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.