How Many HDMI Ports on Xbox Series X?

The Xbox Series X, the flagship gaming console of Microsoft, has been designed to offer advanced gaming capabilities. While the hardware is certainly a step up compared to the previous generation consoles, what enabled the output of high resolution and frame is the HDMI port.

HDMI is perhaps the most popular multimedia interface and hence it only makes sense for the Xbox Series X to feature this port for connecting with monitors and TV out there.

However, as far as the question of how many HDMI ports on Xbox Series X goes, the answer, unfortunately, is just one.

Xbox Series X offers a single HDMI port that conforms to the HDMI 2.1 version

This has several ramifications. If the single HDMI port gets damaged, you will have no other way to connect your console to a TV or a monitor.

In addition to that, the version of the HDMI port is also worth taking note of as it determines the resolution and the frame rate supported.

So How Many HDMI Ports on Xbox Series X?

As mentioned earlier, Xbox Series X offers a single HDMI 2.1 port located on its backside.

Xbox Series X offers no other forms of video interfacing ports such as DisplayPort, VGA or DVI. The USB ports, including the Type C port, are not intended for video output connectivity even with adapters.

Having a single HDMI port makes the most sense because there is absolutely no need for two ports. Two HDMI ports can come in handy when you plan to have multiple display devices connected simultaneously like on a PC.

However, Xbox Series X, DOES NOT support multiple displays.

In addition to that, a single HDMI port reduces the overall cost of the console making it marginally cheaper for the buyer (as well as for the manufacturer).

Xbox Series X’s HDMI 2.1 Port

The version of the HDMI port is very important to note. This is because while all HDMI ports may look the same, they can differ drastically in terms of the max resolution and frame rate they can carry.

Xbox Series X features the HDMI 2.1 standard. This standard is capable of carrying the rated 4K @ 120Hz refresh supported by the console. Meaning it can support up to 4K @ 120 FPS gaming mode IF the monitor / TV has the rated specs.

It should be noted that the actual resolution and frame rate support depend upon the game itself.

The following table further explains the different HDMI ports version and why they are significant.

The key point to note here is that if you have a monitor / TV with an HDMI 2.0 port, the max display mode supported will be 4K @ 60Hz.

And if you have a monitor or a TV with an even inferior HDMI 1.4 port, then it’ll only support a max of 4K @ 30Hz display mode.

The Significance of HDMI 2.1 Port

In addition to the higher resolution and frame rate, there are plenty of other benefits that HDMI 2.1 offers.

The HDMI 2.1 port in Xbox Series X provides some significant benefits, which is why it’s an essential part of this next-gen console.

1. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

The HDMI 2.1 also supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which allows the console to automatically set the connected display to its lowest latency mode.

This feature helps to reduce lag during gaming, providing a more responsive gaming experience.

2. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

Another great advantage of HDMI 2.1 is its support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate in real-time, eliminating screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay.

3. Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

The HDMI 2.1 port supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), enabling higher quality audio transmission and more advanced audio formats.

The Impact of Having One HDMI Port

Having one HDMI port on the Xbox Series X doesn’t limit the console’s capabilities, but it does limit some gamers, particularly those who like to stream their games.

A multiple-monitor setup is often used by gamers who stream their games live and like to stay active with their community during their gameplay.

For PCs, this isn’t an issue, but for a gaming console like the Xbox Series X, the only way to add a second display is to build a dedicated streaming PC – which admittedly can get expensive. 

For this you will need:

• A streaming PC – can be any average PC – does not have to be a gaming PC.
• A video capture card like the Elgato HD60 X

Source: Elgato HD60 X Video Capture Card

Unfortunately, if you take the overall cost of this setup, it’ll cost you at least, if not more, than the Xbox Series X itself.

Conclusion

In summary, the Xbox Series X comes with a single HDMI port. There is no way to add an additional HDMI port to the console directly.

If you wish to add a second monitor, you will have to get a video capture card and a dedicated streaming PC.

If, unfortunately, the HDMI port does get damaged, you will have no other way to output the video to your TV or your monitor.