New Xbox Controller Is Missing One Key Feature, Suggesting A Permanent Change
Microsoft appears to be permanently retiring a key feature from its Xbox controller lineup. The latest Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition Xbox Series X|S controller has arrived without Microsoft’s proprietary expansion port, with the port area completely sealed off. A Reddit user spotted the change, noting that while the standard 3.5mm auxiliary headphone jack remains intact, the expansion port that previously allowed for hardware expansions has been removed.
The expansion port, which had appeared on Xbox controllers since the Xbox One generation, enabled various accessories and peripherals. In addition to the expansion port removal, the controller also features a sealed legacy headset port—the proprietary connector originally designed for Xbox One launch-era headsets.
This development suggests that Microsoft is moving away from the expansion port functionality entirely. Rather than tooling new controller molds, the company appears to be keeping existing production molds but omitting the internal hardware required to support the expansion port, indicating the change is likely permanent. The sealed ports suggest this represents a strategic shift rather than a manufacturing oversight.
The removal doesn’t affect core controller functionality, as the standard 3.5mm auxiliary jack remains for standard headset connections. However, the change may frustrate users who have invested in Xbox-compatible expansion peripherals that relied on the proprietary port.