When we introduced the X‑Force Haptics Kit in June, we were thrilled by the community’s response. The kit combines four precision vibration modules, upgraded speakers, flipper feedback solenoids, and a spring‑loaded plunger with a motion‑sensing nudge system. It even splits the game’s audio into two channels so the speakers and haptic motors operate independently. We originally planned to open pre‑orders in July, but the complexity of merging all of these features into a polished, affordable package has pushed the pre‑order window to August 2025.
This update is meant to reassure those who have been patiently waiting and to explain our progress for newcomers who are just learning about the X‑Force Haptics kit.
Nudge control: two modes, one goal
A core challenge has been making the VR controller’s slap‑button action feel like a real cabinet nudge. We’re approaching this with two distinct modes:
- Natural nudge (digital keypress) – The kit’s six‑axis sensor watches for a sideways slap and converts it into a single keypress. This allows games without analog nudge support to register nudges. Achieving a natural feel means training an AI model to distinguish between an intentional bump and normal motion, and then mapping that to the game while avoiding false triggers from the plunger or vibration motors. This training and interference‑handling have been more involved than we expected.
- Analog nudge (joystick control) – For simulators like Visual Pinball X, we provide a second mode that maps the sensor data to the left stick on a gamepad so that nudging is fully analog. Because the analog plunger and haptics share the same board, we’ve had to ensure that vibrations and plunger movements don’t contaminate the sensor’s readings.
A new plunger design
The original prototype used a hall‑effect plunger similar to the one described in our announcement: a spring‑loaded plunger with a hall‑effect sensor translating pull strength into the game. During development, we discovered that our multi‑magnet hall‑effect system consumed too much processing power and didn’t deliver the smooth response we wanted. To fix this, we switched to an optical encoder plunger. This optical design is completely contactless, so there’s no wear and tear, and it offers higher precision while freeing up CPU cycles for the AI nudge processing. Re‑engineering the plunger around an optical encoder has been a significant factor in the schedule slip, but we’re confident it’s the right choice for longevity and performance.
Adding an analog plunger to a VR pinball game is tricky because Pinball FX VR currently exposes only digital inputs; there is no native support for analog plungers or analog nudge. We’re working closely with Zen Studios and will send them a prototype in a couple of weeks so they can evaluate adding analog plunger support. If Zen cannot add analog support in the near future, our fallback is to expose the plunger as an XINPUT axis so it works in the PC and console versions of Zen’s games.
Audio splitting and haptics
Our commitment to immersion hasn’t changed. Like the announced design, the kit taps into your game’s audio, splitting it into separate channels for the speakers and the haptic driver. This ensures that the vibration modules shake in sync with the action without distorting the sound. We’ve also retained dual control knobs, so you can independently adjust speaker volume and vibration intensity.
Hardware integration
Bringing together the AI‑driven nudge logic, optical plunger, four vibration modules, upgraded speakers, and flipper solenoids onto one board has been challenging. Firmware updates are needed to coordinate these systems while keeping latency low. Isolation circuits were redesigned to prevent the powerful haptics from interfering with the plunger or nudge sensors and the audio speaker output. We are also building an improved wireless dongle—the same A‑generation dongle we announced—whose goal is to improve compatibility with third‑party headstraps, including but not limited to the popular BOBOVR headstrap. We understand that for pinball enthusiasts, these battery headstraps, with their hot‑swappable power packs, allow for much longer VR sessions. The redesigned dongle aims to work seamlessly with such accessories while offering reliable USB‑C connectivity and minimal interference. Each kit will include this upgraded dongle.
What’s next
All of our engineering resources are currently focused on finalising the X‑Force Haptics Kit, so other projects like the new Solo Tankstick are on hold. Here’s the plan:
- Prototype testing: Within the next few weeks, we’ll send a kit to Zen Studios and a couple of professional testers to validate the nudge modes and optical plunger accuracy. Their feedback will inform any final adjustments.
- Pre‑orders: We still intend to open pre‑orders in August 2025, with shipping targeted for October. If testing reveals unforeseen issues, we may slip to November, but our goal is to deliver the most refined haptics kit possible.
See it in action
Thank you
We appreciate your patience and enthusiasm. By taking the time to refine the AI nudge modes, redesign the plunger around a contactless optical encoder, and ensure seamless integration of all components, we’re building a kit that will feel more like a real pinball machine than ever. Whether you’re an existing Arcade2TV‑XR owner or new to X‑Arcade, we can’t wait for you to experience the X‑Force Haptics Kit’s four vibration modules, split audio system, and realistic plunger and nudge features.
Stay tuned for future updates, and get ready to make your virtual pinball sessions shake, thump, and feel like the real thing.
