How to Modify an Xbox Controller Port to Use USB Components
The Xbox is a popular game console but lacks a USB port to enable you to use off-console storage. You can modify a cable that comes with the Xbox controller so that USB flash drives can be used, although you may need to format the USB drive on a computer separately. You will need some experience in using a soldering iron and a few parts from a hardware or electronics store. The modification should not take more than an hour or two to complete. Adult supervision is necessary if a child is doing the modification.
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Things You'll Need
- Xbox controller
- Newspaper
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- USB female connector
- Electrical tape
- USB flash drive
Instructions
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1
Put the newspaper down on a table. Put the Xbox controller down on the newspaper.
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2
Remove the small plug of the breakaway cable from the female connector at the end of the Xbox controller cable. Put the Xbox controller aside.
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3
Use the wire cutters to cut off the end of the breakaway cable where it plugged into the female connector of the Xbox controller cable.
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4
Peel back the insulating shield at the end of the breakaway cable where it was cut using your fingers.
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5
Strip off a half-inch of wiring from all of the exposed wires using the wire strippers with the exception of the yellow wire. Cut off the yellow wire using the wire cutters.
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6
Place the USB female connector down on the newspaper with the four contacts at the bottom.
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7
Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes. Solder the red wire from the end of the breakaway cable to the leftmost contact on the USB female connector. Solder the blue wire from the end of the breakaway cable to the contact on the USB female connector that is next to the black wire.
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8
Solder the green wire from the end of the breakaway cable to the contact on the USB female connector that is next to the blue wire. Solder the black wire from the end of the breakaway cable to the rightmost contact on the USB female connector. Let the solder cool for at least a minute.
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9
Wrap electrical tape around the contacts on the USB female connector.
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10
Plug the breakaway cable’s plug into the Xbox controller’s port on the Xbox. Turn the USB female connector over. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB female connector. Turn on the Xbox.
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Tips & Warnings
A damaged Xbox controller can be used for the modification if you want to make the USB cable longer. The Xbox controller can be purchased cheaply from a used bin in a gaming store.
Not every USB flash drive will be compatible with the Xbox, so expect to try a few before finding the brand that works best.
