How to Hook the Kinect Up to An Old or Original Model Xbox 360?

Answer 1

Those gamers who have an original model Xbox 360 – that is, one manufactured before the redesign that saw a wireless network card included inside of the case – may be rather unpleasantly surprised to discover that the Kinect must be run through it's own individual power supply before being connected to your Xbox 360.

If You've Purchased the Retail Microsoft Kinect Bundle

Gamers who purchased the full Microsoft Kinect bundle should have no problems, as the necessary power supply is included, part and parcel.

Setting the system up is very easy. Simply connect the alternate power supply to the outlet, and the connecting cord to the Xbox 360 around to a USB port.

If You've Purchased a Second-hand or Used Kinect

In many instances, gamers are purchasing the Kinect hardware without the prior knowledge that the unit may be inherently incompatible with their older, original model Xbox 360 console without the use of a proprietary power adaptor and connector. In this case it will be necessary to purchase the power supply, stand-alone, from either the Microsoft Store or from a private seller on eBay.

There is, in fact, quite a market for Kinect power supplies on eBay – beware numerous cheap knockoffs originating from Asia – given that they command a fair price (normally around forty dollars) and many owners of the newer model have no use for the redundant power supply.

If you Use the Microsoft Wireless Network Adapter

Owners of the original model Xbox 360 who plan to use the Kinect hardware and also plan to use the Microsoft wireless network adapter must also be aware of special considerations.

While the kinect is meant to be plugged into the rear USB port, this means that the wireless network adapter must use the USB port on the front of the console. In this case, it is highly preferable to purchase the retail boxed Kinect bundle, which includes all of the necessary adapters – both power and network adapter extender – for upgrade.

By using the network adapter cable extension, you allow the network adapter to reach the USB port in the front of your Xbox 360. Unwieldy and as aesthetically dubious as all of these wires might be, they are necessary if you wish to use both the wireless network adapter and the Kinect simultaneously.