X-Arcade MAME Controller for $99 - Limited Quantity

[chazzzer]

Thanks OP, I just got into the backorder queue for these. They offered to sell me a Tankstick instead for $140 shipped ($10 more than the XXL + shipping), but I'm planning on converting an old arcade game so I stuck with the one that's made for that purpose.

If anybody wants a Tankstick for $140 shipped, just backorder one of the XXLs and you'll immediately get that offer in your email.

 

[ICXRa]

How do these compare to SlikStik?

 

[Averox]

Just got my Tankstick. First impressions? Not bad at all.
I may just replace the arcade sticks with Happ ultimates though. I think I have two of them sitting around from a failed (read: I'm too lazy to do it) project.

 

[ICXRa]

Originally posted by: Averox
Damnit, OOS email.

I'm wondering if I should just go for the Tankstick which is pretty much the same thing. Except smaller, lighter, and more expensive.

edit: Bah, I'll just get the Tankstick.

Yeah I was thinking they were the same thing...or at least close but I asked and apparently you get more features with the Tankstick.

It is the same as the Tankstick except it has no programming and no rubber feet on the bottom.

 

[Averox]

I'm not sure how much the programming would matter since you can set individual game controls in Mame. So really, you'd just set the games you'd need to before hand when you'd have free time.

I'm not even going to mention anything about rubber feet
I just hope that it's wide enough during normal usage so you aren't rubbing shoulders. I guess you could always build a template off the X-Arcade thing and use the guts.

 

[ICXRa]

Well I was thinking the programing feature would be nice for use with consoles. Judging only from photos it looks like the spacing between the 1 and 2 player controllers is nearly identical between the XXL and the TankStick but the XXL is just in a larger box.

I figure I'll have mine on a table top...hence the rubber pads would keep it from slipping a lot. Are they cheap? Just curious did they give you the TankStick for $10 more shipped after they went out of stock on the XXL.

 

[ICXRa]

FWIW....I ordered one with a XBox connector.

<edit> I was offered the TankStick for an additional $10, due to the holiday weekend it must have took a little longer to get the offer as it didn't come immediately.

 

[ICXRa]

Never mind it is not $10 more. After the holiday weekend I have exchanged several emails with them....first they give you the option email.

1 upgrade for $40 with free ship (this does not mean your total just goes up $10 it means $40)
2 Wait for the XXL
3 Cancel

I choose 1 then got an email saying the don't have the additional Xbox Adapter I ordered do I want to cancel.


What! This place doesn't have their act together for sure, it's almost like they don't want to sell anything even after they get you for the good ol bait and switch.

I still wasn't aware they were going to charge me $99.95 for the XXL + $29.95 to ship it (even though I am not buying it) and then tack on $40 to the total to upgrade to the Tankstick so I told them to ship the Tankstick reguardless and just ship the Xbox adapter when they become available if the do and if not just forget it.

I get an email this morning saying my new total $169.90 and I will be billed the additional $19.95 for the adapter at the time of shipment.

Whatever.....vaguely worded email that leads you to believe your getting a true upgrade but is really nothing more than a bait and switch tactic!

IMO your better off to avoid X-Gaming.com altogether and save yourself a lot of headaches!

 

[Howard]

I cannot recommend this for competitive play. Parts inferior to those used in real arcades (namely Happ) and input lag make this an unwise choice.

Having said that, I would be willing to assist anybody in building (or otherwise acquiring) their own MAME/console stick.

 

[konakona]

seriously...
I am stocking these up when I go home for the winter break.
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-...1-m-49-en-70-11sj.html
the cheaper version with a smaller footprint can be hand for only $25ish locally. after seeing a flurry of glowing reviews I am gonna try to hold out till december

 

[ICXRa]

Originally posted by: Howard
I cannot recommend this for competitive play. Parts inferior to those used in real arcades (namely Happ) and input lag make this an unwise choice.

Having said that, I would be willing to assist anybody in building (or otherwise acquiring) their own MAME/console stick.

Howard,

Have you played on the new models? Apparently....or from what I am gathering from their site and exchanging emails they have new hardware. I could be completely wrong. After the ordeal of getting one and then getting "upgraded" I am just sick of dealing with it and just accepted it as opposed to hassling with them anymore.

The Tankstick model does seem to get favorable reviews and as long as it isn't terrible I'll be happy for a little relaxing trip back in time with some of my old favorites. If it's crap I guess I'll take them up on their 30 Day MBG!

What is everyone using as a MAME front end.

 

[uli2000]

Did anyone who ordered this when it was on backorder ever get one in October? I just remembered this thread and ordered one today, supposedly it's shipping in November.

 

[dehemke]

Still waiting also.

 

[Kaido]

I got an email update a week or two ago from them saying that it will be available at the end of November.

 

[uli2000]

I went ahead and cancled mine. Looks like they've upped the price $20 since last week.

 

[dehemke]

I have not been overly happy with these guys. Emails from them are written like informal memos and phone support was not great.

Still waiting.

 

[Zap]

Don't expect to get these. Towards the bottom of the product page:

We have an extremely limited quantity available, and once inventory is sold, no more units will be available.

 

[ICXRa]

Originally posted by: dehemke
I have not been overly happy with these guys. Emails from them are written like informal memos and phone support was not great.

Still waiting.

Exactly!

This company is shady! I've already posted some of this but their offer for the Tankstick up grade after ordering this was misleading. They verified this once I told them to proceed with the upgrade as they leave in the original shipping. Then several days later emailed me to confirm I still wanted it. I decided at that point not to bother with this any longer and canceled. Three days later it got charged to my card so I filed and dispute with the CC and emailed X-Gaming to credit my card which they did within a week.

 

[Kaido]

Just got a followup email:

"I do apologize but our shipment of XXL control panels has further been delayed. Our current production order with which these units are to be included in shipment from China has been delayed. At this point it does not look like we will have these before the holiday season."

I'm canceling as well, what a joke

 

[dehemke]

I received the same email today, also.

I'm to the point where I'm not sure I want to reward this business with my business, even though I've been very excited about putting together a mame cabinet since first ordering.

What are some comparable alternatives?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: dehemke
I received the same email today, also.

I'm to the point where I'm not sure I want to reward this business with my business, even though I've been very excited about putting together a mame cabinet since first ordering.

What are some comparable alternatives?

Nobody is really in the same price range as far as quality goes. I've ordered from them once before, a product actually listed in their products section, and everything was fine. This was a special item with a special offer and it looks like they got swamped with it. I was willing to wait until the end of November, but after the holidays? Come on, it's already been two months! I might as well just order a regular dual pad from them. I asked for a refund, which was promptly given.

Sorry about this deal guys!

 

[konakona]

now that the "deal" almost certainly fell through for most people, I must ask what was the appeal in this product in the first place. The reviews I found was not too encouraging, nor did it have a redeeming feature or a good layout. With that kind of price, I could probably get a pair of much better performing controllers. Check out the one listed in my link, that particular model is quite well received among the tekken 5 enthusiast ring. Some seem to like other models, but this one aint too shabby at all.

 

[ICXRa]

Yeah I started immediately second guessing myself after I ordered and started digging a little deeper into something other than the great claims they made on their website.

If you don't have the time, talent or drive to build your own but have cash it looks to me that the SlikStik is the way to go.

For a more affordable option to this deal you may want to check out the HotRod which you'll no doubt notice looks a lot like the X-Arcade. From reading it seems they helped design the X-Arcade but the HotRod doesn't receive the bashing the X-Arcade products do out on the web.

 

[ICXRa]

Oh yeah apparently HotRod doesn't update their web page often but I have read they have models with spinners...etc available. If your looking for that I would recommend calling them to see if they really do.

 

[Willtur]

I used to own an X-arcade Cabinet that I bought from Fry's I swear I did everything in the world to murder the thing. Yes at the time the controls were too close together but that was the only gripe I have. The buttons or sticks that have been criticized I cant say neither here nor there. I had been missing out on a 4 way control so I decided to replace one with a 8 way to 4 way controller. It was one of them that you pull and turn to switch back and forth. It looked like a good idea, it didnt play to well I ended up going back to the other.

I ordered this panel and by the way. The company has always been stand up with me. I have inquired about things in the past and when my mame cabinet arrived I think it came out right before the xbox adapter came out. I hit them up and they sent me one for free. On this order they have been great with their communications and alternatives. I was kept on their order queue and it shipped as soon as they got some in stock the other day. 129$ w/ shipping as promised.


Only reason i ever got rid of the cabinet was cause I moved into a house without a loft. I miss that damn toy more than anything. Slik Stik looks to have a great product but their priced more than a car.