Does the Kinect Need an Adapter to Work With an Old Xbox?

Xbox 360 Versions

• Several models of Xbox 360 have been released since the console debuted in 2005, and these various versions fall into two main categories: those released before 2010 (under a variety of names including Core, Elite, Arcade and Super Elite) are bulkier, while those released since 2010 have a redesigned circuit board, making the consoles considerably slimmer. These slim models are technically called Xbox 360 S but are generally marketed as the Xbox 360. All new models available as of June 2013 are slim models.

Power Issues

• The Kinect device uses a variety of electronic components such as cameras and microphones which require power. As the Kinect does not use batteries, it must be powered by a cable connection. With the slim models you can connect it to dedicated Kinect USB slot on the console that is set up to carry both data and power. With the older models, the absence of a dedicated USB slot means you must connect the Kinect to any USB slot on the console to carry data and then connect an external power supply.

Power Supply

• The Kinect does not have a dedicated power cable socket; instead you must use a special adapter cable that is supplied with the Kinect. This cable plugs into the Kinect and then splits into two, with one part ending in a USB plug that connects to the console and the other part ending with an adapter plug that connects to console's power and alters the voltage to suit the Kinect. You can buy additional adapter cables from third-party retailers in case you lose or damage the one supplied with the Kinect.

Other Devices

• The original Xbox console (released before the 360) is not compatible with Kinect. The Xbox One, due for release in fall 2013, will include Kinect rather than it being an optional added purchase. The Kinect component will use a proprietary connection (not USB); as of June 2013 Microsoft had not revealed if it will require a separate power supply. The Kinect released for the Xbox 360 can be connected to a Windows PC through the USB cable; in most cases this connection won't carry enough power so you will need the adapter cable. The Kinect component of the Xbox One won't be connectable to a PC because of the proprietary connection.