TDC10 GUIDE

Set up your TDC10 the right way

This page is the fastest path to a great first session — whether you’re brand new to Taiko, or upgrading from a typical tatacon.

We’ll cover: the correct connection mode, recommended in-game settings, co-op basics, and how to fine-tune feel (Big Note, polling rate, and latency).

Connection first Recommended settings Co-op ready Quick tuning MIDI (optional)

If you get stuck, email us — we’ll help you get it dialed in.

Quick start

Follow these in order. Most issues come from skipping Step 1.

  1. Mount TDC10 correctly on the stand

    Before connecting anything, make sure TDC10 is properly seated on its stand.

    TDC10 uses four internal sensors.

    If the drum is not positioned correctly, one or more sensors may not work as intended.

    Refer to: Right way to install TDC10 on the stand

  2. Connect TDC10 to your game device (Port A)

    Use a USB cable to connect your game console or PC to Port A on TDC10.

    Port A is the main data connection for gameplay input.

  3. Set the correct mode in TDC Mate

    Open the TDC Mate app and set TDC10 to the mode that matches your game device:

    • PC / Steam
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Other supported platforms

    This step ensures the drum sends the correct input signals to your system.

  4. Launch the game and confirm controller recognition

    Start your Taiko game and make sure TDC10 is recognized correctly:

    • PC / Steam
      Connect TDC10 as a Controller or Keyboard, depending on your setup.
    • Nintendo Switch (1 / 2)
      Connect TDC10 as a Pro Controller.

    For other platforms, refer to the platform-specific setup guides below.

  5. Use the app’s virtual buttons for navigation

    Before playing, use the on-screen buttons in TDC Mate to:

    • Navigate menus
    • Select a song
    • Choose difficulty

    This confirms that game navigation is working correctly.

  6. Test Don & Ka zones with drumsticks

    Now use drumsticks to hit the drum surface and test:

    • Left Don
    • Right Don
    • Left Ka
    • Right Ka

Setup Basics

PC / Steam
PC / Steam

Best for most players, advanced tuning, and MIDI experiments.

• Connect TDC10 to your computer via USB (Port A)
• Set TDC10 to PC Mode using the TDC Mate app
• In Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival (Steam), select Controller or Keyboard
• Test navigation before playing

Supports Big Note, polling rate, and latency tuning.

Nintendo Switch 1/2
Nintendo Switch 1/2

For console-first play and local co-op.

• Connect TDC10 to the Switch dock via USB
• Set Switch Mode in the TDC Mate app
• Register TDC10 as a Pro Controller
• Use app navigation or an external controller to select songs

Controller assignment matters for co-op.

Xbox
Xbox

Works as a drum input device with external navigation.

• Set TDC10 to PC Mode
• Connect via USB (Port A)
• Use an Xbox controller for menu navigation

Game compatibility depends on the title.

PS4
PS4

For existing PS4 rhythm game setups.

• Set TDC10 to PC Mode
• Connect via USB
• Use DualShock 4 or another controller for navigation

Drum input and navigation are handled separately.

Wii / Wii U
Wii / Wii U

For legacy Taiko titles.

• Connect TDC10 using the RMWii Adapter
• No app required after setup
• Preserves original controller behavior

Designed for original Wii / Wii U Taiko games.

iPad
iPad

For casual or experimental use.

• Connect TDC10 to iPad (adapter may be required)
• Set PC Mode
• Launch supported rhythm or music apps

Compatibility varies by app.

Console & co-op

Co-op is where Taiko gets really fun. It’s perfect for weekend hangouts, family nights, and holiday gatherings — quick to start, easy to share, and instantly competitive in a good way.

Both TDC10 and TDC17 support local co-op (1–2 players), as long as the console/game is set up to assign inputs correctly.

Switch 1/2

Key tip: If you have a Switch Pro Controller, we recommend turning it OFF (all LEDs off) and placing it aside before setup.

Turning the Pro Controller on at any time can interfere with player assignment during co-op setup.
Open Switch co-op setup →

Xbox

Recommendation: Get single-player working first (basic input + navigation), then move on to co-op.

This reduces confusion and makes co-op assignment much smoother.
Open Xbox co-op setup →

PC / Steam

Co-op works best when your inputs are clearly separated (drum for hits, and keyboard/mouse or a controller for navigation if needed).
Open Steam RF co-op setup →

Tuning & feel

Start simple: calibrate audio/video latency in the game first. Then adjust TDC Mate parameters. Latency Tuning

Sensitivity tuning: Sensitivity defines how easily Don and Ka hits are detected. Start from the default values and adjust only if needed:

  • If light hits are not registering → increase sensitivity slightly
  • If you see double hits or false triggers → lower sensitivity slightly

Focus on consistency rather than raw sensitivity. A stable hit is always better than an overly sensitive one. Sensitivity Tuning

Big Note: use it to match your playing style. If Big Notes feel too hard or too easy, adjust gradually and test on a familiar song. BigNote Setting

Polling rate: higher is usually better for responsiveness, but stability matters most. Choose the highest setting that stays consistent on your platform. Setting Polling rate

Rule of thumb: change one thing at a time, then test for 1–2 songs.

MIDI & experiments

TDC10 also supports MIDI as an experimental path beyond Taiko games.

This is still evolving — we’re actively learning from real users. If you’re a Taiko player who also makes music, or you want to try TDC10 as a percussion input device, we’d love to hear your workflow and feedback.

Also: some users are exploring TDC10 as an input device for other rhythm/music games. If you have a title in mind, tell us what platform and mapping you need — we’re open to investigating compatibility and improving firmware when possible.

FAQ

Do I need the SNES controller?

No. It’s optional. Many players use an Xbox/PS/Switch Pro controller, or simply keyboard & mouse via Port B. The SNES controller is for people who prefer a compact, dedicated physical button pad.

My hits feel late / early. Is something wrong?

Usually it’s calibration. Re-run the game’s latency/audio calibration after changing display, speakers, or audio route (HDMI vs Bluetooth, etc.). Then fine-tune in TDC Mate.

Big Note feels inconsistent — what should I do?

Adjust in small steps and test on the same song section. If it becomes too sensitive or stops triggering above a threshold, note your firmware/app version and contact us — we’re actively improving this behavior.

Can I use TDC10 in other games?

Sometimes, yes — depending on platform and mapping. Tell us the game name, platform, and what inputs you need. We’re happy to explore options and possible firmware improvements.

Ready to play?

If you’ve completed the checklist and your first song feels good, you’re set.

If anything feels off, don’t “fight through it” — small tuning changes usually fix it fast.

We reply with practical steps — no generic scripts.