy disks during complicated games. Modern owners increasingly expect searchable libraries and touchscreen controls. Apparently even the humble disk drive has decided that it deserves a user interface larger than some original computer monitors.