Report: Xbox Series X allegedly features only one HDMI port, no USB-C

Xbox Series X Controller
Xbox Series X Controller (Image credit: Microsoft)

Update January 9, 2020: We've now confirmed the ports below with our own sources too. Head here for a look at a 360-degree 3D model of the Xbox Series X.

What you need to know

  • Yesterday, AMD showcased a render of the Xbox Series X.
  • AMD has since debunked the accuracy of the Xbox Series X assets, claiming the 3D model was from TurboSquid.com.
  • A rumored report by Thurrott says it has one HDMI-out port in the back alongside USB-A.
  • Take this with a grain of salt until we receive official confirmation from Microsoft.

Yesterday, chipmaker AMD made a massive mistake by using a TurboSquid.com 3D render of the Xbox Series X which featured incorrect ports in the back. While we know that the upcoming console has a USB-A port in the front, the render AMD used showcased USB-C, HDMI-in, and more.

According to a report by Thurrott, the Xbox Series X allegedly features two USB-A SuperSpeed ports, ethernet, HDMI-out, optical audio, and a power cable in the back. The report said the following.

I was able to confirm with several insiders about the actual ports on the current early iterations of the hardware. Keep in mind, these may not be final and are subject to change but do come from multiple people familiar with the hardware. As it stands right now, the Series X features, on the back of the hardware, two USB-A ports... ethernet, a single HDMI port, optical audio, and a power connection. There is also another port on the back that may be used for debugging but there wasn't an agreement on the nature of its functionality... Also, on the back of the device are openings for air intake as well; all of the ports are located on the lower half of the hardware. Keep in mind, there is also a USB-A port on the front of the console but for now, it looks like Microsoft is sticking with the older USB style port... As always, these ports could change before release but that's what I am hearing the Series X is using today.

As with any such leak, take it with a grain of salt until Microsoft officially reveals the ports in the back. This rumor lines up with reports we've been investigating that the HDMI-in port had been removed. We've also been investigating unconfirmed reports that the Infrared Blaster has been removed too, and live television won't be supported at all due to HDMI-in being removed. The ill-fated Microsoft Kinect won't be supported even over USB, too. The focus of the Xbox Series X is on games, with entertainment apps like Netflix and so on to supplement.

Were you hoping for USB-C ports instead of the USB-A ports? Let us know. As noted by Thurrott, the ports could change because the console is due out in Holiday 2020. We'll keep you posted as soon as we know more.

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Asher Madan

Asher Madan handles gaming news for Windows Central. Before joining Windows Central in 2017, Asher worked for a number of different gaming outlets. He has a background in medical science and is passionate about all forms of entertainment, cooking, and antiquing.