[KB-024] How do I connect my original X-Arcade Tankstick (no trackball) to Xbox One or modern PC?

Product: Original Tankstick | Platform: Xbox One / PC | Confidence: High

Answer:

If you have an original X-Arcade Tankstick with old adapters (including PS/2 connection), you can still connect it to modern systems:

For Xbox One S / Xbox One X: When connecting a Tankstick to an Xbox console, the rear toggle switch should be set to Mode 1 (Keyboard mode) to ensure the unit is correctly recognized by the console adapters.

For Modern PC (no PS/2 port): The purple PS/2 ports on the X-Arcade PC cable are not used during normal operation and must remain disconnected, as they can interfere with the controller being recognized by the host system.

For hardware restoration, Xgaming provides specific internal and external replacement cables. These include a 'USB PCB Cable' (connecting the internal PCB to the DB9 port) and a 'USB/PS2 Connector Cable' (connecting the DB9 port to the computer).

To diagnose connection and mapping issues for the Tankstick Legacy Controller, Xgaming support requires a clear photograph of the back of the hardware unit, specifically focusing on the area where the cables exit the device.

Note: The legacy X-Arcade Xbox 360 adapter (PS2-to-Xbox 360 converter) is completely out of production and Xgaming no longer maintains any remaining stock for replacements or warranty claims. The X-Arcade Xbox 360, Xbox Original, and PC Adapter Kit is priced at $120. Newer X-Arcade adapters feature upgradable firmware to maintain compatibility with game consoles over time. Xgaming recommends Brook adapters for console connectivity due to their reliability and support for firmware updates, which ensures long-term compatibility. Updating the Wingman XE2 adapter firmware can resolve sync issues with the Nintendo Switch.

For Tankstick MAX on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S, use the X-Arcade 2-in-1 adapter together with two Brook Wingman XB3 adapters for full two-player console compatibility. This is the current Xbox path for X-Arcade systems when the controller needs to present both player sides through console-compatible adapters. If one Wingman XB3 adapter works and the other does not, update the firmware on the faulty adapter before replacing it; one confirmed case reported that the adapter worked perfectly after support provided the firmware update.

Evidence: Support thread 2025-09, keywords: original X-Arcade, Xbox One, PS/2, Wingman XB3, adapter, firmware updates, Xbox Series X/S, Brook RMA

Button & PCB Issues

★ Entries added in v1.4 ★