Introduction

JVS-PAC 2

The JVS-PAC 2 is a small device that lets you use a computer, Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 3 in your JVS cabinet with a minimum of hassle. It is the successor to the original JVS-PAC.

It talks to your cabinetโ€™s I/O board like a JVS game, and sends the controls over USB. By default it behaves like a keyboard with standard MAME mappings, so if you already have MAME working, there is very little to set up. You can also choose two XInput gamepads, or controller output for Switch and PS3.

The idea is still the same: use the controls and wiring already in your cabinet, and make it easy to swap back to a JVS game. Your cabinet stays original ๐Ÿ™‚

Features

  • Keyboard output with standard MAME mappings and configurable keys
  • Two XInput gamepads, with configurable panel buttons
  • Nintendo Switch and PS3 output, with two controllers and configurable buttons
  • Supports JVS-DASH (exA-Arcadia/td-io)
  • Analog controls in XInput mode: racing and two-player presets, or custom mappings for up to eight JVS analog inputs
  • Up to two spinners or trackballs as USB mice, using a rotary-capable JVS I/O board
  • MAME and MiSTer shift shortcuts, so you can use menus and quit games without reaching for a keyboard
  • Four-player keyboard output with a Capcom I/O in four-player mode, or by linking two cabinets
  • OLED menu for configuration, and firmware updates via microSD
  • Four mounting holes, with screws and PCB standoffs included

A few things to be aware of

The output modes have different uses. Analog controls require XInput, while four-player setups use keyboard output. Switch and PS3 modes use digital panel controls; Xbox consoles and other PlayStation consoles are not supported.

Spinners, trackballs and analog controls need an I/O board that can read them. Cabinet linking currently supports buttons and coins only, not analog or rotary movement.

Getting started

Have a look at operation and configuration for the settings and mappings. If you have an older firmware, visit the firmware update page first.

Short introduction to JVS

JVS, or JAMMA Video Standard, is the standard used to connect the game board and I/O board in many arcade cabinets. The I/O board reads the joysticks, buttons and coins, so the game board does not need a separate connection to every control.

JVS also specifies the video (HD-15), audio (RCA) and power (JST VL) connectors. Unlike old JAMMA, the controls go through a separate I/O board. The Japanese documentation gave Google Translate and AltaVista Babelfish a fair bit of work back when I started this ๐Ÿ™‚

The JVS-PAC is not an ultimarc.com product – and I am not affiliated in any way with ultimarc.com. (I am however a happy customer, and Andy didn’t mind me using the name JVS-PAC)

Last Updated on 2026-10-16 by admin