[Tezcatlipoca]

The Xbox 360 S (sometimes called the "360 Slim") and the newer Xbox 360 E (styled after the Xbox One) both have a dedicated Kinect port on the back, which is used for both power and data.

Older model Xbox 360 consoles (e.g. the Xbox 360 Elite) need different cables for Kinect: The Kinect connects to the console using USB, and the Kinect also has its own separate power supply.

When purchased in a bundle with a 360 S or 360 E, the Kinect doesn't come with the other cable and power supply as it doesn't need them.

When purchased separately, the Kinect definitely used to come with the other cable and the power supply (mine did)... however that Amazon page suggests otherwise now, so maybe MS can't be bothered anymore? The other cable and power supply are only needed if hooking it up to a model other than the Xbox 360 S or Xbox 360 E.


I would be careful before buying a newer model Xbox 360 E, as for some bizarre reason MS decided to reduce its connectivity compared to the Xbox 360 S and earlier models:

Got surround sound headphones or an AV receiver? The Xbox 360 E does not have a dedicated optical audio output (unlike the Xbox 360 S), nor can it output optical audio via the AV port (unlike the Xbox 360 S and earlier models).

Got an older TV that does not have HDMI? You'll be stuck with composite video (the worst connection possible), as MS changed the AV port from the type used on previous models, meaning you can't use component video or VGA.