[KB-007] What should I know before installing the X-Force Haptics Kit?

Product: X-Force Haptics Kit | Platform: All | Confidence: High

Answer:

IMPORTANT installation guidance for the X-Force Haptics Kit:

The X-Force Haptics Kit installation is a technical upgrade that may be challenging for non-technical users, and providing effective remote support for the installation process has proven difficult for the company.

Additional instructional resources for the X-Force Haptics Kit include a comprehensive tutorial video by John Wagner for installing the haptics kit to the Arcade2TV-XR and Tankstick VR, covering the full setup and firmware update process (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmK9sOoYEGE), and a specific demonstration of foam buffer pad placement (https://youtu.be/yj6tel4IFCE?t=572).

CRITICAL - Front haptics motors / mounting holes: When you reach the step where you install the front haptics motors, you will be asked to use the 4mm drill bit to mark the mounting holes.

DO: Make only a small pilot mark / shallow starter hole (just enough to guide the self-tapping screws)

DO NOT: Drill all the way through the panel

If you drill through, the self-tapping screw threads will not bite into the material properly, compromising the installation.

═══ Revision Layer (v1.1 | 2026-01-12) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Controller firmware version 3.62 or above is required for the Gen 2 wireless dongle to function correctly.

After the firmware update, re-pair the new dongle with the controller for everything to function as expected.

Evidence: Support thread 2025-12 to 2026-01, keywords: firmware 3.62, haptics kit, solenoids, dongle

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

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Spinner Board and Haptics Board Placement Conflict:

Important: The spinner board and haptics board appear to occupy the same mounting location based on the current instructions.

Resolution: When installing the Spinner Add-On Kit alongside the Haptics Kit, the spinner PCB should be snapped specifically into the right-side mounting hole of the two remaining available internal holes.

Evidence: Support thread 2026-01, keywords: spinner board, haptics board, mounting holes, placement conflict

═══ Revision Layer (v1.7 | 2026-01-14) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Firmware for Haptics Kit Components: The latest firmware versions for the Arcade2TV-XR system are v3.64 for the controller, V1.8 for the haptics PCB and v3.43V2 for the Gen2 wireless dongle, which address plunger input delay, launch force issues, and nudge registration consistency. An official upgrade guide is maintained at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7ie6TaqEiuhajBf_xSAclEV3BD8Bge5dOmv2tLUruo/edit?usp=sharing. The firmware upgrade process is designed to be accessible to users without a technical or engineering background, supported by plain-language, step-by-step tutorials. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.8 | 2026-01-15) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Controller Independence: The Arcade2TV-XR controller remains fully functional for gameplay even if the X-Force Haptics Kit is disconnected or unpowered; only the solenoid effects and haptics-specific audio will be unavailable. Evidence: Support clarification for customers with broken or unpowered haptics kits; keywords: controller independence, unpowered kit, standalone functionality. Pre-order Pricing: The X-Force Haptics Kit pre-order price was set between $150 and $200. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.9 | 2026-01-16) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Firmware files are specific to individual components (controller, haptics PCB, or Gen2 dongle) and are not interchangeable; flashing the wrong file to a component will cause it to stop functioning. Evidence: Agent clarification, keywords: incorrect firmware, component specific, non-interchangeable, system failure. Haptics PCB Firmware Update Necessity: A firmware upgrade for the Haptics PCB is only necessary if the unit is experiencing frequent disconnections every few minutes; it is not a mandatory update for all users. Evidence: Support clarification that the Haptics PCB firmware update is a targeted fix for specific connectivity issues rather than a general requirement; keywords: firmware necessity, disconnections, targeted fix. Standalone Dongle Usage: The Gen 2 wireless dongle included with the X-Force Haptics Kit can be used as a standalone wireless upgrade for the Arcade2TV-XR even if the haptics hardware is not yet installed, provided the controller firmware is updated to version 3.62 or above. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.10 | 2026-01-17) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): USB-A to 4-pin Cable for Haptics PCB Firmware: The X-Force Haptics Kit includes a specific USB-A to 4-pin cable required for updating the haptics PCB firmware. Evidence: Agent clarification that the specialized cable needed for firmware updates is included in the package, which is a helpful detail for the installation and troubleshooting sections. Cable Specificity for Haptics PCB: The firmware upgrade cable included with the X-Force Haptics Kit is used specifically for upgrading the haptics PCB. Evidence: Agent clarified the specific purpose of the included cable to help the customer understand which component it is intended to update during the haptics kit installation. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): DIY Cabinet Compatibility: The X-Force Haptics Kit is not designed for use with DIY pinball cabinets out of the box. While haptic vibration and speakers will function via standard audio input, advanced features including solenoids, nudging, and the plunger require a serial connection to the Arcade2TV-XR controller PCB and will not operate in a standard DIY setup. Evidence: Agent explanation of hardware limitations and feature dependencies for DIY setups; keywords: DIY cabinet, serial connection, feature dependencies, hardware limitations. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Included Drill Bits: The X-Force Haptics Kit includes two drill bits (tool bits) for the installation process. Evidence: Agent clarification correcting product page information regarding the number of included drill bits (two instead of three). ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Spinner Add-On Kit Physical Installation: After installing the X-Force Haptics Kit, the Spinner Add-On Kit can be installed by snapping its plastic components into one of the two open mounting holes in the controller frame, specifically the right-side hole. Evidence: Agent guidance on physical installation location for spinner components; keywords: plastic components, mounting holes, right-side hole, controller frame. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Plug-and-Play Clarification: The X-Force Haptics Kit installation is not completely 'plug-and-play' because it requires a firmware upgrade during the setup process. Evidence: Agent clarification that despite marketing claims, the installation is not fully plug-and-play due to the mandatory firmware upgrade step; keywords: plug-and-play, firmware upgrade, setup process. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): The self-tapping screws used for mounting the haptics motors in the X-Force Haptics Kit are M4 size with a total length of 16 mm. Evidence: Agent provided specific hardware dimensions for the haptics motor mounting screws in response to a customer inquiry about missing parts. Evidence: Support confirmation for customers using the dongle as an immediate upgrade; keywords: standalone dongle, wireless upgrade, Gen 2 dongle, firmware 3.62.

═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Product Business Context: The X-Force Haptics Kit is sold at a break-even margin, and Xgaming aims to keep the cost of additional parts, like upgraded power supplies, at cost without profit. The reason behind that is to support the community and the product Arcade2TV-XR to help with sales. That’s why the X-Force Haptics Kit is no profit and selling at this price. Evidence: Agent explained the business rationale and low-profit nature of the haptics kit to justify why certain accessories were initially sold separately. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Product Popularity and Immersion Impact: The X-Force Haptics Kit is currently the most popular upgrade and is often cited as making the biggest difference in immersion for pinball and arcade gameplay. Evidence: Agent explicitly states that the X-Force Haptics Kit is 'Most Popular Right Now' and 'the upgrade they say makes the biggest difference in immersion,' which is new information about product popularity and user experience not covered in existing KB articles. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Product Production Status and Manufacturing Consistency: The X-Force Haptics Kit has completed its development phase and moved into full production, resulting in faster and more consistent manufacturing timelines compared to earlier batches. Evidence: Agent explained the transition from development to full production to justify the improved shipping consistency for the April batch. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): All Xgaming add-ons (X-Force Haptics Kit, Spinner Add-On, Gen2 Wireless Dongle) are designed to work together, allowing customers to start with one and expand their setup over time. Evidence: Agent confirmation of modular product strategy and interoperability; keywords: add-ons, modular, expand, work together.

═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Firmware Prerequisite for Hardware Functionality: Updating the Arcade2TV-XR firmware to version 3.62 is a prerequisite for the solenoids, physical nudge, and plunger features to function. These specific hardware components will not fire or register input until the v3.62 firmware is successfully installed. Evidence: Agent clarification; keywords: firmware 3.62, solenoids, physical nudge, plunger, hardware registration.

═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): The X-Force Haptics Kit is not available as a pre-installed option on the Arcade2TV-XR; it is a user-installed component that must be assembled by the customer after delivery due to current production resource limitations. Evidence: Customer inquiry, agent clarification; keywords: pre-installed, user-installed, factory installation, production limitations. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): There is no functional difference in the installation process between ordering the Arcade2TV-XR + haptics bundle or purchasing the components separately, as both configurations require manual user installation. Evidence: The agent clarifies that the bundle does not offer a pre-installation advantage, which is a common point of inquiry for customers deciding between the bundle and individual parts. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): The X-Force Haptics Kit can be installed during the initial assembly of the Arcade2TV-XR controller; there is no requirement to set up the controller or VR software prior to installing the haptics hardware. Evidence: The agent clarifies for a customer that the haptic upgrade does not require a pre-existing controller or VR software setup and can be integrated into the initial assembly process. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Included Cabling: The X-Force Haptics Kit includes all necessary cables for both installation and firmware updates, so customers do not need to purchase additional cables for the upgrade process. Evidence: Agent confirmation that the kit is self-contained regarding cabling; keywords: included cables, self-contained, no additional purchase. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): USB-A to USB-C Adapter Bundling: The USB-A to USB-C adapter is exclusively bundled with the X-Force Haptics Kit and is not provided with standalone Gen 2 Wireless Dongle purchases. Evidence: Agent clarified that the adapter mentioned in setup videos is only included with the haptics kit, resolving customer confusion regarding missing parts in a standalone dongle order; keywords: USB-A to USB-C adapter, bundled, X-Force Haptics Kit, standalone Gen 2 Wireless Dongle, missing parts, setup videos. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Firmware Update Benefits: Firmware version v3.64 for the Arcade2TV-XR controller, combined with Haptics PCB v1.8 and Gen2 dongle v3.43V2, addresses plunger input delay, launch force issues, nudge registration consistency, and USB disconnection behavior. Evidence: Agent listed specific technical improvements and bug fixes provided by the latest unreleased firmware builds to resolve the customer's performance and connectivity issues. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Controller Firmware and Gen 2 Dongle Compatibility: The requirement for Arcade2TV-XR controller firmware v3.62 or above to work correctly with the Gen 2 wireless dongle is related to how the controller switches between wired and wireless transmission modes, not a firmware bug. Evidence: Agent provided technical explanation for an existing firmware compatibility requirement; keywords: firmware 3.62, Gen 2 dongle, wired/wireless modes, not bug. Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Gen 2 Wireless Dongle Requirement for Haptics: The X-Force Haptics Kit's plunger and haptics features will only work correctly with the Gen 2 wireless dongle. Evidence: The agent explicitly states that the plunger and haptics features require the Gen 2 wireless dongle to function correctly, which is a stronger and more direct statement than what is currently in the KB regarding Gen 2 dongle compatibility for VR pinball or haptics system firmware requirements; keywords: plunger, haptics, Gen 2 wireless dongle, hardware requirement. ═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Firmware Update Process: When updating the Arcade2TV-XR system components (controller, Haptics PCB, Gen2 wireless dongle) to their latest firmware versions, it is not necessary to downgrade any existing firmware. Evidence: Agent clarification, keywords: firmware update, no downgrade, general guideline.

═══ Revision Layer (v1.11 | 2026-01-18) ═══ Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Permanent Cable Storage: The USB-A to 4-pin firmware update cable for the X-Force Haptics Kit can be left permanently connected to the haptics PCB and stored inside the controller case to prevent loss of the cable and reduce wear on the connector from repeated plugging. Evidence: Agent confirmation that the specialized firmware cable can be safely stored inside the hardware unit while remaining connected; keywords: permanent connection, internal storage, cable loss prevention, connector wear. Installation Order for Dual Kits: When installing both the X-Force Haptics Kit and the Spinner Add-On Kit, install the Haptics Kit before the Spinner Add-On Kit to ensure a smoother installation process. Evidence: Agent guidance on dual-kit upgrades; keywords: installation sequence, haptics first, spinner second. Evidence: Pre-order discussion, keywords: pricing, pre-order, cost ═══ Revision Layer (v1.9 | 2026-01-16) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Foam Buffer Pads: The foam buffer pads for the X-Force Haptics Kit are recommended but not strictly necessary for initial functionality; the kit will still perform close to normal without them, and they can be installed later.

Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: foam buffer pads, haptics kit, installation, optional

═══ Revision Layer (v2.0 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Haptics PCB Motor Wiring: When wiring the haptics PCB, the two motors on the left side must be plugged into the two left-side connectors, and the two motors on the right side must be plugged into the two right-side connectors. Within each side, the motors can be swapped freely between the two available connectors.

Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: haptics PCB, motor wiring, spatial feedback, left/right, connectors

═══ Revision Layer (v2.1 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Polarity for Buttons and Haptic Motors: There is no polarity requirement for the push buttons, flipper buttons, or haptic motors in the X-Force Haptics Kit; wiring orientation (+/-) does not affect functionality.

Evidence: Agent clarification, keywords: polarity, wiring, buttons, haptic motors, orientation

═══ Revision Layer (v2.2 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Foam Buffer Pad Specifications: The foam buffer pads for the X-Force Haptics Kit are 2mm thick and have specific density and damping characteristics; substituting them with standard EVA foam is not recommended as it may affect performance.

""" """ Evidence: Agent explanation, keywords: foam buffer pads, thickness, density, damping, EVA foam, performance, substitution

═══ Revision Layer (v2.3 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Foam Buffer Pad Placement: The X-Force Haptics Kit includes two sizes of foam buffer pads: larger pads are applied where the front haptics motors are installed, and smaller pads are used for the two recessed slots located at the rear of the front panel.

═══ Revision Layer (v2.4 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

A forced firmware upgrade is required to put the Arcade2TV-XR controller into bootloader mode if it is unresponsive or not detected by the update tool, typically caused by accidentally flashing firmware intended for the dongle or haptics PCB onto the main controller board. If the Arcade2TV-XR controller still does not power on or respond after a forced firmware upgrade, Xgaming will proceed directly to a hardware replacement.

═══ Revision Layer (v2.5 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

Haptics Kit Serial Cable Orientation: The serial cable connecting the haptics kit to the controller PCB has a specific required orientation: the single-wire connector must be on the left side and the two-wire connector must be on the right side when looking directly at the PCB. Incorrect orientation of the serial cable connecting the haptics kit to the controller PCB can cause button pass-through to fail for one or both sides, even if other functions like solenoids continue to operate.

Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: serial cable, haptics kit, controller PCB, orientation, wiring, plunger, nudge, solenoids, functionality Evidence: Agent clarification, keywords: Arcade2TV-XR, firmware, dongle, controller, unresponsive, no exterior lighting, no PC connection, recovery, reflash, latest software Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: Arcade2TV-XR, forced firmware upgrade, no power, no response, hardware replacement Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: foam buffer pads, sizes, placement, front haptics motors, recessed slots

═══ Revision Layer (v2.4 | 2024-07-30) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original): Side Block Orientation: When installing or reinstalling side blocks on the controller, ensure they are oriented correctly to avoid being mounted upside down. Internal Component Cable Routing: During the installation of internal components, careful cable routing is required to ensure no cables are pinched or compressed, which can damage the internal wiring or harness. Fully tightening all screws on the Arcade2TV controller can help slightly reduce the appearance of side gaps when used without the pedestal.

Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: Arcade2TV, screws, tightening, side gaps, pedestal, appearance """ Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: side blocks, orientation, installation, assembly, upside down, cable routing, pinched cables, internal wiring, harness

═══ Revision Layer (v2.6 | 2024-07-31) ═══

Additional Information (appended, not replacing original):

To install or reseat the rubber cable grommet on a Tankstick, insert one side into the hole first and gradually work the rest of the rubber around the edge; the grommet can be gently squeezed or bent to facilitate seating, and a small flat tool may be used to press it into place bit by bit.

Evidence: Agent advice, keywords: Tankstick, rubber cable grommet, installation, reseat, seating, mechanical instructions, tools """