Lost the power cable, or is your console not turning on? Each Xbox model uses a different power setup, and buying the wrong Xbox power cord is a common mistake. This guide shows which cable or power supply every Xbox and the PS5 need, how to tell if the power brick has failed, and what to buy as a replacement.
Quick answer: which power cord does my console use?
| Console | Power setup | Cable you need |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | Internal power supply | Standard figure-8 (IEC C7) two-prong cord |
| Xbox Series S | Internal power supply | Standard figure-8 (IEC C7) two-prong cord |
| Xbox One X | Internal power supply | Figure-8 (IEC C7) cord |
| Xbox One S | Internal power supply | Figure-8 (IEC C7) cord |
| Original Xbox One (2013) | External power brick | Xbox One power supply brick with its own AC cord |
| Xbox 360 (all models) | External power brick | Model-specific Xbox 360 power brick |
| PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro | Internal power supply | Figure-8 (IEC C7) cord |
Xbox Series X power cord and Series S power cord
The Xbox Series X power cord and the Xbox Series S power cord are the same: a two-prong “figure 8” cable, technically called IEC C7 to NEMA 1-15P in the US. Both consoles have the power supply built in, so there is no brick. Any good quality figure-8 cable works, including the one from many TVs, game consoles and printers. Choose one at least 6 feet (1.8 m) long if your outlet is far away, and avoid very thin cables from unknown brands.
People also search for an Xbox Series X power supply. Because it is internal, replacing it means opening the console, which voids the warranty. If the console is dead but the cable is fine, contact Xbox support for repair; see the Xbox repair guide.
Xbox One power cord vs Xbox One power supply
This is where most mistakes happen:
- Xbox One S and Xbox One X have an internal power supply and use the simple figure-8 cord, exactly like the Series X. The Xbox One S power cord and the Xbox One X power cord are interchangeable with the Series X cable.
- The original Xbox One (the big black 2013 model) uses an external Xbox One power brick. The brick plugs into the back of the console with a special connector, and a separate AC cable runs from the brick to the wall. If you lost only the wall cable, a standard figure-8 or cloverleaf cable may fit depending on the brick version; if the brick itself failed, you need a replacement Xbox One power supply.
How to tell if your Xbox One power brick is bad
The original Xbox One power supply has a small LED:
- Solid white: the brick is working and the console is off or in energy saving mode.
- Solid orange: the brick is working and the console is in standby.
- No light or flashing: the brick is faulty, or the outlet or cable is bad.
To reset it, unplug the brick from the wall and the console for 10 seconds, plug it into a different outlet without a surge strip, and check the LED again.
Xbox 360 power cord and power brick
Every Xbox 360 model uses an external brick, but they are not all the same. The original “fat” Xbox 360 bricks came in 175W, 203W and 150W versions depending on the motherboard; the Xbox 360 S uses a smaller 135W brick with a different connector; and the Xbox 360 E uses a 120W brick with yet another connector. Check the connector shape and the label on your old brick before buying a replacement. An Xbox 360 power cord from a fat model will not fit an S or E.
PlayStation 5 power cord
The PlayStation 5 power cord is also a figure-8 IEC C7 cable, the same type the Xbox Series X uses. All PS5 models, including the slim and the PS5 Pro, have internal power supplies, so there is no brick. A replacement cable is cheap at any electronics store.
Xbox not turning on? Check power first
- Try another outlet and plug the console directly into the wall, not a power strip or surge protector.
- Swap the cable. A figure-8 cord from another device rules out a bad cable on the Series X, Series S, One S, One X and PS5.
- Hard reset: unplug the console for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait for the power supply to reset, then press the power button on the console itself, not the controller.
- Listen and look: if the console clicks or the power light flashes briefly and then goes dark, the internal power supply may have failed.
- Check for overheating: consoles shut themselves off if vents are blocked. See why an Xbox keeps turning off.
Buying a replacement: official vs third-party
For figure-8 cords, a well-made third-party cable is fine and costs a few dollars. For power bricks (original Xbox One and Xbox 360), quality matters much more: cheap bricks can overheat, run noisy fans or deliver unstable power that damages the console. Look for bricks with UL or CE certification, the correct wattage for your model, and good reviews from verified buyers. Official Microsoft bricks are no longer made for the 360, so certified refurbished originals are often the safest option.
Power tips for longer console life
- Use a surge protector, but avoid cheap power strips with daisy-chained extension cords.
- Leave space around the console and the brick; bricks need airflow too and should not sit on carpet.
- Set the Xbox to Shutdown (energy saving) power mode if you do not need instant-on, which uses less power and keeps the internal supply cooler.
- Unplug consoles during storms if you do not have surge protection.
Power cord FAQ
Is the Xbox Series X power cord the same as the PS5 one?
Yes. Both use the same two-prong figure-8 IEC C7 cable, so you can swap them.
Does the Xbox Series X have a power brick?
No. The power supply is inside the console.
Can I use an Xbox One power brick on an Xbox One S?
No. The Xbox One S has an internal supply and only needs a figure-8 cable. The brick connector will not fit.
How much power does an Xbox Series X use?
Roughly 150-200 watts while gaming, under 20 watts in sleep mode with network features on, and well under 1 watt in shutdown mode. The Series S uses about half the gaming power of the Series X.
Why does my Xbox One brick make a humming noise?
A quiet fan noise is normal. A loud buzz, burning smell or heat you cannot touch means you should unplug it and replace it.
Power cords when travelling abroad
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One S and One X, and the PS5 all have internal power supplies that accept 100 to 240 volts, so they work in any country with a simple plug adapter or a local figure-8 or C13 cable. You do not need a voltage converter. The original Xbox One and the Xbox 360 use external power bricks; check the label on the brick, because some older bricks were region-specific. Never use a cheap travel converter with a console, since a poor-quality converter can damage the power supply.
Signs your cable, not your console, is the problem
If the console turns on when the cable is wiggled, the cable is warm at the plug, or the outer sleeve is cracked, replace the cable first. A replacement cable costs a few dollars; a power supply repair costs far more.
If you are unsure which cable you need, take a photo of the power port on the back of your console and compare it with the shapes in the quick answer table at the top of this guide before you order.