A few weeks ago one of my mates came up with a grand plan of getting an Xbox Series X console. As you do, I followed suit – I bought the Xbox Series X – because I love sinking a good few hours a night into Call of Duty: Warzone with my buddies online.
But the first thing I realized was that the controller didn’t have a built-in microphone. So, I was wondering how I’d actually be able to talk to my friends. I mean, gaming without a mic is kind of a disaster for me.
I did some research, and I found that I wasn’t alone in my troubles, here’s what I discovered…
So, does the Xbox Series X controller have a microphone? No. But it does have a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port, so you can connect a gaming headset, plus a mic, into the controller. However, you may need to keep the USB-C port idle just in case you run out of battery while gaming – just a thought.
Now that you know that the Xbox Series X controller does not have a microphone, what can you do about it? Obviously you can connect a headphone jack through the 3.5mm audio port or the USB-C port. But, what if you don’t want to sit in a wire-y mess while gaming?
Well, let’s look at all the possible solutions that won’t make you want to throw your controller at the wall.
Does the Xbox Series X Controller Have a Microphone?
No, the Xbox Series X controller does not have a built-in mic like the PlayStation 5 controller.
Most people don’t mind this because they already have a gaming headset that comes with a built-in mic. But if you’re someone who prefers not to wear a headset while gaming, then you will need to connect a dedicated mic through the 3.5mm audio port, or the USB-C port, to talk to your teammates.
Also, if you’re playing games like Call of Duty: Warzone or some other First Person Shooter, I highly recommend that you get a gaming headset. You won’t be able to listen out for enemy footsteps, and this won’t go down well with your teammates. (I’ve been there and done that – safe to say my mate was annoyed when we got flanked!)
Let’s find out if you can connect a microphone via Bluetooth to the Xbox Series X.
Can You Connect a Mic to the Xbox Series X Controller Via Bluetooth?
Yes. But it is not supported by default.
What do I mean by that?
The Xbox Series X controller’s Bluetooth is built in a way that it ONLY communicates with the console and no other devices.
So, you’re out of luck if you want to connect your Bluetooth headset and mic directly to the console.
But there’s another option – a Bluetooth transmitter that is compatible with the 3.5mm input.
Warning: Bluetooth transmitters cannot transmit audio by default. You can only use your headset with a Bluetooth transmitter, not your microphone.
If you’re like me and absolutely HATE wires, then this solution will work best for you.
All you have to do is find a Bluetooth transmitter that is compatible with the 3.5mm input, connect it and off you go!
Here are some good Bluetooth transmitters that I personally recommend off Amazon:
This is one of the best transmitters that’s available to buy today, if you ask me. It’s small so it won’t make your controller feel bulky, plus, it’s tiny enough for you not to notice it hanging off your controller after a while. You’ll get used to it pretty quick.
This one is a bit bulkier than the Hagibis Bluetooth adapter but it looks cooler. That’s the only difference between the two. Besides the design, both adapters do the same thing.
If you want an attractive-looking Bluetooth transmitter, this is it. It has an OLED screen so you can keep an eye on its battery level and its volume level. But keep in mind that the bigger the transmitter is, the heavier your controller will feel.
If I were you, I’d go for the Hagibis transmitter because it’s the smallest around, and it will have the least impact on your gaming. I personally wouldn’t want a Bluetooth transmitter that was so heavy that I had to stop gaming after about 30-40mins. But it’s up to you to decide.
Connecting a Bluetooth Transmitter to Your Xbox Series X Controller In 3 Steps:
Step 1: Insert the transmitter into the audio port on your controller and turn on the transmitter.
Step 2: Connect your headphones to this transmitter. See if your headset’s lights light up, this will show you that you are connected to a Bluetooth device.
Step 3: Put on your headphones and see if you are getting sound.
And viola! You now have connected your headphone to your Xbox Series X controller via Bluetooth.
But, let’s say you already have a PS5 DualSense controller with you. This controller already has a built-in mic, so couldn’t you just connect this controller to your Xbox Series X? You wouldn’t have to go through buying and connecting new gadgets this way. But would this solution actually work?
Can you Connect the PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller to an Xbox Series X?
I know what you’re thinking – If I can’t connect a mic, even with a 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitter, can I just connect my PS5 controller, which comes with a built-in microphone, to my Xbox Series X and be done with it?
The short answer is: No.
The PS5 DualSense controller, and the default Xbox Series X controller, use different wireless technologies and are not compatible with each other.
But (there’s always a but isn’t there!) you can use a controller adapter, like a Brook Wingman XB Converter, to make the PS5 DualSense controller work with your Xbox Series X.
We go into detail about how you can do this in our post here – Using a PS5 DualSense Controller with Xbox Series X.
Using a USB Transmitter to Connect Your Microphone To Your Xbox Series X Controller
There is a certain limit on how much data 3.5mm Bluetooth transmitters can transmit. So, you may not be entirely happy with that option.
However, you could use a USB transmitter to enhance your experience. Using a USB transmitter means that you will be able to use your headphones and your microphone at the same time. But, you will need to make sure that the transmitter is compatible with your Xbox Series X controller first.
There is usually a sticker on USB transmitters that state what devices they are compatible with. If you don’t see a sticker, look through the items sales page to see if they mention which devices the transmitter is compatible with.
If you’re still having trouble finding the info, then there is no point taking the risk and losing your money – you’d be better off spending some extra cash and buying a transmitter that has the sticker on it.
Or, if you don’t want to go hunting for a compatible transmitter, you can always just buy a compatible wireless headset with a microphone which will also work.
Will You Experience Audio Lags When Using These Solutions?
It is possible. However, it all depends on the quality of the Bluetooth transmitter you’re using and what game you’re playing.
For example, if you’re playing The Witcher 3 or GTA 5, then you probably won’t notice a lot of difference in your gameplay. But, if you play FPS (First Person Shooter) titles like Fortnite, or Call of Duty: Warzone, the input lag from your microphone will be noticeable.
Why will it be noticeable?
That is because your voice has to pass through an additional hub, and those extra milliseconds are crucial in these types of games. If your teammates hear your commands just a few milliseconds later you could lose the game.
So, if you’re someone who only plays FPS titles, you are better off connecting a wired microphone to your Xbox Series X controller to avoid any audio lags.
But, if you’re a laid back gamer who plays titles like GTA 5 to blow off steam after a long day at work, then you’ll definitely be okay with it. As long as the lag is not noticeable, you’ll be good to go, or should I say – good to game?
Sorry, bad pun. I know 🙂