Microsoft's Xbox controller refresh kills its underused accessory port

At a glance:

• New Forza Horizon 6 gamepad shows a sealed space where the Chatpad port used to be.
• Leaked images of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 also lack any expansion port.
• Xbox store page now notes that “not all versions of this controller include an expansion port.”

What the change looks like

The latest Forza Horizon 6 controller that leaked on social media has the familiar rectangular cut‑out on the bottom of the Xbox Wireless Controller, but the opening is covered with a plastic insert. No metal contacts are visible, confirming that the proprietary Chatpad port is no longer functional on that model. A similar story emerged from a set of images of the upcoming Xbox Elite Controller Series 3, where the port is absent entirely and the controller’s underside appears smooth.

Microsoft’s online store added a small line of copy to the Xbox Wireless Controller product page in April 2026: “Not all versions of this controller include an expansion port.” The note was missing from the page’s March 31, 2026 snapshot in the Internet Archive, indicating the change was introduced only weeks ago. The company has not yet issued a public comment, though the three independent signals suggest a deliberate phase‑out of the port across the current generation of Xbox controllers.

History of the expansion port

The expansion port debuted on the Xbox 360 controller as a way to attach the Chatpad, a miniature QWERTY keyboard that doubled as a programmable button panel. It became a staple of the Xbox One era, where the Chatpad gave players quick text entry and in‑game macro shortcuts, and it added a noticeable weight to the controller’s lower half. Microsoft also used the port for a Stereo Headset Adapter and a few experimental charging accessories.

By 2019 the Chatpad had quietly disappeared from Microsoft’s accessory lineup, and no official announcement was made. When the Xbox Series X and Series S launched in November 2020, the new Xbox Wireless Controllers still featured the port, but marketing materials never highlighted it, and no new accessories were released for the 2020‑generation hardware.

Why it matters

From a functional standpoint, the port’s relevance has eroded. Modern Xbox controllers include a 3.5 mm audio jack for headsets, eliminating the need for a separate headset adapter, and the Xbox mobile app now offers an on‑screen keyboard for live text entry. However, the port represented a rare avenue for exclusive, niche accessories that could generate additional revenue and differentiate Xbox hardware from competitors.

Nintendo, for example, continues to profit from proprietary add‑ons such as the Ring Fit Adventure accessories and the Labo kits, while Sony’s DualSense has seen third‑party add‑ons like the DualSense Edge’s interchangeable sticks. By closing the Chatpad port, Microsoft may be relinquishing a potential source of low‑cost, high‑margin peripherals and reducing the platform’s appeal to power users who enjoy custom key‑bindings or unique input devices.

The decision also signals a broader shift in Microsoft’s hardware strategy. While the company remains a leader in accessibility with the Adaptive Controller and continues to experiment with haptic feedback and cloud gaming, the abandonment of the expansion port suggests a focus on software‑centric experiences rather than hardware add‑ons. Observers will be watching future Xbox controller revisions to see whether Microsoft re‑introduces a new form of modularity or fully embraces a sealed design.

What could happen next

If the port is truly gone, developers and accessory makers will need to rely on Bluetooth or USB‑C connections for any future keyboard‑style devices. Microsoft’s own Xbox app already supports on‑screen typing, but third‑party solutions could emerge that leverage the controller’s existing USB‑C port for wired peripherals. Alternatively, Microsoft might launch a new generation of controllers with a different kind of modular interface, perhaps built around the USB‑C standard rather than a proprietary slot.

Gamers who preferred the heft and tactile feel of a Chatpad‑equipped controller may look to aftermarket solutions, such as custom‑3D‑printed inserts or weight kits, to replicate the experience. Meanwhile, collectors will likely seek out remaining stock of Chatpad‑compatible controllers as a niche retro item. The market’s response will help determine whether the expansion port’s demise is a final chapter or merely a pause before a next‑generation modular system arrives.