Controller Headphone Jack: What Consoles Have It

What the headphone jack on a controller is for

A 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on a controller lets you connect wired headphones or a headset directly to the controller instead of to the console or TV. This is convenient when you want to hear game audio privately without disturbing others in the room, or when you want to use a headset with a microphone for voice chat.

On home consoles, the jack is usually on the bottom edge of the controller. On handheld consoles, the jack is typically on the device itself, because the controller is built into the unit. The same 3.5 millimeter size is common across many devices, so most wired headphones with that plug will work. For a broader look at console options, see our best gaming consoles guide.

PlayStation controllers and the headphone jack

The PlayStation 5 console page does not list the controller's headphone jack directly, but the DualSense wireless controller, which comes with the PS5, includes a 3.5 millimeter audio jack. This is a standard feature on the controller, allowing you to plug in a wired headset.

When you connect headphones to the controller, game audio and voice chat are routed through that connection. The PS5 page mentions support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D Audio, but it does not specify how the headphone jack interacts with those features. For the most accurate details, check the official PlayStation support pages or the controller's manual. If you are comparing PlayStation models, our best PlayStation consoles guide can help.

Xbox controllers and the headphone jack

Xbox Series X and Series S controllers include a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on the bottom of the controller. The Xbox Series X page describes the console's audio capabilities, including 3D Spatial Sound and support for Dolby Atmos, but it does not explicitly mention the controller jack.

The Xbox Wireless Controller, which is included with the console, has the jack. You can plug in a wired headset to hear game audio and chat. The Xbox page also mentions that you can 'get a headset to play with friends,' which implies the controller supports headset connections. For specific audio routing, refer to the Xbox support documentation. To see which Xbox model fits your needs, browse our best Xbox consoles guide.

Nintendo Switch controllers and the headphone jack

The Nintendo Switch 2 page does not list a headphone jack on the Joy-Con controllers. Instead, the console itself has a headphone jack on the top edge, as is common on handheld devices. When playing in handheld mode, you plug headphones into the console, not into a separate controller.

The original Nintendo Switch also has a headphone jack on the console, not on the Joy-Con controllers. The Pro Controller, sold separately, does include a 3.5 millimeter jack, but the included Joy-Cons do not. The Nintendo pages do not specify this, so check the controller's packaging or the official support pages for confirmation. For more on Switch models, see our best Nintendo Switch consoles guide.

Handheld gaming PCs and the headphone jack

Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck have a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on the device itself. The Steam Deck page does not list the jack explicitly, but it is a standard feature on the hardware. You plug headphones directly into the handheld, not into a separate controller.

Because the controller is built into the device, the headphone jack on the handheld serves the same purpose as a controller jack on a home console. This is convenient for private listening while playing on the go. The Steam Deck page does not provide audio output details, so consult the manufacturer's specifications for more information. If you are exploring handheld options, our best handheld gaming PCs guide is a good starting point.

Audio output limitations to know

The headphone jack on a controller carries game audio and voice chat, but there are some limitations. For example, on some consoles, certain audio features like 3D Audio or spatial sound may only work with specific headphones or through the console's HDMI output. The PlayStation 5 page mentions 3D Audio support, but it does not specify whether that works through the controller jack.

Another limitation is that the headphone jack on a controller may not support microphone input on all headsets. Some headsets use a single 3.5 millimeter plug for both audio and mic, which works with most controllers, but others may require a splitter. Always check the headset's compatibility with your specific console.

On handheld consoles, the headphone jack is on the device, so you cannot use a separate controller with a jack unless you buy one that has it. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has a jack, but the Joy-Cons do not. This means if you play in tabletop mode with Joy-Cons detached, you may need to plug headphones into the console itself, which could limit mobility.

How to check a listing for a headphone jack

When reading a console listing, look for the controller's specifications. The listing may mention '3.5mm audio jack' or 'headset jack' in the bullet points. If the listing does not state it, you can assume the included controller may or may not have one, depending on the console family.

For home consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, the included controllers typically have the jack. For Nintendo Switch, the included Joy-Cons do not, but the Pro Controller does. For handheld gaming PCs, the jack is on the device, not on a separate controller.

If the listing is for a bundle, check what controllers are included. Some bundles may include a Pro Controller or a third-party controller that has a jack. The listing should state the controller model, so you can verify the jack's presence. For bundle options, see our best console bundles guide.

What to pick for your situation

If you plan to use wired headphones with a home console, any PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S console will work, as their included controllers have the jack. For Nintendo Switch, you may want to buy a Pro Controller if you need a jack on the controller, or you can use the console's built-in jack in handheld mode.

For handheld gaming, the console's own jack is sufficient. If you prefer a separate controller with a jack, consider a home console instead. The choice depends on whether you value portability or the convenience of a controller jack. Our best home consoles guide and best handheld consoles guide can help you compare.

Always verify the controller's features on the maker's official pages before buying, as specifications can change with different editions or bundles.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do all PlayStation 5 controllers have a headphone jack?

The DualSense wireless controller, which comes with the PS5, includes a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. The PS5 page does not list it, but it is a standard feature on the controller.

Does the Xbox Series X controller have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Xbox Wireless Controller included with Xbox Series X and Series S has a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on the bottom.

Do Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers have a headphone jack?

No, the Joy-Con controllers do not have a headphone jack. The Nintendo Switch console itself has a jack on the top edge, and the Pro Controller (sold separately) has one.

Can I use any wired headset with the controller jack?

Most wired headsets with a 3.5 millimeter plug will work, but some may require a splitter for microphone input. Check the headset's compatibility with your console.

Does the Steam Deck have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Steam Deck has a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack on the device itself. The Steam page does not list it, but it is a standard feature.