What are the ports on the Xbox Series X?
What are the ports on the Xbox Series X?
Official Xbox Series X ports
Microsoft recently detailed the Xbox Series X retail version in full, giving us a look at the full list of ports we can expect when the console launches later in 2020.
- 3x USB-A ports: Two in the back, one in the front. These are for USB accessories primarily, including headsets, controller recharge docks and cables, USB storage expansion drives, keyboards and mice, and so on.
- HDMI-out (2.1): This connects your Xbox Series X to your TV. The 2.1 interface adds ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which ensures that your TV automatically switches to its "game mode" setting for lowest latency gaming possible. It also includes VRR (Variable Refresh Rates), which makes games like smoother in motion. Sadly, the HDMI-in pass-through available on the Xbox One S and X for TV integration is gone.
- Ethernet: This connects your Xbox Series X to your router via a Cat5 cable; it will also have Wi-Fi, of course.
- Power: There's a figure-8 power socket as well. We have confirmed that the Xbox Series X will have an internal power supply too, like the Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
- SSD expansion: There's an additional rectangular slot that was initially thought to be some sort of port for proprietary debugging tools, but it's now revealed to be an SSD expansion storage card slot, allowing you to expand your Xbox Series X's base memory.
- Kensington lock: Next to the sticker, there's a small rectangle with a padlock icon. This is a Kensington lock port that allows you to tie hardware down to a table or something of that nature.
What, no SPDIF?
Owing to a previous leak, we saw some ports on the prototype units of the Xbox Series X. That leak included SPDIF optical for some higher-end audio devices, like the Astro A50 headset. Astro has stated that its headsets are planned to work on the Xbox Series X, but hasn't yet described how they will work. Either Microsoft is planning some sort of HDMI adapter that will offer a SPDIF port as an optional extra, or Astro and others will have to move to a USB-interface for their devices instead.
If you can't wait for the Xbox Series X, there are a lot of options for picking up an Xbox One console today, and every game and accessory you pick up should carry forward to the next-gen console too.
Xbox on contract
Spread the cost
Xbox All Access gives you everything you need to get started with gaming for a monthly price, starting at $20 per month. There's also an option to upgrade to the Xbox Series X straight away at launch, as part of your payment plan.
Jump into digital
The cheapest Xbox around right now
Secure your Xbox One S All-Digital Edition; Microsoft's new and ambitious disc-less console. It's the cheapest Xbox One ever made, bundled with a trio of downloadable games.
Cheap and cheerful
Thousands of games without breaking the bank
The Xbox One S might not be powerful enough for gaming on your 4K TV, but it sports thousands of games and 4K media for an affordable price.
Monstrous power
For those who want the best-looking games
The Xbox One X is significantly more potent than any other console out there, providing the best-looking games built for your 4K TV.
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Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!