Buy the Gen2 Wireless Dongle here → https://shop.xgaming.com/products/x-arcade-gen2-wireless-dongle-upgrade-for-arcade2tv-xr


The X-Arcade Gen2 Wireless Dongle is a direct upgrade to the stock / Gen1 dongle included with early Arcade2TV-XR systems.

It was developed to address real-world issues reported by users—especially compatibility with 3rd-party battery headstraps, lack of mode switching, and long-term durability—while adding new features that expand how and where you can use your Arcade2TV-XR controller.

⚠️ Important Compatibility Notice

  • This dongle is designed ONLY for Arcade2TV-XR (Tankstick VR)
  • It does NOT work with other X-Arcade Tankstick models
    (Tankstick Max, Solo, Dual, etc.)


What’s Improved Over the Stock / Gen1 Dongle

✔ Improved 3rd-Party Battery Headstrap Compatibility

The Gen2 dongle resolves wireless stability issues caused by many 3rd-party battery headstraps, including popular models such as BOBOVR.

You can now use extended-battery VR headstraps without random disconnects, interference, or pairing instability during gameplay.

✔ Multi-Mode Support (New Feature)

Unlike the original dongle, the Gen2 dongle supports switchable input modes, giving you far more flexibility.

Default Mode – Keyboard Mode

  • Required for Pinball FX VR
  • Works exactly like the stock dongle out of the box

X-Input (Dual) Mode

  • Connect Arcade2TV-XR to a PC via the rear USB-C port
  • Enables wireless two-player gameplay
  • Ideal for PC, Steam Deck, and modern games

X-Input (Pinball Mode)

Allows gameplay in:

  • Pinball VR Classic
  • Star Wars Pinball VR (Meta Quest)

Uses standard X-Input (gamepad) controls

⚠️ Note: Positional pinball mapping (such as Pinball FX VR) is not supported yet in this mode.

✔ Firmware-Upgradable Dongle (Major Upgrade)

This is a significant improvement over the Gen1 dongle.

The Gen2 dongle is firmware upgradable using the Arcade2TV software tool, allowing future improvements, fixes, and compatibility updates.

This was not possible with the original dongle.

Arcade2TV Software Tool Download:
Download link

✔ Improved Durability & Physical Design

  • Stronger housing for long-term use
  • Improved internal design for better reliability
  • Designed for frequent plug / unplug scenarios

✔ Strap Hole + Included X-Arcade Strap

The Gen2 dongle includes:

  • A dedicated strap hole
  • An X-Arcade branded removable strap

This allows you to secure the dongle to your pedestal or stand, reducing the risk of loss when moving or storing your setup.


Power & Charging Safety Notice

  • Supports USB-C charging up to 60W MAX
  • Do NOT exceed 60W

⚠️ Using chargers above 60W may cause overheating and permanent damage.


Required Firmware Update (Mandatory)

To use the Gen2 dongle correctly, your controller must be updated.

Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware: v3.62 (Required)

Firmware Download:
Download link

Updating Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware

Video: Updating Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware

Plays from 00:02


(The Gen2 dongle ships with the correct dongle firmware pre-installed. Only the controller update is mandatory.)


How to Pair the Gen2 Wireless Dongle

Pairing only needs to be done once, unless the dongle or controller is reset.

Pairing Steps

  1. Plug the Gen2 Wireless Dongle into your target device (Meta Quest, PC, Steam Deck, etc.).
  2. Power the Arcade2TV-XR / Tankstick VR using the rear USB-C port.
  3. Press and hold the button on the Gen2 dongle for 3–5 seconds, then release.
  4. The dongle will enter pairing mode and connect automatically.
  5. Once paired, the connection will be saved for future use.

Pairing Notes

  • If pairing does not complete, unplug and replug the controller’s rear USB-C power and try again.
  • Pairing mode is only triggered by a press-and-hold (short presses are for mode switching).
  • The dongle will automatically reconnect the next time both devices are powered on.


Upgrade Gen2 Dongle Firmware (Optional)

All Gen2 dongles ship with the latest firmware (v3.41V2) already installed.

You do not need to update the dongle unless X-Arcade Support specifically asks you to, or a newer firmware version is required for added features or compatibility.

Steps (Only If Instructed by Support)

  1. Download the Arcade2TV software tool:
    https://shop.xgaming.com/atv-config-tool

  2. Plug the Gen2 dongle into your PC.

  3. Open the Arcade2TV software tool.

  4. Select Gen2 Dongle Firmware Update and follow the on-screen steps.

  5. When finished, unplug the dongle and plug it back in.

  6. Re-pair the dongle if needed (press and hold the button for 3–5 seconds).

Gen2 Wireless Dongle Firmware Upgrade Guide

Video: Gen2 Wireless Dongle Firmware Upgrade Guide

Plays from 00:40 to 01:14

How to Switch Input Modes (LED Indicators)

Use a short press on the button located on the Gen2 dongle to cycle through input modes.

Each mode is indicated by a blinking LED color.

Mode 1 – Keyboard Mode (Blinking Red)

  • Default mode
  • Required for Pinball FX VR
  • Used for keyboard-based VR and PC games

Mode 2 – X-Input (Dual) Mode ( Blinking Green)

  • Designed for PC and Steam Deck
  • Enables wireless two-player gameplay
  • Connect Arcade2TV-XR to your PC using the rear USB-C port
  • Functions as a standard X-Input gamepad

Mode 3 – X-Input (Pinball Mode) (Blinking Purple)

  • Designed for VR pinball titles on Meta Quest
  • Compatible with:
    • Pinball VR Classic
    • Star Wars Pinball VR
  • Uses X-Input controls

⚠️ Note: Positional pinball mapping (Pinball FX VR) is not supported yet in this mode.


Mode Switching Notes

  • Short press → switch modes

  • Press & hold (3–5 seconds) → pairing mode

  • Selected mode is saved and persists after power cycling


Quick LED Reference

Blinking Red → Keyboard Mode
Blinking Green → X-Input (Dual) Mode
Blinking Purple → X-Input (Pinball Mode)