USB Type-C connections and connectors have swept the technology world.
Type-C is found in smartphones, tablets, wireless chargers, console controllers, PC accessories, and practically everything else that requires a data port and charging.
Isn’t it true that the most recent Xbox models include USB-C ports as well?
Is there a USB-C port on the Xbox Series X?
Microsoft’s most powerful Xbox model, the Xbox Series X, lacks a Type-C USB port entirely. Microsoft has a history of being the last to adopt cutting-edge I/O technologies in favor of backward compatibility, which is why they still lack these widely used ports.
The fact that Microsoft has previously implemented Type-C ports for other devices such as the Surface Pro series, Surface Duo, and even the newest Xbox controllers makes this choice all the more bizarre.
It’s only natural that they finish the circle by including a Type-C port on the Xbox Series S and X.
They did not, however.
The Xbox Series X port selection has been kept minimal and limited due to Microsoft’s reliance on wireless technologies.
A dedicated RF connection is used by the controllers, and a Wi-Fi module is used to support the network functionality.
The requirement for a gaming console to have a lot of connectivity ports has lessened.
What Are the Ports on the Xbox Series X?
You might be wondering what the Xbox Series X has in place of a USB-C connector now that you know it doesn’t have one. The list is, well, short.
USB ports were formerly used to facilitate accessory connectivity and external storage on prior Xbox versions.
Instead of USB-powered devices, the Series X has included a new SSD expansion slot to encourage high-speed storage additions.
The Xbox Series X has the following ports:
3 Type-A USB 3.0 Ports: One can be found on the console’s front face. The other two can be found on the back I/O panel.
Accessories, device charging, and external storage are all possible with these ports.
HDMI 2.1 -out: This is the Xbox Series X’s primary visual output connection connector. It has an output resolution of up to 8K.
Ethernet: Wired network connections continue to outperform wireless ones on a constant basis.
Power: This is a port you’re likely to be familiar with right away.
SSD Expansion Slot: This is the most recent form of expansion slot to be included in a console. It isn’t the first time Microsoft has dabbled with storage expansion alternatives, such as the Xbox 360’s removable hard drives. This slot allows gamers to upgrade their storage without sacrificing performance, however at a larger cost.
Kensington Lock: This is a small lock hole that can be used to attach Kensington-styled locks. Because the Xbox Series X is such a costly piece of technology, you may want to keep it tethered to the wall when it’s not in use.
It’s a lot less than the Xbox One X had earlier, but it’s still plenty to get the job done.
The most significant difference is that HDMI pass-through for other consoles or cable connections is no longer supported by the Series X.
Is it possible to add ports to my Xbox Series X?
If the list of ports on the Series X isn’t quite enough for you, you’ll be happy to know that you can spend some more cash to expand it.
The USB 3.0 ports on the Series X work in the same way that USB 3.0 ports on almost any other device.
That means you can use USB hubs and other adapters to enhance the number of Series X ports available.
The bad news is that you won’t be able to connect your Series X to a Type C port.
At least not in terms of functionality.
It will not work as a true USB Type-C connection if you can find a USB hub that connects to USB 3.0 Type-A ports and delivers USB Type-C connections.
The Type-A ports will operate as a data bandwidth and speed limitation.
While you won’t get the extra video outputs or lightning-fast charging speeds that come with Type-C USB, you will be able to increase the number of Type-A ports accessible for older accessories and external storage devices.
Other than the number of accessible ports to connect to and the size of the storage device, there is no restriction to how many external drives your Xbox Series X can read.
Although there are technical reasons why a Type-C connection would be better for external storage devices, adding USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt technology would raise the overall price of the Xbox Series X console, which is already pricey.
The majority of Xbox Series X owners will not require any additional ports on the device.
Any gamer only needs three USB ports, Ethernet, and an HDMI to connect to a TV or monitor and begin playing.
Some people can even get away with not having a direct wired internet connection.
Why isn’t there a Type C port on the Xbox Series X?
No one has officially responded to this question. Microsoft has a history of being one of the last companies to add new ports to its devices.
Before Microsoft added Type-C to its Surface Pro series, the port had been on three generations of computers.
The unfortunate reality is that the Xbox Series X hardware designers most likely did not see a reason to include a Type-C port.
This could be due to a lack of understanding of the potential of a fully-powered Type-C port for home consoles.
I don’t think the port is absolutely necessary for a console just now.
I exclusively use a Type-C port to charge my virtual reality headset and smartphone.
My console’s port would be of little use.
Because the PS5 contains a front-facing USB-C port for quick charging the PS5 controller, this question is frequently posed to compare the PS5 and the Xbox Series X.
While if the Xbox controllers were provided with a built-in rechargeable battery, a faster charging option for the Xbox controller would be welcomed.
Microsoft has decided to preserve the console controllers that require AA batteries.
This is an inconvenient design problem for some.
Microsoft, in my opinion, is looking to the future.
Internal batteries can only be recharged so many times before they lose their ability to hold a charge.
You won’t lose a controller to time alone because Xbox controllers are powered by replaceable batteries.
Plus, to get the best of both worlds, you can still install rechargeable batteries into your Xbox Series X controller.
None of this explains why the port was left from the Xbox Series X system.
I’m sticking to the theory that it was a design decision based on how the designers envisioned the console being used.
