X-Arcade Console Adapters FAQ

Why do I need an adapter to use X-Arcade on a console?

Most consoles expect a licensed gamepad, not a keyboard-style arcade controller. An adapter converts the X-Arcade controller input into a format the console can recognize.

For modern consoles, X-Arcade commonly uses Brook Wingman adapters because they can receive firmware updates as console compatibility changes.

For available X-Arcade adapter products, 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>

Which mode should my X-Arcade controller use with adapters?

For most X-Arcade console-adapter setups, start in Mode 1 / Keyboard Mode.

Exceptions exist for specific Arcade2TV-XR pinball firmware or XInput paths, so follow the setup article for your exact console, adapter, and controller model.

Can I use a generic DB9 or RS232 serial cable?

No. Generic serial cables are wired differently and will not work correctly with X-Arcade adapters.

Use the X-Arcade PC/Console cable made for the controller and adapter. If you lost the original cable, use the X-Arcade replacement cable kit:

<https://shop.xgaming.com/products/x-arcade-pc-cable>

Why does my adapter light up but the controller does not respond?

Check these items:

  1. Make sure the X-Arcade controller is in the correct mode, usually Mode 1.
  2. Confirm the adapter firmware is current.
  3. Connect the adapter directly to the console, not through an unsupported hub.
  4. Make sure any required original controller authentication step has been completed.
  5. If the console has a wired-controller setting, enable it.
  6. Fully restart the console after changing controller settings.

On Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, enable Pro Controller Wired Communication before testing.

How do I use X-Arcade with Nintendo Switch or Switch 2?

For Switch-family setups with a Brook Wingman XE2:

  1. Enable Pro Controller Wired Communication in System Settings > Controllers & Accessories.
  2. Fully restart the console.
  3. Set the X-Arcade controller to Mode 1 / Keyboard Mode unless your specific guide says otherwise.
  4. Update the Brook Wingman XE2 to the newest firmware that supports your console.
  5. Put the XE2 into NS mode.
  6. Connect the X-Arcade adapter chain to the Switch dock USB port.
  7. For player handshake, connect Player 1 first. Use the left lower side button plus P1 for Player 1.
  8. Connect Player 2 only after Player 1 is recognized. Use the right lower side button plus P2 for Player 2.

The XE2 LED should become solid when recognized.

Brook Wingman XE2 product information:

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

Brook firmware downloads:

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

How do I use Arcade2TV-XR with PlayStation 4?

Use a Brook Wingman XE2 for PlayStation 4.

Do not use Wingman FGC or FGC 2 for PS4. Those are intended for PS5 fighting-game support and are not the correct PS4 path.

Basic PS4 setup:

  1. Put Arcade2TV-XR into Keyboard Mode.
  2. Plug a PS4 controller into the Wingman XE2 by USB for authentication.
  3. Plug the Wingman XE2 into the PS4.
  4. If needed, complete the Arcade2TV-XR manual handshake with left flipper plus P1.

How do I use X-Arcade on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S?

For many current Xbox setups, use the X-Arcade 2-in-1 adapter together with Brook Wingman XB-series adapters. The exact adapter path depends on whether you need one-player or two-player support.

If one Brook adapter works and another does not, update the firmware on the non-working adapter before replacing it.

X-Arcade adapter products:

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

Can I use old adapters for NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, Saturn, Neo Geo, or other classic systems?

Xgaming does not currently make adapters for many older discontinued systems. Some customers use third-party adapters, but Xgaming cannot guarantee or fully support every third-party chain.

For the most reliable classic-gaming experience, use X-Arcade on a PC, Raspberry Pi, Batocera, RetroPie, MAME, or another emulation setup where keyboard and mouse-style controls are supported directly.

Useful links

If your adapter setup still does not work after these steps

Please include:

Source article: <https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000108453-x-arcade-console-adapters-faq>

Tankstick MAX trackball on PS5: mouse and gamepad paths are separate

Scope: Tankstick MAX with its separate trackball USB connection, not integrated Arcade2TV-XR MAX. Support clarified that the trackball USB connects directly to a PS5 USB port as a mouse; it does not need to pass through the Brook Wingman gamepad adapter. The joystick/button gamepad connection uses its own model-appropriate console-adapter route. Identify the exact controller and adapter before following a cable diagram; do not substitute an original-XR purple-mode shortcut for Tankstick MAX.

PS5 recognizing the trackball as a mouse does not establish that a particular game accepts its movement. A customer reported mouse detection but no trackball gameplay in Golden Tee on PS5. Support did not confirm whether that title supports composite USB mouse input, and no later working result was reported. Ask the game's developer for the exact PS5 version's mouse support and report the direct-USB result. A search-engine AI summary, generic trackball history or working console menus is not compatibility proof. Do not buy another Wingman adapter solely to convert this mouse path or promise a game-specific fix.