Microsoft's Xbox controller refresh kills its underused accessory port
Microsoft's recent Xbox controller refresh appears to eliminate the proprietary expansion port, commonly known as the Chatpad port. Reports indicate that the new Forza Horizon 6 gamepad lacks this connection point, and leaked images of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 show no signs of it either. This change reflects a broader trend as Microsoft has not produced significant accessories for the port in recent years, despite its past popularity.
- ▪The new Xbox controllers will not include a proprietary expansion port.
- ▪Leaked images of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 confirm the absence of the expansion port.
- ▪Microsoft has not produced meaningful accessories for the expansion port since the Xbox One era.
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Gaming Xbox Microsoft's Xbox controller refresh kills its underused accessory port Hold your Chatpads close. By Jessica Conditt May 21, 2026 4:56 pm EST Xbox Xbox controllers will no longer come with a proprietary expansion port — known as the Chatpad port to many players — if all three of the recent signs are to be believed. First, reports are rolling in on social media that the new Forza Horizon 6 gamepad doesn't include a connection point for Xbox accessories, and the space where the port used to be is visible but plugged up. Second, last week's leaked images of the coming Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 show no signs of an expansion port.
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