How to Check If Your New Xbox Controller Has the Expansion Port Removed

Introduction

Since the Xbox One launched in 2013, Microsoft has made small, gradual tweaks to its iconic controller design. The latest subtle change, spotted on the Forza Horizon 6 special edition controller, suggests one feature may be permanently gone. A Reddit user shared an image showing the controller's proprietary expansion port completely sealed—while the standard auxiliary port remains on the left. This indicates Microsoft may have altered the internal hardware without changing the physical mold. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to identify if your controller has this port removed, what it means for your accessories, and what to expect from future Xbox controllers.

What You Need

• An Xbox controller (new model – especially from 2023 or later, such as the Forza Horizon 6 edition)
• A smartphone or camera to take a close-up photo (optional)
• A magnifying glass or bright light to examine the port area (helpful but not required)
• An older Xbox controller (Xbox One or Series X|S with expansion port) for comparison (optional)
• Access to the internet to verify controller model and release date

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Turn Your Controller Over

Place your controller face down on a soft surface. Look at the bottom edge, near the center. The standard auxiliary port is located on the far left side (closest to the left grip). The proprietary expansion port sits immediately to the right of the auxiliary port – about 2 inches away, closer to the center of the controller.

Step 2: Locate the Two Ports

Identify the standard auxiliary port: it's a narrow, rectangular slot about 1 inch wide, with visible metal contacts inside. Next, look to its right. The expansion port is a wider, rectangular slot (roughly 1.5 inches) that may or may not be open. On older controllers, this port is open and contains multiple pins. On the newer sealed design, the slot is completely filled with plastic – no opening at all.

Step 3: Examine the Expansion Port Area

Run your fingernail or a thin tool gently across the spot where the expansion port should be. If you feel a smooth, continuous surface without any indentation, the port is sealed. If there's a gap or recess, your controller still has the expansion port. Use a bright light or magnifying glass to confirm: on sealed models, the plastic is uniform and no metal pins are visible.

Step 4: Check the Controller Model and Production Date

Look at the sticker underneath the battery compartment (slide off the back panel). Note the model number and date code. The Forza Horizon 6 controller (model no. 1914) is one of the first to show this change. Cross-reference online – if your controller was manufactured after mid-2023, it's more likely to lack the expansion port. However, Microsoft may phase it out gradually across all models.

Step 5: Test with an Expansion Port Accessory (If You Have One)

If you own a chat pad, headset adapter, or audio controller that uses the proprietary expansion port, attempt to plug it in. If it doesn't click into place or feels loose, the port is absent. The standard auxiliary port will still work with 3.5mm headsets and adapters, but any device that relies on the expansion port will not function.

Step 6: Understand the Implications

The removal of the expansion port means Microsoft will no longer support accessories like the Xbox Chatpad or the Stereo Headset Adapter that require that port. These accessories were popular for chat mix controls and quick typing. Going forward, users will need to rely on wireless alternatives or USB-C connections. The standard auxiliary port remains, so basic headphone use is unaffected.

Step 7: Consider Your Next Purchase

If you frequently use expansion-port accessories, buy an older controller (pre-2023) or look for refurbished units. For most users, the change is minor. Microsoft's move suggests a permanent design shift – future controllers will likely omit the port entirely. Keep this in mind if you plan to upgrade or buy a new controller for game-specific bundles.

Tips and Final Thoughts

• Don't panic – The standard auxiliary port still supports all common gaming headsets (3.5mm jack). Only old, proprietary accessories are affected.
• Check before you buy – If you're a collector or use chat pads, verify the controller's production date and research user reviews to confirm the port's presence.
• Alternative solutions – Wireless headsets, USB-C adapters, or Bluetooth audio can replace the functionality of expansion-port accessories.
• Future proofing – Microsoft's design choice likely simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs. Embrace wireless connectivity – it's the direction the industry is heading.
• Compare models – If you own multiple controllers, do the physical inspection on each. You may find a mix of old and new ports.
• Stay tuned – GameSpot and other tech outlets will cover any further changes. The Forza Horizon 6 controller may be the first, but it won't be the last. Expect the expansion port to vanish entirely from Xbox controllers within a year.

In summary, Microsoft's removal of the expansion port is a quiet but significant shift. By following these steps, you can easily determine if your controller has the new design and make an informed decision about accessories and future purchases.