Review: Arcade2TV-XR
I’m excited about the arrival of new peripherals in the world of Virtual Reality. While the Arcade2TV-XR primarily supports various systems, it also integrates with several VR games via the Meta Quest. I’ve been testing this product on PC and with the compatible VR games—so, is it a worthwhile investment?
Release Date: Available Now
Brand: X-ArcadeAlterEyes
Price: £378
Reviewed On: Meta Quest 3 / PC (None VR)
* Product Provided For Review *
What’s In The Box
The Arcade2TV-XR was delivered in two distinct packages. The first package contained the Tankstick VR Controller, three sets of various restrictor gates for the joysticks, two interchangeable bat top knobs, two USB cables (one for connecting to your computer and another to power the RGB light strip), an adapter for optional gaming console connections, a Bluetooth dongle for smooth VR and XR integration, and a detailed user manual. The second package featured an adjustable pedestal.
Set-Up
To start, your initial task is to assemble the adjustable pedestal using the included screws, nuts, bolts, and tools. The instructions are straightforward, and everything is neatly organized and clearly labeled, making it nearly impossible to make a mistake. In total, I spent around an hour putting together the stand, followed by another thirty minutes to mount the Tankstick and prepare it for use.
To get it functioning on my PC, I simply downloaded the necessary software to modify the input method and connected the Tankstick to the PC using a USB cable. After establishing the connection, I switched the input to d-input, and I was all set to start the games and enjoy playing. Setting up the supported VR/XR games was a breeze; I just plugged the Bluetooth dongle into the Meta Quest 3, launched the game, and followed the Arcade2TV-XR instructions. I was genuinely surprised by how effortlessly it all came together in the compatible games.
Regardless of the option I intended to use, the process was straightforward and quick. After the initial setup on the PC, it transforms into a hassle-free plug-and-play experience that can be easily switched between devices.
Quality
Upon unboxing the Tankstick, the first thing that struck me was its exceptional build quality. This product is impressively sturdy and has a substantial weight, crafted from high-grade materials. The joysticks glide effortlessly, providing the gratifying clicks ypi get with arcade sticks, while the buttons respond promptly. Additionally, the trackball offers a fantastic way to navigate the mouse during PC gaming. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the Tankstick’s construction; it exudes a premium feel, and I have no concerns about its performance declining with use.
I was initially concerned about the stability of the stand due to the weight of the Tankstick, but I was pleasantly surprised by how robust the stand is. Once the frame is assembled, it feels incredibly secure, even during intense gameplay. Despite getting caught up in the action and pressing the buttons with extra force, the stand remained completely steady and reliable.
Included with the stand is a beautifully etched glass piece situated in the support beam between the legs. This detail not only enhances the premium feel and appearance but also adds a stylish aesthetic to the stand. When you connect the RGB USB, it illuminates the etched X-Arcade design on the support, creating a visually appealing effect that elevates the overall design of the product.
Testing The Product
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve evaluated the product on PC and with the limited selection of VR games it currently supports. I’ll begin with the VR aspect since this is a site dedicated to virtual reality. The titles I’ve tried include Quanzaar, Arcade Ranger, and Pinball FX VR. Arcade Ranger and Pinball FX VR come bundled with the Arcade2TV-XR, while Quanzaar is available as a free-to-play option. Each game belongs to a distinct genre, allowing me to experience a variety of gameplay styles.
Kicking off with Quanzaar, a four-player online third-person brawler reminiscent of Smash Bros, I found that using controllers didn’t offer much of an advantage. After just one match, I opted to return to the Quest controllers.
The experience took a significant leap forward with Arcade Ranger, which offers a personal virtual arcade to explore. What sets this apart is the ability to incorporate emulated games (you can find numerous tutorials online, especially on YouTube). If you manage to locate the right ROMs, you can enjoy your favorite arcade classics using an arcade stick at your very own virtual arcade machine. I spent countless hours playing titles like Bucky O’Hare, Elevator Action Returns, and Metal Slug in my exclusive arcade space. The emulation captures the essence perfectly, making you feel as if you’re standing at the arcade machine, fully engaged with the arcade stick.
Saving the best for last, playing Pinball FX VR gives you the sensation of resting your hands on the tables, enhancing the authenticity of the experience. With a perfectly scaled virtual model of the tables in front of you, this has become my favorite way to enjoy the game. While it may not directly improve my skills, I believe it could over time. The added immersion of feeling as if you are actually touching the table is a unique experience in itself.
In VR, you navigate through the lgames using the Quest controllers, while the Arcade2TV-XR comes into play as you dive into the gameplay. The team has thoughtfully designed two cups for holding your controllers, which also serve to position your arcade stick during the games. This setup ensures that you can easily grab the controllers whenever you need them.
When testing on PC, I was eager to dive back into my favorite fighting game series: Soul Calibur, Street Fighter, Tekken, Marvel VS Capcom, and Virtua Fighter. I typically enjoy these games on Steam using a PS4 controller, so I set the input to d-input in the software, allowing the stick to mimic PlayStation controllers. This means all the buttons are automatically mapped, regardless of which fighter I choose. It felt amazing to play these games with an arcade stick again (the last time was with a Hori on the Xbox 360), and the Tankstick performed exceptionally well.
The Arcade2TV-XR also comes with a license for Maximus Arcade, a Frontend Emulator that consolidates all your emulators into a single program. This transforms your PC into a personal arcade machine for playing emulated games. It took me some time to learn how to set it up, but once I did, it proved to be an excellent software. I enjoyed playing games I had added to Arcade Ranger, along with classics like Street Fighter II, Soul Edge ver.II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, and Rampage through Mame. I also dived into PS1 arcade fighters such as Tekken 3, Rival Schools, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, and Bloody Roar 2 using ePSXe205. The performance was incredibly responsive, with no input lag via Maximus, which has me considering turning my secondary PC into an arcade machine connected to my TV. However, a solid understanding of emulators is necessary to get everything running smoothly and to figure out how to load them into Maximus.
One feature I appreciate about the stand is its adjustable height. This means you can choose to sit while gaming, as you can modify the Tankstick to a comfortable seated level, which I found useful for PC gaming. However, for games like Arcade Ranger and Pinball FX VR, I preferred to play while standing.
The Verdict
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Arcade2TV-XR during my review period. Although its VR/XR compatibility is currently restricted to the Meta Quest 2 and 3, it’s a fantastic choice for dedicated arcade enthusiasts using Arcade Ranger. You can create your ideal arcade setup featuring your favorite games, provided you’re willing to learn how to add ROMs for the built-in emulators. If you’re a fan of Pinball FX VR and enjoy playing it frequently, this setup offers an authentic arcade experience. While I hope to see expanded VR support in the future, it currently caters to a limited selection of games. However, for PC gamers, the support is significantly better, and the arcade stick works wonderfully with Steam and Maximus Arcade. Plus, with it having two arcade sticks allows you to dive into your favorite games on Steam or emulators with a friend, both enjoying the true arcade stick experience.