X-Arcade Gen2 Wireless Dongle (Upgrade for Arcade2TV-XR / Tankstick VR ONLY)[Pre-Order: Ships in Jan 2026]

For detailed setup guides, firmware downloads, and troubleshooting, please visit the X-Arcade Support Center.

Gen2 Wireless Upgrade for Arcade2TV-XR (Tankstick VR)

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:

This dongle is designed ONLY for Arcade2TV-XR (Tankstick VR).

It does NOT work with other X-Arcade Tankstick models.

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 like 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

• Use the controller wirelessly in two-player setups

• Ideal for PC, Steam Deck, and modern games

X-Input (Pinball Mode)

• Allows gameplay in:

  • Pinball VR Classic

  • Star Wars Pinball VR on Meta Quest
• Uses X-Input (gamepad) controls

• (Note: positional pinball mapping like Pinball FX VR is not supported yet in this mode)

✔ Firmware-Upgradable Dongle (Major Upgrade)

This is a very important improvement.

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

✔ New Strap Hole + Included X-Arcade Strap

The Gen2 dongle now includes:

• A dedicated strap hole

• An X-Arcade branded removable strap

This allows you to secure the dongle to your pedestal/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, your controller must be updated:

• Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware: V3.61 (Required)

👉 Firmware Download:

Download link

(Dongle ships with the correct firmware pre-installed, but the controller update is mandatory.)

How to Switch Input Modes (with LED Indicators)

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

Each mode is indicated by a blinking LED color on the dongle.

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

• Allows 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

• (Positional pinball mapping like Pinball FX VR is not supported yet in this mode)

Mode Switching Notes

• Short press = switch modes

• Press and hold (3–5 seconds) = pairing mode

• The selected mode is saved and will remain active after power cycling

Quick LED Reference

• 🔴 Blinking Red → Keyboard Mode

• 🟢 Blinking Green → X-Input (Dual) Mode

• 🟣 Blinking Purple → X-Input (Pinball Mode)