We spent pretty much the entirety of yesterday talking about what features the Xbox Series X will packing at launch, and it's safe to say we're incredibly excited. But compared to current-gen, what won't it be able to do? We've got some speculation and confirmations to share.
The first report comes from Windows Central, who mention they reached out to Microsoft in regards to the SPDIF optical audio port -- that thing that allows you to hook up sound systems and certain headsets -- and were informed that the port won't be available on retail units of the Xbox Series X. Some of these devices could theoretically be updated to work via USB, but it remains to be seen whether that will happen.
Another removed feature is the IR Blaster, which previously was used for things like the Xbox Media Remote. Fortunately, there will be a replacement for this, as the console will instead be using HDMI-CEC for the remote accessory, which is compatible with most modern TVs.
We at Pure Xbox have also noticed there's no dedicated Kinect port. That's not a surprise -- the motion-controlled device hasn't been a big part of Microsoft's plans for years, and a port wasn't included for the Xbox One S or X either, with those systems requiring an adapter to use Kinect. We're not sure whether that adapter will work on Xbox Series X, but given it ceased manufacturing back in 2017, it might be difficult to get your hands on one anyway.
And finally, it doesn't look like we'll be getting HDMI passthrough on Series X either. Again, no confirmation on this from Microsoft just yet, but the lack of a dedicated HDMI-in port suggests it's unlikely to happen. This was the feature that allowed you to connect set-top boxes (and even other consoles) to Xbox One via HDMI.
Have you noticed anything else missing from Xbox Series X so far? Let us know in the comments.
[source windowscentral.com]
Comments 11
It doesn't have any Joy-Con.
@AlexOlney HA!
Thank goodness for HDMI-CEC - finally! I was super shocked when the Xbox One didn't use it.
Also, while it's a bummer for people with ancient A/V Receivers, the loss of SPDIF isn't a big deal. If you don't have a receiver with HDMI, get with the times!
Well, as long as it's missing features that most of us won't be missing or needing in the first place, I highly doubt that many will shed a tear over it...
Dammit - my 5.1 home theater system only works through a single optical audio port. This sucks.
@Nickolaidas use an USB soundcard with spidiff support. Those should work. Or a TV that has spdiff output and supports 5.1 over HDMI.
@AlexOlney and hence no Joy-Con drift 😉😂
I absolutely love my Switch but I couldn't let that one slide.
With HDMI 2.1, you can pass 3D Audio through a compatible TV to a surround sound system (instead of passing the picture through an Audio system) and SPDIF is not the 'best' option - its not got the bandwidth to cope with uncompressed 5.1 Audio for example. It could be a pain for those with certain headsets or set-ups though...
I don't think any of these will affect me or my set-up but things can change...
The SPDIF audio output is the only thing that matters to me, but I'll survive without it. This Xbox is a dedicated games machine only, after all.
@sanderev I have a bad experience with adapters, but I'll try it at some point.
Is optical fiber cable capable of producing 3d audio, or is that an hdmi thing only?
Thankfully my new 5.1 (not Atmos) is ARC so every thing through hdmi (out), but that means I lose one of the three hdmi on the telly, so XsX, ps5, switch, pc... Mmmm
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