Newly produced versions of the Xbox Wireless Controller appear to be losing a dedicated expansion port. The hardware change removes a feature that previously sat on the underside of the device next to the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Microsoft has not officially confirmed this modification yet. Reddit users have reported seeing the port disappear from recent manufacturing runs.
New production runs reportedly drop the expansion port next to the headphone jack
The removal affects connectivity options for third-party accessories and headsets that relied on the expansion interface. The controller currently sells for around $100 USD (about $100) at major retailers like Amazon. This pricing remains consistent with previous standard models before any design changes took effect.
Industry observers note that hardware simplification often accompanies cost reduction or supply chain adjustments in consumer electronics. The Xbox Wireless Controller has maintained a relatively stable design for several generations until now. Select editions like the Forza Horizon 6 Special Edition may still include the port if Microsoft limits this change to specific production batches.
It remains unclear whether all future Xbox Wireless Controllers will ship without the expansion port or if the modification applies only to certain regions or product lines. Microsoft has not issued a formal statement regarding the design update or its long-term impact on accessory compatibility.
Source: NotebookCheck
