[KB-028] What are the four modes on the Tri-Mode PCB and when should I use each?

Product: Tri-Mode PCB / Build Your Own Kit | Platform: PC / All | Confidence: High

Answer:

The Tri-Mode PCB supports four different modes, which you can switch using the 4-position slide switch. This upgrade board is compatible with every X-Arcade Controller and X-Arcade Cabinet ever manufactured, including both single and dual-player models. Xgaming support can verify 100% compatibility for internal PCB upgrades if you provide a photo of the controller's internal components prior to ordering.

Mode 1: Keyboard Mode Uses a preset keyboard layout - great for most emulators, including MAME. In this mode, all inputs from both Player 1 and Player 2 are treated as a single keyboard device, allowing for unified mapping without device separation. This is usually the best starting point for retro emulators.

Mode 2: Programmable Keyboard Mode Lets you customize the key mapping to your own preferences. Jumping internal mode wires to enter programming mode is not a standard or supported part of the X-Arcade hardware setup; users should instead use the dedicated toggle switch on the board to select Mode 2 (Programmable / Keyboard mode). Programming custom keyboard keys in Mode 2 on the Tri-Mode PCB supports programming via a USB keyboard, or a Windows PC running the customization script. Note that the Perixx PERIBOARD-409P and similar 'mini' PS/2 keyboards are incompatible with the Tankstick MAX for programming purposes due to power draw requirements or protocol differences; a standard, full-sized PS/2 keyboard is recommended for the mapping sequence. See this: https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000003090-x-arcade-programming-guide

Mode 3: D-Input Gamepad Mode D-Input mode on the X-Arcade is customizable using the Arcade2TV software, whereas X-Input mode (including Purple/Pinball mode) uses a fixed hardware-level layout that cannot be modified within the configuration software. This mode allows for the coexistence of gamepad inputs with mouse and keyboard inputs, enabling hybrid device configurations.

Mode 4: X-Input Gamepad Mode Mode 4 on the Tankstick MAX is the designated two-player X-Input mode, which presents the unit to the host system as two separate Xbox-style controllers. XInput mode cannot be combined with mouse, trackball, or keyboard devices simultaneously on the same controller. For the Tri-Mode PCB to correctly handle the LT and RT buttons in Mode 4 (X-Input) on RetroPie, the 'xpad' driver must be installed through the RetroPie Setup menu (Manage Packages > Manage Driver Packages). In RetroPie using X-Input mode, the bottom two buttons (LT and RT) on the Tankstick are registered as analog axes rather than standard digital buttons; to map them correctly, users must clear the RetroArch autoconfig folder at /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch/autoconfig/ and hold the buttons longer during the EmulationStation setup process. Current stock Tanksticks include X-Input functionality and can connect to a PC by USB. Legacy boards that only report joystick movement as keyboard arrow keys do not have native X-Input unless upgraded to the newer Tri-Mode PCB. The DIY Arcade Kit is no longer available as a bundled product; customers can replicate the original setup by purchasing the Build Your Own Arcade Control Panel Kit, the Indestructible Arcade Joystick (2-Pack), and 20 Buttons with Microswitches as separate components. For older X-Arcade units, the 'Build Your Own Arcade Control Panel Kit' is recommended over individual PCB upgrades because it includes a replacement toggle switch and internal cables which may be worn out on legacy hardware, ensuring a full refresh of the internal electronics. The X-Arcade Build Your Own Arcade Control Panel Kit is a comprehensive alternative for upgrading legacy Arcade-X units, as it includes all necessary components for native USB support. To upgrade a legacy Arcade-X unit to native USB support, the required components include the X-Arcade 2022 Upgrade Kit (PCB) and the X-Arcade PC Cable, with an optional X-Arcade Wiring Harness. To replicate the hardware specifications of a Tankstick Max in a custom arcade build using separate parts, the required components are a Tri-Mode PCB (with cable set), a 3-inch USB Trackball, the Arcade2TV-XR Dual Spinners Upgrade Kit, and either individual joysticks and buttons or the Complete DIY Kit. When upgrading a legacy X-Arcade controller using a standalone Tri-Mode PCB (purchased without the full kit), two specific cables are necessary for connectivity: an internal USB PCB cable to link the board to the controller's 9-pin (DB9) port, and an external USB/PS2 cable to connect that port to the host computer. Current replacement boards normally ship with current firmware already installed, so do not re-flash a brand-new board unless troubleshooting specifically calls for it. If a unit only works until power is cycled, repeatedly loses firmware state, or cannot be detected by the firmware tool after the documented Programming/Mode-button procedure, treat it as a likely board-level fault rather than normal firmware behavior; one confirmed case was resolved by replacing the board. For legacy X-Arcade hardware users seeking compatibility with modern consoles (PS5, Nintendo Switch) and PC emulation, Xgaming recommends specific adapter kits—such as the 'PlayStation 5 + PC Adapter' and the 'Nintendo Switch + PS4 + PS3 + PC Adapters'—as a simpler alternative to an internal PCB upgrade. This only applies to the Tankstick with Trackball, specifically authentic models purchased many years ago. Older PCB v1310 boards are legacy keyboard-style boards. PCB v1808 is the newer Tri-Mode board with USB, X-Input, DirectInput, USB keyboard programming, and firmware update support. If the rear switch position that the customer believes is Mode 4 still outputs keyboard characters in Notepad, treat the unit as an older non-X-Input board unless Windows Game Controller Settings shows an actual gamepad test panel. On Windows 11, the normal Settings app may only show the device as removable; use the classic Game Controllers / joy.cpl path when possible. In one confirmed case, a customer with a legacy keyboard-only Tankstick bought the Tri-Mode upgrade after comparing v1310 vs v1808 and confirming that the newer board was needed for an X-Input game drive. For more info: https://support.xgaming.com/support/solutions/articles/12000051721-tri-mode-pcb The digital guide serves as the primary resource for advanced Tri-Mode PCB functions, including USB programming and multi-platform support, whereas printed materials included with the kit are primarily intended for physical assembly and can be out-dated. Xgaming also provides connection diagrams for the Tri-Mode PCB and specialized setup instructions for configuring controllers for pinball gameplay on Xbox and PlayStation 4 consoles. A video tutorial for installing the 2022 Upgrade Kit and routing cables in older X-Arcade shells is available at https://youtu.be/_vPfVgoideQ. There is no functional or design difference between older versions of the Tri-Mode Upgrade Kit and the current version; they are intended to behave identically. When installing the 2022 Upgrade Kit into older X-Arcade shells, the internal PCB cable must be manually routed through the existing opening to the exterior, as older shells were not originally designed for the modern USB layout. A constant '1' key input on a Tri-Mode PCB that persists even after all buttons have been disconnected from the J2 header indicates a hardware defect on the PCB that requires a replacement unit. Similarly, if a Tri-Mode Upgrade Kit exhibits behavior different from standard operation, such as the mode light failing to respond to button presses or manual terminal contact, it may indicate a defective PCB that is eligible for replacement.

Evidence: Support thread 2025-07, keywords: Tri-Mode PCB, 4 modes, keyboard mode, DINPUT, XINPUT, custom controller, legacy compatibility, hybrid device configurations, 2022 Upgrade Kit, installation video, photo verification, Tankstick MAX, Perixx PERIBOARD-409P, PS/2 keyboard incompatibility, X-Input emulation, Yuzu, Dolphin, Arcade2TV-XR Dual Spinners Upgrade Kit, 3-inch USB Trackball, jumping wires, RetroPie, xpad, analog axes, RetroArch autoconfig

Hardware Installation & Troubleshooting

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