First off if you are reading this review, you must know that I have some geek cred. That translates to me having some technical ability. I purchased the Tankstick with understanding and intention. I dug up an old PS/2 adaptor thinking I would need to remap buttons and all sorts of craziness. So understand that user experience will vary reviews.
That said... I love this friggin X-Arcade Tankstick! I had taken a poor man's approach at recreating the arcade experiences of my youth. So we are talking a compact PC in an IKEA Alve corner computer Armoire aka the "Hideaway Mancave." I took a gamble dimensions wise, but the beast of an aptly named Tankstick fit perfectly. It is a solid piece of machinery with enough responsive feeling buttons and controls. Ironically, some of my arcade experiences involved wasting a quarter on a busted 2nd Player joystick (and getting whooped in Street Fighter). The Tankstick feels like it can handle 250 pound Bruno's button mashing (although I admit I would not be willing to test that theory...sorry Bruno.). I feel the arcade authenticity.
Initially, I thought it odd that the Tankstick would be recognized as a keyboard and mouse. Now, I find it brilliant. I don't have to worry about controller conflicts with my USB NES pad, XBOX360 / PS3 controllers, etc....and do not have to worry about third-party software key mappers with Flash games (sort of an added perk). My set-up felt easy. I didn't have to reprogram buttons (although I like the option to), circumvented the second USB connection for the trackball with a USB hub, and mapped all the buttons using the Hyperspin front-end (a nice user interface BTW).
My experience of course will vary greatly depending on why you bought the Tankstick. My intentions did not consider the option of console gaming (although it is an option). The Tankstick is a large controller, and not something you can have lying around your living room (unless your single with a YOLO mindset). I admitted to having technical ability, but feel the setup is fairly easy (don't be afraid the reference the manual!). Obviously, I am very happy with this purchase.
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Reviews with images
The Tankstick has very nice build quality
The Tankstick has very nice build quality. Rugged, feels authentic. The trackball is great for arcade bowling and golf games. I love playing Golden Tee in my basement with some adult beverages. The danmaku games put the sticks through their paces almost every day. I purchased some "arcade/fighting sticks" in the past for consoles and they were nowhere near this quality. Less expensive, yes; Less enjoyable, yes. Now I'm using a Raspberry Pi (RetroPie) as a dedicated arcade machine and the X-Arcade Tankstick is well worth the money!I grew up in the "heyday" of arcades and cabinets were in almost every restaurant and store. If you're looking for fun, multiplayer, arcade action buy an X-Arcade Tankstick.
Top reviews from other countries
Mr Monoum
Très Précis, Fait pour durée. Nécessite un peu ...
Reviewed in Canada on January 12, 2018
mumbles
Decent device but ATROCIOUS CUSTOMER SUPPORT!
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2018
mumbles
Reviewed in Canada on January 6, 2018
Anyway, I ended up figuring out how to sort of assemble it but just pray that you don't need to contact them for help for anything because they're horrible. I would have just returned it to their Amazon store but it was such a huge package that I didn't want to deal with it. They say lifetime guarantee but don't expect much especially if you live outside of the USA.
Onto the actual stick: the arcade sticks on these can't hit diagonals very well so they seem more like 4-way joysticks than 8-way. I planned on replacing them with IL and Suzo Happ sticks anyway along with cherry switches for the buttons and it feels like it should now. UPDATE: I just noticed that the left player 1 stick wasn't screwed in straight but player 2 is. Obviously I can't fix it since it's screwed right into the wood. WTF?
Also, the hardware in this seems outdated. They should allow you to play on more devices without having to buy one of their expensive adapters. I could always gut the PCB out and replace it with one that'll do PS3 (possibly even a PS4) for a lot less. It should be included for the price you pay and the fact that it's filled with subpar parts. It's a good thing swapping out parts won't void your warranty... if they'll even help you replace parts under warranty.
If you can just build your own, do it! I wanted to but my plans fell through so I just bought this. My brother used to have a dual arcade unit in 2004 and not a lot has changed. Apparently these new units have revised PCB boards to combat lag. Seriously though, who still uses serial connections? I haven't seen one since that dual stick. He gave his away so I had to buy my own. I really wish they would have updated the ugly design on the stick and it isn't cheap if you want to order art to overlay ontop of it from the States.
I can't recommend this stick to serious retro gamers when there are people on forums that'll make and sell you a case for a fraction of the price that you can put your own parts in.
I have had some days to test it out with Emulation Station on my Raspberry Pi and it seems to work well I just need to try some games that support the trackball (which only works in mame 2003 and advanced mame).
Honestly, I had been waiting a long time for a nice arcade stick and rather would have made my own custom stick with parts from FocusAttack than give XGAMING any of my money especially when they don't acknowledge my issues here on Amazon.
Update 2: I contacted XARCADE directly for the second time and they claim if you don't buy it directly from them they told me it wasn't sold by them. Despite the seller being named XGAMING, so they wouldn't honour the lifetime warranty because it was bought off Amazon. They did offer to replace the switch for $15 USD though. I already bought their tri-mode input lag board.
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