Classic Game Room - X-ARCADE TANKSTICK review

Classic Game Room reviews the X-ARCADE TANKSTICK from X-Arcade powered by Xgaming. This massive dual arcade joystick with a trak-ball can be used on PCs with USB inputs and on Sega Dreamcast, PS2 (and PS1), GameCube, PS3 and Xbox 360 with the appropriate adapters. Complex, expensive and difficult to program, the X-arcade Tankstick won't be for those who aren't serious about their gaming with some time, money and patience on their site. Awesome arcade-style gameplay is delivered when all is said and done though. For this review the Xarcade Tankstick was tested with PC games before and after programming, Mame emulators, PS2 and Sega Dreamcast. CGR recommends the Dreamstick from Dream Arcade for Xbox 360 because it is a 360 controller disassembled and built into an arcade stick to prevent lag. The Tankstick works well with PC, Dreamcast and PS2 (all tested for this review using adapters) but don't expect to not do repair work on it. Build quality is questionable given the price but it's nothing a butter knife and a few hours can't fix, which is irritating. The Tankstick can be purchased as a massive controller as shown or bought with an X-Arcade stand up arcade machine. Versatility and style may be the X-Arcade Tankstick's biggest assets, but those really interested in a house-sized joystick may also want to consider a custom job for the same price. In any event, it is impressive and replaces the Dreamcast controller which needs replacing for many games like Capcom vs. SNK 2 and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

[jupreindeer]

Ten years later...

So THAT is what that extra wire and port are for. Thank you, Mark. Long live the Space Arcade...if only in our dreams.

[goldoozaru]

In 2016... do you still recommend buy this for a dreamcast or would better making one from scratch with PCB and Sanwa parts? Thanks!

[gilbertavalos]

I still have mine that I bought in 98. it's a good solid joystick and built very well.

[afterglow-podcast]

I've been a huge fan of X-Arcade since the early 2000s, and my original is still working and went to my son this year as I finally swapped it out for the Tankstick Max model. I just wanted a trackball and spinners added lol.

[schooltrashers]

That's cool that it works with a Dreamcast with the appropriate adapter. I'm so happy to have a Dreamcast in my possession still.

[Yamtendo]

An arcade stick so large that even Lord Karnage's appetite would be satisfied.

[Magnumi]

I really enjoy your hardware reviews! They are the main reason why I'm a subscriber. :) The X-Arcade Tank is indeed impressive, but the price is a bit steep... (199.95$)

[MoreDakka]

I had been thinking about getting one... but after some research now I think I'll just make my own

[WeelzofSteel]

Never had those problems man, had this thing for 3 years! Never had a problem and i play every day!!

[dennett]

Remarkably positive review considering the problems that Mark had - and the fact that their phone support were in any way talking down to anyone asking questions just shows it's not a product worth buying. Send it back and get your money back Mark, get a custom one built to your specs and have Lord Karnage using a flame thrower as the artwork on it...a true CGR arcade stick worthy of the name.

[Superdimensional]

@MarcusAubrey1 No it's good to go out the box for PC's. It just shows up as another keyboard. All ready for Mame32/Mameplus etc. too. Just select X-Arcade in the controllers field of mame settings.

[smeckaldorf]

my hand made arcade machine uses X-ARCADE parts and its awesome :) perfect for a sturdy machine

[FulllMetalJackett]

@Danny77uk I think it's to choose between one and two player game play. But you have a point, it does look the icons of a restroom door.

[zeldajunkielol]

Thanks for doing this review, I was waiting for this.

[anyyoingorange]

this review was made today! 3/7/2011! i was there!

[grecomafioso]

Your reviews just ROCK! Thumbs up Mark!

[FadeToBlack]

@ChrisKnerr yep, it's totally possible, you put your desktop inside the cabinet and have an emulator frontend like GameEx run on startup, and you're set

[Furluge]

So I used to have an X-men vs Street Fighter cab and I put Happ super joysticks and their concave pushbuttons in it. All the parts xarcade mimics. The x-arcade is close but it is not quite on par. Luckily it is very easy to swap out parts but it is something to keep in mind.

[Nilly-tube]

@Blaatlama Yeah I have the Dual Joystick also. I have it set up in a cheap arcade cab I picked up and run with a PS2. After a few months one joystick and a few buttons stopped working correctly. Now I have to get some sanwa parts at some point.

[abystus]

What sort of arcade stick should I get for casual play of mame fighters? I am looking for the cheapest/best choice as I am only a casual player. I want something that isn't hard to program, is recognized in all recent windows implementations. Also maybe something that could be modded later on down the road.