Does My Xbox One S Need an External Power Brick?
No! As a passionate gamer and Xbox expert, I can definitively say the Xbox One S has an internal universal power supply that works globally. You do not need a bulky external power brick. The Xbox One S simply uses a standard figure-8 power cable.
Power Supply Differences Across Xbox Generations
Let‘s analyze how power requirements have evolved across Xbox generations:
| Xbox Model | Power Supply |
|---|---|
| Original Xbox One | External power brick required |
| Xbox One S | Internal power supply |
| Xbox One X | Internal power supply |
| Xbox Series X | Internal power supply |
| Xbox Series S | Internal power supply |
As you can see, Microsoft smartly transitioned to an internal power system starting with 2016‘s Xbox One S revision. This gets rid of the annoying power brick!
Inside the Xbox One S Power System
The Xbox One S introduced an integrated worldwide power supply, drastically simplifying the setup. Here are the key technical details:
- Input voltage: 100-240V AC worldwide compatible
- Frequency: 50-60 Hz
- Output current: 17A (203W max)
- Requires a standard IEC 60320-C7 figure-of-eight power cable
This allows the Xbox One S to automatically handle voltages and frequencies from any region. No more fussy power bricks!
Power Cord Considerations
While the Xbox One S can technically work with any standard 18 AWG figure-eight cable, Microsoft strongly advises using only the supplied OEM power cord.
Third-party cords risk incorrect wiring or inadequate surge protection. They could potentially damage your console and void the warranty. I don‘t recommend taking that risk to save a few dollars!
Powering On the Xbox One S
Starting up your Xbox One S is simple:
- Connect the figure-8 cable securely into the back of the console.
- Plug the other end into your wall power outlet.
- Press the Xbox power button on the front of the console.
The front Xbox logo will glow white, then the console will boot up!
LED Diagnostics
The Xbox One S power supply has a built-in diagnostic LED:
- White: Power supply working correctly
- Orange: Standby mode after system shutdown
- No light: Loss of wall power or issue with power supply
So if your Xbox One S won‘t turn on, check this LED first!
No light could indicate a bad surge or outage. Simply unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, then reconnect to reset the internal supply.
Avoiding Power Strips
While convenient, avoid plugging your Xbox One S into basic power strips. Power fluctuations can sometimes crash or restart the console due to voltage drops.
Invest in a high-quality surge protecting power strip with noise filtering. I recommend Tripp Lite‘s Isobar series with a $25K connected equipment warranty!
What If My Xbox Has No Power At All?
- First, verify the wall outlet is working properly by plugging in a phone charger or lamp.
- Try connecting your console to a different outlet, preferably directly instead through a power strip.
- Make sure all cables have a solid connection – no loose plugs!
- If the LED diagnostic light still doesn‘t turn on, contact Microsoft Support for a replacement.
Do Xbox Accessories Need External Power?
Some Xbox One S accessories like external hard drives or the Kinect sensor may still need their own power adapter. But the console itself functions worldwide without a bulky external power brick!
So rest assured, your Xbox One S won‘t clutter your gaming station with a massive power block. Just one slim standard figure-of-eight cable required! Game on!
