The Series S/X lack of USB audio out of the box is baffling

BillBixby1 · Nov 30, 2020

I've been playing on Xbox consoles since the days of the original Halo, with the Playstation 2 being my last Sony console. Microsoft has dropped the ball with their prehistoric audio options, to the point where I'm strongly considering a PS5 over the Series
X for this reason alone.

Not only is it completely baffling that USB audio didn't exist last generation, but now they've trashed the only alternative (Optical) leaving us with zero options. Astro's proprietary update means nothing to me because far superior products exist and I
refuse to downgrade my current set-up (Sound Blaster G6/Beyerdynamic 770 Pro) for inferior products. My audio set up is the price of a Series S. Should I render it useless because Microsoft refuses to support it in 2020?

Games like Hunt Showdown rely solely on sound and considering it's all I play nowadays, it makes no sense for me to get the Series X. I'm hoping a solution presents itself by January/February otherwise I'll be jumping ship and not looking back.

BTW, looked up a vid on YouTube and the Sound Blaster G6 on the PS5 is PLUG N' PLAY. Just a matter of time before 19 years is sent down the drain.

- A sad, long time Microsoft Stan

:)

HomegrownSilky

Series S/X games cannot be played from a hard drive connected via USB. Series S/X games can only be played from the internal drive or the official expansion cards that attach directly in the back of the console. Again, no USB connected drives can play Series S/X games.

BillDotriev

Will this also work for X-Box Series S? It says "Buy it for X-Box 360" on the link.

Unstable Chimp

There are multiple articles stating audio compatibility via USB. If optical is necessary, there are various HDMI to optical devices available which you may need to add.

https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/02/designed-for-xbox-new-look-continuous-compatibility/

"Some gaming headsets that utilize an optical cable may require a firmware update to support game and chat audio over USB on Xbox Series X. Soundbars and headsets that do not receive updates may be connected
directly to your televisions optical port."

https://wccftech.com/xbox-series-x-audio-usb/

"Xbox Series X to Support Wireless Audio and Voice Chat Over USB, Astro Gaming Confirms"

Rekt Innit yo

The series X is a fantastic piece of machinery and a massive improvement on the previous gen. They are severely lacking in the audio department but in all others it's a fine piece of hardware.

Tam Gault

Hi again,

This on only happening on our x-box series X

It works as it should on our series S

???????

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