If you’re using a Mac and need to update the firmware on your Arcade2TV-XR, this guide explains what is supported, what is not, and the best way to complete the update successfully.

This article is especially important for users on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3).

Important Overview (Please Read First)

  • The Arcade2TV-XR firmware update tool is Windows-only
  • There is no native macOS version of the firmware or configuration software at this time
  • Virtual machines (Parallels, VMware, Crossover) on Apple Silicon Macs will NOT work
  • This is a limitation of how USB devices are virtualized on Apple Silicon, not a defect in the controller

If you try to update firmware using a Windows VM on an M1/M2/M3 Mac, the software will typically show “No device found”, even though the controller appears to work as a keyboard.

Why Virtual Machines Don’t Work on Apple Silicon

On Apple Silicon Macs, virtualization software (such as Parallels) presents USB devices to Windows as virtual HID devices (keyboard/gamepad), not as a true USB peripheral.

Because of this:

  • Button inputs may work
  • The controller may appear in Windows
  • ❌ Firmware tools cannot access the device at the hardware level
  • ❌ Firmware flashing and forced recovery modes will fail

This behavior is expected and unavoidable on Apple Silicon systems.

Supported Ways to Update Firmware

Option 1: Use a Windows PC (Recommended)

The simplest and most reliable method is to use:

  • A Windows desktop or laptop
  • A friend’s or family member’s Windows PC
  • A secondary PC if available

Once the firmware is updated, the controller can be used normally on macOS.

Option 2: Intel-Based Mac with Boot Camp (Works)

If you have an Intel-based Mac:

  • Install Windows using Boot Camp
  • Boot directly into Windows (not a VM)
  • Run the firmware update tool normally

This method works because Windows has direct USB access.

Option 3: Pre-Flashed Replacement Board (No Windows Required)

Before choosing this option:
If you do not currently have access to a Windows PC, we strongly recommend first checking with a friend, family member, or coworker who may have one. Borrowing a Windows PC briefly is the fastest and simplest way to complete the firmware update and is always the preferred approach.

If that is truly not possible, we can offer the following alternative.

If you do not have access to any Windows system, we can provide a pre-flashed replacement control board as a last-resort solution.

Important details about this option:

  • The replacement board is flashed at the factory with the latest firmware

  • The board is shipped directly from the factory to the end user

  • No Windows PC is required on your end

  • This is a paid service, as it involves factory labor and international shipping

  • There is no profit involved for Xgaming — this option exists purely to help users who have no other way to update firmware

  • Because of the cost and longer turnaround time, this option is not recommended unless absolutely necessary

Shipping timeframe:
The typical turnaround time for this process is 8–15 days, which includes shipping the components for flashing and delivery to the end user.

If you would like to proceed with this option after reviewing the above, please contact Xgaming Support, and we’ll walk you through the next steps.

❌ Not Supported (Common Issues)

The following setups are not supported for firmware updates:

  • Parallels Desktop on M1 / M2 / M3 Macs
  • VMware Fusion on Apple Silicon
  • Crossover / Wine-based solutions
  • Any setup where Windows is running virtually on Apple Silicon

If the software says “No device found”, this is expected behavior in these environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

“The controller works as a keyboard in Windows — why won’t the software detect it?”

Because firmware flashing requires direct USB hardware access, not virtual HID input.

“Can you make a macOS version of the firmware tool?”

At this time, the firmware update process requires low-level USB access that is only supported on Windows.

“Once updated, can I use the controller on macOS?”

Yes. Firmware updates are one-time operations. After updating, the Arcade2TV-XR works normally on macOS.

Summary

  • Firmware updates require Windows with direct USB access
  • Apple Silicon Macs cannot update firmware via virtual machines
  • Intel Macs with Boot Camp work
  • Windows PCs work
  • Pre-flashed replacement boards are available if needed

If you’re unsure which option is best for your setup, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help.

— Xgaming Support