What is the Arcade2TV-XR?

Arcade2TV-XR, also called Tankstick VR in some support articles, is an X-Arcade controller made for VR, PC, Steam Deck, and selected console-adapter setups. It can be used wirelessly with the X-Arcade wireless dongle or wired through the USB-B port, depending on the platform and game.

For VR use, the wireless dongle is normally the preferred connection because it gives the headset a direct controller input path.

Useful links:

What is the difference between USB-C and USB-B on the Arcade2TV-XR?

The ports do different jobs:

  • Rear USB-C: powers the Arcade2TV-XR. Use this for wireless mode with the dongle.
  • USB-B printer-style port: wired data connection. Use this for PC, firmware updates, or wired console-adapter setups.

For wireless VR use, disconnect USB-B and power the controller only from USB-C wall power. If USB-B is connected, the controller may stay in wired mode and the wireless dongle may not receive button input correctly.

How do I pair or re-pair the wireless dongle?

Before pairing either dongle version:

  1. Make sure the Meta Quest headset is powered on.
  2. Power the Arcade2TV-XR from the rear USB-C port.
  3. Do not connect the USB-B printer-style port to a computer or console during wireless pairing.

If USB-B is connected, the controller can stay in wired mode and the wireless dongle may not pair or receive controller input correctly.

Gen1 wireless dongle pairing

  1. Press and hold the button on the Gen1 dongle.
  2. While still holding the button, plug the dongle into the powered-on Meta Quest headset.
  3. Release the button to start pairing.
  4. Once paired, the green light on the dongle will blink quickly.

Gen2 wireless dongle pairing

  1. Plug the Gen2 dongle into the powered-on Meta Quest headset.
  2. If the dongle blinks slowly, it is powered but not connected to the controller.
  3. Press and hold the side button on the dongle for about 5 seconds, then release it.
  4. The dongle will start pairing with the Arcade2TV-XR controller.
  5. After pairing, move the trackball or press buttons to test input.

What is the difference between Gen1 and Gen2 wireless dongles?

Gen1 dongle:

  • Usually came with early standard Arcade2TV-XR bundles.
  • Uses a green LED.
  • Is not firmware-upgradable.
  • Should not be flashed with Gen2 dongle firmware.

Gen2 dongle:

  • Sold as an upgrade and included with the X-Force Haptics Kit.
  • Uses multiple LED colors for modes.
  • Supports firmware updates.
  • Supports additional modes and improved compatibility with many third-party battery head straps.

If you are unsure which dongle you have, contact support before updating firmware.

Which firmware should I use?

Use the firmware recommended in the current Arcade2TV-XR firmware article for your dongle generation and setup:

https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000101199-arcade2tv-xr-tankstick-vr-software-and-firmware-usage-guide

Important rules:

  • Do not install Gen2 dongle firmware on a Gen1 dongle.
  • Do not mix controller, dongle, and haptics firmware versions unless the guide specifically says they belong together.
  • If you are using the Gen2 dongle and have disconnection issues, review the Gen2 wireless upgrade article:

https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000106968-gen2-wireless-upgrade-for-arcade2tv-xr-tankstick-vr-

Why does Pinball FX VR not see the flipper buttons?

Check these items first:

  1. Disconnect USB-B from the Arcade2TV-XR.
  2. Power the Arcade2TV-XR only from USB-C wall power.
  3. Pair the dongle again.
  4. Set the dongle to the correct mode before launching Pinball FX VR.
  5. Plug the dongle into the headset before starting the game.
  6. Fully reboot the headset if the game still does not detect input.

If the trackball works but the buttons do not, the controller may be in the wrong connection mode, the dongle may not be paired to the controller, or the game may have been launched before the dongle was ready.

Can I use the Arcade2TV-XR with PC VR or SteamVR?

Yes, but the dongle must be plugged into the device that is actually running the game.

If a PC is running Visual Pinball X, SteamVR, or another PC game, plug the Gen2 dongle into the PC. Plugging the dongle into the Quest headset does not send Arcade2TV-XR input back to the PC through Steam Link, Virtual Desktop, Meta Remote Desktop, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.

How do I test which mode the Arcade2TV-XR is in on Windows?

For keyboard mode, open the online keyboard tester at https://en.key-test.ru/ and press buttons. You should see key presses appear in the tester.

For XInput or pinball mode, use Windows joy.cpl:

  1. Press Windows key + R.
  2. Type joy.cpl and press Enter.
  3. Select each listed controller.
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Test the buttons, nudge, and plunger there.

The Arcade2TV software may not reliably identify every XInput or pinball mode. joy.cpl is the better test for gamepad-style modes.

Can I use third-party battery head straps with the dongle?

Many users can, especially with the Gen2 dongle, but USB handshake behavior varies by headset, battery strap, hub, and cable.

If the dongle is not recognized:

  1. Test the dongle directly in the headset first.
  2. Fully power off and restart the headset.
  3. Connect the battery strap before plugging in the dongle.
  4. Try a short USB-C extender or powered hub if there is a physical clearance issue.

Avoid heavy cable strain on the dongle's USB-C connector.

If it still does not work after these steps

Please include:

  • Your Arcade2TV-XR firmware version.
  • Whether you have a Gen1 or Gen2 dongle.
  • A photo of the dongle.
  • A short video showing the dongle LED behavior while pairing.
  • The headset, PC, console, or adapter you are using.
  • Whether USB-B is connected or disconnected during the test.