Microsoft has made the compatibility of Xbox Series X accessories admirably clear: If it works on the Xbox One, it will probably work on the Xbox Series X

The new accessories are labeled "Designed for Xbox" on the box From headsets to controllers to racing wheels, any "Designed for Xbox" accessory you purchase will work on the Xbox Series X just as well as it does on the Xbox One

In fact, the only thing that prevents older Xbox One devices from fully functioning on the Series X is the presence of an optical audio port

This information comes from an Xbox Wire post by Alex Nunn, Xbox's senior program manager, in which Nunn cites what he calls "continued compatibility" and what the best Xbox Series X accessories already own He explained that it might be

"If you have a favorite Xbox One accessory, like a SteelSeries headset that just fits or a Thrustmaster wheel that you want to use more, you're in luck!" he wrote

"Designed for Xbox is working hard with our partners to ensure continued compatibility on as many of our products as possible, and we're excited to be working with you to make sure you're getting the most out of your Xbox One

"Any officially licensed Xbox One accessory that connects to the console wired or wirelessly via USB will work with the Xbox Series X," Nunn said Additionally, headsets that connect via the 35 mm port on the Xbox wireless controller will also be supported"

This is largely consistent with what we have heard previously Since Microsoft has not changed the connection protocol for the Xbox Series X, almost any accessory licensed for the Xbox One will continue to work without issue (As for Xbox 360 accessories, they generally use a different connection profile and will likely not work except for 35mm headsets)

Xbox headsets are generally not compatible with other platforms, and vice versa, as the Xbox One uses a completely different wireless protocol than the PC, PS4, and Switch docks

For better or worse, Microsoft will keep the Xbox One's unusual wireless protocols for the Xbox Series X

The only major exception is for accessories that rely on the optical audio port, since, as noted, the Xbox Series X does not have one It will not be completely unusable, but its functionality will be very limited

"Some gaming headsets that utilize optical cables may require a firmware update to support game and chat audio via USB on the Xbox Series X," Nunn wrote

"Soundbars and headsets that do not receive the update can be connected directly to the TV's optical port

This assumes, of course, that accessory manufacturers issue firmware updates for older devices (many do not) and that all TVs have optical audio ports (many do not)

Other than that, Nunn also lists a variety of accessory partners for the Xbox Series X, including Bang & Olufsen for audio technology, Cable Matters (naturally) for cables, and OtterBox for its "comprehensive portfolio of accessories" He cites partners