X-Force Haptics Kit – Installation & Quickstart

Watch This First — Recommended Installation Tutorial

Before following any instructions below, we strongly recommend watching the tutorial video created by Jon Wagner from Wagner's Tech Talk.

We want to sincerely thank Jon for taking the time to create this video for our product — it is extremely well done and very much appreciated.

John’s tutorial provides a clear, thorough, and easy-to-follow walkthrough of the X-Force Haptics Kit installation, firmware updates, and setup, along with practical tips and insights that are not covered elsewhere. Based on user feedback and our own experience, this is currently the best and most complete guide available, and it explains the process even better than our own tutorial.

We highly recommend thatevery user watches this video in full before starting installation — even if you are experienced with X-Arcade products or have installed similar upgrades before.

▶ Watch the installation tutorial here: <https://youtu.be/WmK9sOoYEGE?si=mJ2NN4XmcgxkdYng>

▶ Watch the firmware updates + useful tips tutorial here: <https://youtu.be/cuK0s52LeEA?si=q2b3DxAKolVr_L9l>

Once you’ve watched the video, you can use the written instructions below as a reference if needed.

Installation Guide (PDF)

Video: How to Install the X-Arcade X-Force Haptics Kit (Arcade2TV-XR / Tankstick VR)

Download: X-Force Haptics Kit Installation Guide (PDF)

Quickstart Guide (PDF)

Video: X-Arcade X-Force Haptics Kit – Quick Start Guide, Firmware Update & Pinball FX VR Setup

Download: X-Force Haptics Kit Quickstart Guide (PDF)

Recommended firmware/remapping tool: Start with the Arcade2TV-XR Web Configurator for controller remapping and supported firmware upgrades for the Arcade2TV-XR controller, Gen2 wireless dongle, and Haptics PCB. It runs in a browser on Mac and Windows PC. If the web app is unavailable, use the downloadable software fallback from the main software and firmware guide. Always choose the firmware for the correct component; Gen1 dongles are not firmware-upgradable.

Required Software & Firmware Versions (Pinball Haptics Kit)

To ensure the X-Force Haptics Kit works correctly, please review the firmware requirements below carefully. Not all users need to upgrade to the latest firmware unless a disconnection issue occurs.

1. Arcade2TV Software (PC Only)

Version: v1.0.14

The Arcade2TV software is NOT required for vibration or haptics feedback to function.

This software is only required if you need to:

Important notes:

Download (PC): Arcade2TV Software v1.0.14

2. Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware

Version: v3.62 — HISTORICAL STANDARD BRANCH

Firmware v3.62 is the earlier standard Gen2-compatible controller branch. Choose the documented matching component set for the installed hardware and symptom.

Download: Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware v3.62

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

Version: v3.64 — REQUIRED ONLY IF DISCONNECTION ISSUES OCCUR

If you experience USB disconnection or stability issues after several minutes of usage on firmware v3.62, then an upgrade to v3.64 is required.

Download: Arcade2TV-XR Controller Firmware v3.64

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

3. Gen2 Wireless Dongle Firmware

(Only required if disconnection issues occur)

Version: v3.41v2 — STOCK (SHIPPED VERSION)

Download (optional rollback): Gen2 Dongle Firmware v3.41v2

Firmware Upgrade Instructions: <https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000106968-gen2-wireless-upgrade-for-arcade2tv-xr-tankstick-vr->

Version: v3.43v2 — REQUIRED FOR DISCONNECTION FIX

This firmware is required only when upgrading to Controller Firmware v3.64.

Download: Gen2 Dongle Firmware v3.43v2

Firmware Upgrade Instructions: <https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000106968-gen2-wireless-upgrade-for-arcade2tv-xr-tankstick-vr->

4. Haptics PCB Firmware

The Haptics PCB firmware can be upgraded independently, depending on the issue you are experiencing. Please choose the correct firmware version based on your symptoms.

Before upgrading the Haptics PCB firmware, please note that a firmware upgrade cable is required.

This cable is included with the X-Force Haptics Kit, so you should already have it in your package.

Firmware Upgrade Cable Details:

This 4-pin to USB-A cable is required for all Haptics PCB firmware upgrades (including v1.6 and v1.8). Without this cable, the firmware upgrade process cannot be completed.

Version: v1.6 — PLUNGER / NOTCH FIX ONLY

Firmware v1.6 is intended only for users who experience plunger-related issues but do NOT have any USB disconnection problems.

This version fixes:

Important:

Firmware Download: Haptics PCB Firmware v1.6

Firmware Upgrade Instructions (Google Doc): <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7ie6TaqEiuhajBf_xSAclEV3BD8Bge5dOmv2tLUruo/edit?usp=sharing>

Version: v1.8 — REQUIRED FOR DISCONNECTION FIX

Firmware v1.8 is required only if you are experiencing USB disconnection or stability issues.

Important:

Firmware Download: Haptics PCB Firmware v1.8

Firmware Upgrade Instructions (Google Doc): <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7ie6TaqEiuhajBf_xSAclEV3BD8Bge5dOmv2tLUruo/edit?usp=sharing>

Summary

✅ For the historical v3.62 branch:

Identify the dongle generation and current component versions first. Keep an already working matched v3.64 set rather than installing v3.62 first.

If you ONLY have plunger or nudge issues (NO disconnection issues):

Notes:

⚠️ If you experience USB disconnection or stability issues (typically after a few minutes of use): You must upgrade all three components together:

Mixing firmware versions may result in continued instability.

Source article: <https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000106694-x-force-haptics-kit-installation-quickstart>

Black joystick nudge cover shown in early imagery

The black joystick cover shown in early haptics material was an early prototype, not a production accessory. In May 2026, support explained that it had been abandoned after testing did not meet expectations and that production was not planned at that time. Do not assume it is a missing item from your haptics kit or a separately stocked upgrade. This historical clarification is not a promise about future product availability. If you are referring to a different part, send support its photo or the exact image/link so it can be identified.

Plan underside nudge-plate access before final assembly

Scope: original Arcade2TV-XR with the separate X-Force Haptics Kit. One customer installed the nudge plates while the controller was already off the stand, before completing the rest of the kit, to avoid taking it off the stand a second time. Support acknowledged this as a useful installation-planning tip. It is an optional access-order tip, not a replacement for the guide's mounting orientation, fasteners or wiring instructions, and not an XR MAX procedure.

Review the installation tutorial first and plan access to the underside before closing and remounting the unit. Disconnect wall power and all external cables before hardware work, support the unit securely, and follow the supplied revision-specific guide. If your parts or mounts differ, ask support before proceeding. Verify nudge registration separately after completing normal setup.

Already working on the matched v3.64 branch

For original Arcade2TV-XR with Gen2 and the separate kit, a customer completed updates to controller v3.64 and reported operation; support corrected its earlier v3.62-only advice and said no downgrade was needed while working. The documented stability set is controller v3.64, Gen2 v3.43v2 and Haptics PCB v1.8. Identify each component and read its installed version; a controller flash alone does not establish other versions. Test wireless gameplay, plunger/nudge, flipper effects and audio vibration separately. Report exact versions and remaining symptoms before changing branches. This is not Gen1 or XR MAX firmware guidance.

Front haptics module spins or falls out of its mount

Scope: original Arcade2TV-XR separate X-Force Haptics Kit, for the front module and recessed plastic mount described in the installation tutorial. A module that inserts but spins or falls out can be installed from the wrong side; that alone does not establish a missing locking part. Support corrected orientation and the customer then reported passing that step and finishing installation.

  1. Disconnect wall power and all external cables before handling the mount. Identify the matching module and recessed face with the supplied guide.
  2. Insert the module from the recessed side of the plastic mounting panel and push it into place from that side. Do not force it from the opposite face or modify/drill the mount to make it fit.
  3. Check that it stays seated without spinning or dropping out before closing. If it still does not lock, stop and send support photos of both sides and the exact revision so missing or damaged parts can be assessed.

The confirmed result was completion of this mounting step, not every haptics, audio or dongle function. Test subsequent symptoms separately. This is not an XR MAX mounting procedure.

Front-motor mounting: shallow pilot marks, not through-holes

Scope: the separate X-Force Haptics Kit installation on the original Arcade2TV-XR / Tankstick VR, not XR MAX. When the supplied installation tutorial calls for the 4 mm drill bit to mark front haptics-motor mounting holes, support specifies only a small pilot mark or shallow starter hole to guide the self-tapping screws. Do not drill all the way through the panel: the self-tapping threads may then fail to grip correctly.

Disconnect wall power and all external cables and support the unit securely before hardware work. Follow the matching kit's installation guide for the location, orientation and supplied fasteners; this is not a dimension or drilling instruction for a different revision. If holes were already drilled through or a module does not stay secure, stop and send support photos of the mount and exact kit before enlarging holes, substituting screws or running the unit.

Hardware installed but solenoids or Gen2 input still absent

For an identified original-XR controller with the separate kit, completing the mechanical installation does not establish that the component firmware and wireless setup are ready. In one reviewed installation, the customer confirmed that the controller firmware update restored the flipper solenoids, while a subsequent Gen2 dongle update enabled Pinball FX VR input. A full power-off/restart of the controller and Quest 3 then improved initially laggy gameplay. The initial success did not establish that Star Wars, Classic, physical nudge and plunger were all working; those required separate follow-up.

Before repeating internal installation work, record the actual controller, Gen2 dongle and Haptics PCB versions and compare them with the applicable matched branch above. Use only the firmware workflow for the identified component; do not flash Gen1 or install historical files solely because this older case used them. Pair and test the intended wireless/game mode, then check side flippers, solenoids, physical nudge, plunger and audio vibration separately. If a restart only partly helps or lag recurs, report the exact game, versions and failed checks; a performance symptom alone does not rule hardware in or out.

Missing or incorrect Haptics PCB update cable

Scope: original Arcade2TV-XR with the separate X-Force Haptics Kit, not integrated XR MAX. The Haptics PCB update requires the matching 4-pin-to-USB-A firmware cable described above. A cable labeled for the trackball is not established as interchangeable merely because it came in the same box. If it does not match the update connector, stop rather than forcing it or modifying the wiring.

With wall power and external cables disconnected, photograph the supplied cable label, connector and PCB revision and ask support to identify the correct update cable and resolve missing or incorrect packing. A request to the factory is not proof that a replacement has shipped or arrived.

Support advised that an otherwise normally working kit could continue in its current setup while waiting for the correct cable, without an elective firmware update. Keep that separate from a symptom requiring the documented matched update or from any damage/no-power symptom. After receiving the approved cable, follow the component-specific update procedure only when needed, reconnect and read back the version, then test the affected input or haptics function. The reviewed replacement request had no confirmed delivery or completed-update result.