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What HDMI Cable Comes With the Xbox Series X? The Definitive Guide for Next-Gen Performance

There's nothing quite like the feeling of unboxing a new console. That sleek, black monolith, the satisfying click of the controller—and then the moment of truth: the cables.

If you're upgrading to the Xbox Series X, you’re looking for the absolute best graphical performance Microsoft has to offer. But achieving true next-gen visuals—things like 4K resolution at 120 frames per second (120Hz)—doesn't just rely on the console; it relies heavily on one crucial piece of hardware: the HDMI cable.

Many people assume "an HDMI cable is an HDMI cable," but when dealing with the massive bandwidth required by the Series X, that couldn't be further from the truth. So, what exactly does Microsoft give you in the box, and is it good enough to unlock the console's full potential?

The Definitive Answer: Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1

Let's cut straight to the chase: Microsoft provides an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable with every new Xbox Series X console. This is excellent news, as this is the standard required to support the console's most demanding features.

Specifically, the cable included in the box is certified to the HDMI 2.1 standard.

This cable isn't the standard High Speed HDMI cable you might have used with your older Xbox One or PS4. It is designed to handle significantly more data—a necessity when pushing the limits of graphical fidelity.

The standard length for the included cable is typically around 2 meters (6.5 feet), which is sufficient for most entertainment centers. Crucially, the cable is often black and slightly thicker than older generations, though visually distinguishing it from a 2.0 cable can be tricky without checking the port specifications.

Key Specifications of the Included HDMI Cable:

The fact that Microsoft includes this high-spec cable is a major bonus. It means that, provided your television or monitor also supports HDMI 2.1, you won’t need any immediate third-party purchases to enjoy the full performance of your new console right out of the box.

Maximizing Performance: Why HDMI 2.1 is Crucial for Next-Gen Gaming

Why do we keep stressing the importance of HDMI 2.1? Because bandwidth dictates resolution and frame rate. Older HDMI standards simply cannot push the sheer amount of data required for the Series X to shine.

Imagine trying to fit a firehose worth of water through a garden hose—it’s going to bottleneck. Similarly, trying to run 4K@120Hz through an old HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 cable will result in either a capped frame rate (stuck at 60Hz) or a lower resolution (dropping to 1080p or 1440p).

The 48 Gbps bandwidth of the included Ultra High Speed cable unlocks several key features that truly define the ninth generation of gaming:

Features Only Possible with HDMI 2.1:

If you connect your Series X using an older HDMI 2.0 cable, you will likely lose VRR, ALLM, and the ability to hit 120Hz, instantly handicapping your console’s potential.

Setting Up Your Series X: Tips and Common HDMI Mistakes to Avoid

I recently helped a friend set up his new console and 4K TV. He was complaining that his games didn't "feel" next-gen and that the screen was stuttering. I immediately knew what to check. He had meticulously organized his old entertainment center, and in doing so, he simply swapped the new console onto the HDMI cable that was already plugged into his TV—an old, generic cable from 2015.

Sure enough, as soon as we swapped in the official Microsoft Ultra High Speed cable and ensured it was plugged into the correct port, the difference was night and day. His frame rate jumped, and VRR kicked in.

The biggest mistake gamers make isn't losing the included cable; it’s plugging it into the wrong spot or confusing it with an older cable.

Crucial Setup Pointers:

1. Use the Right Port on Your TV: Not all HDMI ports on your brand-new 4K TV are created equal! Only specific ports are wired for the high bandwidth of HDMI 2.1. These are often labeled:

Always check your TV manufacturer's documentation. Plugging the cable into an HDMI 2.0 port means you lose 120Hz capability, even if the cable itself is perfect.

2. Verify Console Settings: Once everything is connected, navigate to the Series X display settings (Settings > General > TV & Display Options > 4K TV Details). This screen is your console's way of telling you exactly what features it detects. If it shows green checks next to 4K@120Hz and VRR, you’re good to go.

3. Bypass Old Receivers/Switches (Initially): If you use an older AV receiver or an HDMI switch, these devices often act as bottlenecks. Even if you use the HDMI 2.1 cable, the receiver might only support HDMI 2.0. To troubleshoot performance issues, always connect the Series X directly to the TV first, then integrate peripherals once you confirm 4K@120Hz is working.

Using the bundled cable correctly is the easiest way to guarantee that your signal chain is robust and ready for next-gen demands.

Need a Longer Cable? How to Choose a Quality Third-Party HDMI 2.1 Cable

While the included 2-meter cable is fantastic, sometimes you need more distance. Maybe your console is tucked away in a cabinet far from your display, or perhaps you run cables through the wall. If you need a longer cable, you must exercise caution, as cable quality degrades quickly over distance when dealing with 48 Gbps bandwidth.

Do not simply buy the cheapest 10-foot cable labeled "HDMI 2.1" on a generic marketplace. For high performance, especially at longer lengths, certification is everything.

Tips for Purchasing a Replacement or Longer Cable:

1. Look for the Official Certification Sticker: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables feature a specific authentication label and QR code. You can scan this with the official HDMI Cable Certification app to confirm that the product meets the stringent standards for 48 Gbps bandwidth.

2. Stick to Shorter Lengths if Possible: For copper cables, the recommended maximum length to reliably carry 4K@120Hz without signal loss is typically 3 meters (about 10 feet). If you need anything longer than 5 meters (16 feet), you should strongly consider a different, more expensive solution.

3. Consider Fiber Optic for Distance: If your run requires 10 meters (33 feet) or more, a traditional copper cable simply won't work reliably for HDMI 2.1 features. You must invest in an Active Optical Cable (AOC), which uses fiber optics to transmit the signal. AOC cables are directional (one end is labeled "Source" and the other "Display"), but they reliably transmit full 48 Gbps signals over vast distances.

4. Prioritize Reputable Brands: Companies like Monoprice, Zeskit, and Cable Matters often offer certified HDMI 2.1 options that are tested and proven to work with devices like the Xbox Series X.

In summary, the Xbox Series X simplifies the start-up process by including a top-tier Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable right in the box. Use it, cherish it, and ensure it’s plugged into the correct HDMI 2.1 port on your display, and you'll be guaranteed the best next-gen gaming experience possible.