[KB-023] Is the X-Arcade controller compatible with Pandorabox systems?
Product: Arcade2TV-XR / Controller | Platform: Pandorabox | Confidence: High
Answer:
The Pandorabox is unlikely to function properly with X-Arcade controllers since it is a specialized, closed system that has not been tested or verified. Connecting to a computer is the most common method for users to play games with X-Arcade controllers. The X-Arcade controller is widely used for retro gaming and works very reliably once set up correctly, though emulation setup (e.g., MAME, RetroBat) can be a bit tricky at first.
Supported retro gaming systems:
- The Arcade2TV-XR is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 setups running Batocera in X-Input mode, and firmware updates are typically not required for Raspberry Pi configurations.
- X-Arcade controllers equipped with a USB port are compatible with Raspberry Pi-based arcade setups, and Xgaming provides a dedicated support guide and video tutorial (https://youtu.be/0Tw0VglqbUQ) for this configuration.
- Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go: Plug-and-play via USB; users can toggle between Green LED (X-Input 2-player) and Purple LED (X-Input solo/pinball) modes without needing external adapters.
- Kinhank Super Console X5 Pro: The Arcade2TV-XR is compatible and functions out of the box in X-Input mode, provided the console is running the Batocera operating system.
- RetroBat (PC): X-Input mode (indicated by a blinking green light) is the recommended setting for the Arcade2TV-XR.
- When using the controller with Steam, Steam Input must be enabled and properly configured for each specific game to prevent the software from overriding or blocking the controller's inputs.
- The Arcade2TV-XR functions as a standard controller on Batocera Linux, providing an out-of-the-box setup that does not require special configuration for basic operation.
- Other Linux-based retro gaming systems
- VPX (Visual Pinball X)
- PinUP system
- Future Pinball
To connect an X-Arcade Tankstick to an Xbox One, the correct hardware sequence is: connect the Tankstick to a 2-in-1 adapter using a DB9 console cable, plug one Brook Wingman adapter into each of the two USB ports on the 2-in-1 adapter, and then connect both Wingman adapters to the Xbox One console.
The Arcade2TV-XR (Tankstick VR) maintains backward compatibility with legacy X-Arcade console adapter chains (such as PS2-to-PS3 converters) used by the original Tankstick, provided the controller is switched to Keyboard Mode (blinking red) before connecting to the adapters.
Xgaming recommends arcade-one.com for customers seeking dedicated arcade-focused systems and setups that are known to be compatible with Tankstick devices.
Xgaming recommends Batocera as the easiest emulator setup for use with the Tankstick. Batocera is a standalone operating system that boots from a USB drive or SD card without requiring a Windows installation, whereas RetroBat is a Windows-based alternative that installs on top of an existing PC environment. Xgaming also recommends using frontends such as Retrobat, LaunchBox, or Big Box to manage setup and input mapping for a more user-friendly experience with Tankstick products. The Tankstick MAX should be switched to X-Input mode to work properly within Arcade Time Capsule. Setting the Tankstick to X-Input mode provides the most consistent results when using modern front-ends and emulators.
The X-Arcade controller works as a standard keyboard/controller input device, so it should function with any system that supports keyboard or USB controller input. Early versions of the Tankstick Solo function strictly as keyboard devices and do not natively support gamepad drivers, which may limit their compatibility with modern games that require X-Input or D-Input. However, Pandorabox systems may have proprietary input handling that prevents proper operation.
Evidence: Support thread 2025-08, keywords: pandorabox, computer, Batocera, Kinhank Super Console X5 Pro, X-Input, Raspberry Pi, Linux, VPX, virtual pinball, arcade-one.com, Retrobat, LaunchBox, Big Box, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go