[KB-002] What firmware version is compatible with the Gen 1 wireless dongle?

Product: Wireless Dongle | Platform: VR/PC | Confidence: High

Answer:

For PC gaming, both the stock firmware and firmware version 2.27 are fully compatible and supported; a firmware update is not strictly required if the unit is functioning correctly. Firmware version 2.21 is an older version for the Arcade2TV-XR controller, but an upgrade is not necessarily required unless it is determined to be the cause of a specific issue. Firmware updates are optional and primarily useful for enabling specific features, such as the purple blinking mode, which adds special button mapping optimized for pinball.

Steps to resolve:

Uninstall current software

Download and install an earlier compatible version

Perform a factory reset on the controller after firmware change

To perform a firmware upgrade on the Arcade2TV-XR controller, first ensure the unit is connected to a PC via the USB-B port. The controller must be switched to Keyboard mode or D-input mode, as the firmware upgrade feature will not work in X-input mode (indicated by a blinking green or blinking purple light). To change modes, press and hold the P1 Mode button for 5 seconds until it blinks, indicating the mode has been switched. Ensure the unit is not in X-input mode before starting the upgrade process in the software. If the updater stays on "waiting for handshake" or selecting the firmware file appears to do nothing, switch the controller out of X-input mode to red Keyboard mode or blue D-input mode, restart the updater if needed, and try the firmware file again; one confirmed case completed successfully after this mode change and then worked with Pinball FX on Steam Deck.

Required Inputs: Dongle generation, current firmware version

═══ Revision Layer (v1.6 | 2026-01-13) ═══

CRITICAL: Firmware v2.27 is for existing Arcade2TV-XR units without the haptics kit and ensures compatibility with existing dongles. Arcade2TV-XR controller firmware version 3.62 is recommended for stable wireless transmission with the Gen 2 dongle. Version 3.64 functions correctly only when the dongle is upgraded to 3.43 and the haptics kit is upgraded to 1.8; otherwise, 3.62 remains the recommended version for wireless stability. For optimal wireless stability and compatibility, Arcade2TV-XR controllers running firmware version 3.64 should be paired with Gen 2 dongles on version 3.43, while controllers on version 3.62 should be paired with dongles on version 3.41. Firmware version 3.64 should not be installed on the wireless dongle; doing so will cause the dongle to become unresponsive and require a recovery reflash. While the haptics kit is not required, any Gen 2 dongle must pair with version 3.64 or above firmware on the controller. To restore button functionality on a Gen 1 wireless dongle setup after an incompatible firmware update, the controller should be flashed back to firmware version 2.28 or lower. When firmware version 3.64 is used with a Gen 1 wireless dongle, the controller may appear connected and the LEDs may function normally, but the buttons will remain unresponsive.

Attempting to install Gen2 dongle firmware onto a Gen1 dongle will permanently disable the device.

Arcade2TV-XR controller firmware version v3.64 is fully compatible with wireless dongle firmware version v3.43V2. This pairing is confirmed to ensure existing hardware remains functional when used with new pre-flashed boards.

Warning: Downgrading the Arcade2TV-XR firmware from version 3.6 (Gen 2 only) to version 2.27 can cause the wireless dongle to lose its pairing with the controller. This scenario is a known cause for side buttons not responding in Pinball FX VR after a firmware downgrade.

Configuration Warning: Mixing Gen 1 and Gen 2 wireless dongles in the same setup is not recommended because they require different, incompatible controller firmware versions (v2.28 or lower for Gen 1 vs. v3.64 or higher for Gen 2).

Some YouTube videos are misleading on this point - always verify your dongle version before upgrading firmware.

Evidence: Support thread 2025-03 to 2026-01, keywords: firmware 3.64, Gen1 dongle, Gen2 dongle, haptics kit, v2.21, v2.27, v3.64, v3.43V2