What is the Tankstick Max?

Tankstick Max is the newer X-Arcade Tankstick model with a modern control layout, trackball, spinner support, and a mode switch for different input modes.

It can be used with PC, MAME, many emulators, selected console-adapter setups, and supported cabinet installations.

What mode should I use first?

Start with Mode 1 / Keyboard Mode unless your specific setup guide says otherwise.

Mode 1 is the best first test because many classic emulators, arcade frontends, and adapter chains expect keyboard-style input.

To test Mode 1 on a PC:

  1. Open the online keyboard tester at https://en.key-test.ru/.
  2. Move the joysticks and press buttons.
  3. Confirm that the tester shows key presses when you move the joystick or press a button.

If the trackball works but buttons and joysticks do not, the controller may be in the wrong mode or the main controller cable may not be connected correctly.

What cable do I need for the Tankstick Max buttons and joysticks?

For the Tankstick Max main controller input, use the original X-Arcade DB9-to-USB cable supplied with the unit.

The trackball and spinner system is separate from the main joystick/button controller. This means mouse movement may work even if the joystick/button cable or mode is wrong.

What do the red LED button and upper flipper buttons do?

On current Tankstick Max controllers:

  • The red LED button on the top right is mouse middle click, also called mouse M3.
  • The left upper flipper button is mouse left click.
  • The right upper flipper button is mouse right click.

These mouse buttons are not programmable because they are part of the mouse/trackball side of the controller, not the joystick encoder board.

The remaining joystick and push-button controls are programmable in Mode 2 / Programmable Keyboard Mode. Programming only applies to Mode 2. Mode 1, Mode 3, and Mode 4 are not programmable.

For programming steps, use the X-Arcade Programming Guide:

https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000003090-x-arcade-programming-guide

Do I need to update the Tankstick Max firmware?

No firmware update is needed when you receive a new Tankstick Max. Current Tankstick Max controllers already include the latest Tri-Mode PCB and ship with the current firmware installed.

There is no newer Tankstick Max Tri-Mode PCB firmware available right now. Do not try to update the controller firmware unless support specifically asks you to do so for troubleshooting.

Can Tankstick Max replace an older Tankstick in an X-Arcade cabinet?

Yes, in many older X-Arcade cabinet setups the Tankstick Max can replace the original Tankstick with trackball because the dimensions are compatible.

One important fitment issue: the front programming / trackball horizontal-disabler button may press against the cabinet. If that button is held down by the cabinet, horizontal trackball movement can be disabled.

If installing into an older cabinet, you may need to remove or disconnect that front button for clearance.

What should I do if the trackball or spinners work but the joysticks/buttons do not?

  1. Confirm the main X-Arcade DB9-to-USB cable is connected.
  2. Set the rear mode switch to Mode 1.
  3. Test the joysticks and buttons at https://en.key-test.ru/.
  4. Test on a different USB port.
  5. Avoid USB hubs during testing.
  6. Contact support before attempting any firmware update.

This symptom often means the mouse portion is working but the main controller side is not in the expected mode or connection path.

Can I service or replace Tankstick Max joystick parts?

Yes. Tankstick Max is serviceable, but start with mode, cable, and mapping checks before opening the controller.

For joystick troubleshooting:

  1. Connect the Tankstick Max directly to a Windows PC.
  2. Set the controller to Mode 1 / Keyboard Mode.
  3. Open the online keyboard tester at https://en.key-test.ru/.
  4. Test every joystick direction and button.
  5. If a direction does not respond, unplug the controller and open the case from the bottom.
  6. Take a clear photo of the joystick wiring before moving anything.
  7. Check that each quick-disconnect terminal is firmly seated on its microswitch.
  8. Check that each microswitch clicks when the joystick moves into that direction.

Joystick replacement is normally only needed when a joystick assembly is physically damaged, worn, or still does not work after the basic checks above. Use X-Arcade-compatible replacement parts, and contact support first if you are not sure which part fits your controller.

Can I change the joystick tops?

No. The Tankstick Max joystick top is not designed to be swapped by removing only the top or shaft.

If you want a different joystick style, that would require replacing the compatible joystick assembly rather than changing only the top. Contact support before ordering parts if you are not sure which joystick assembly fits your controller.

How do I set up the Tankstick Max with MAME?

For joysticks and buttons, use Mode 1 / Keyboard Mode and configure MAME controls normally.

For trackball and spinners on PC MAME:

  1. Confirm the trackball/spinners move the mouse cursor in Windows.
  2. Open MAME.
  3. Go to Configure Options > Input Device Options.
  4. Set relevant input devices to Mouse.
  5. Go to Configure Options > Advanced Options.
  6. Turn Multi-Mouse ON.
  7. Launch the game, press Tab, and map the specific trackball or dial controls under Input (this machine).

Can Tankstick Max work with consoles?

Yes, with the correct adapter chain. Console setup depends on the console, game, adapter model, firmware, and whether one-player or two-player support is needed.

Current Tankstick Max controllers include the Tri-Mode PCB, so they can be used in keyboard, D-Input, or XInput-style setups depending on the platform and adapter path.

For X-Arcade console adapter options, see:

https://shop.xgaming.com/collections/adapters

For the general X-Arcade adapter overview, see:

https://shop.xgaming.com/pages/x-arcade-adapters-use-with-any-game-system-pc-or-mac

For PC XInput / D-Input background, see:

https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000003227-use-x-arcade-as-a-windows-joystick-gamepad

For Switch 2, start with Tankstick Max in Mode 1, a Brook Wingman XE2 on current firmware, and Pro Controller Wired Communication enabled on the Switch 2.

Brook Wingman XE2 information:

https://www.brookaccessory.com/products/wingmanxe2/index.html

Brook firmware downloads:

https://www.brookaccessory.com/download/Wingman_Series/

Useful links

If Tankstick Max still does not work after these steps

Please include:

  • Photo of all external cable connections.
  • Rear mode switch position.
  • Whether trackball/spinners work.
  • Whether buttons/joysticks respond at https://en.key-test.ru/.
  • Console, PC, or emulator being used.
  • Short video showing the problem if a joystick direction, trackball, or spinner fails.