It happens to everyone. You’re moving your setup, or maybe you just got a second-hand console from a friend, and suddenly you realize the cord is missing. Or worse, your dog decided the internal copper of your Series X cord looked like a snack. Now you’re standing in the electronics aisle or scrolling through the app, looking for an xbox power cable walmart carries that won't actually fry your hardware.
It's annoying.
Honestly, Walmart is usually the first place people look because they have a store on every corner and the shipping is fast. But if you just grab the first "universal" cord you see, you might be asking for trouble. Not all Xbox consoles use the same plug. In fact, Microsoft has changed the power requirements and physical connectors so many times over the last decade that it’s easy to buy the wrong thing. You need to know exactly what you're looking for before you tap "Add to Cart."
Identifying the Right Connector for Your Console
The most common mistake? Thinking a "Figure-8" cable works for everything.
Most modern consoles—we’re talking the Xbox Series X, Series S, and the Xbox One S or One X—use a standard IEC C7 connector. You’ve seen them. They look like a small number eight. These are unpolarized, meaning they can go in either way. Because the power supply is built into the console itself, the cable is just a dumb pipe for electricity. Walmart sells these under brands like Onn or Insten, and they’re generally very cheap.
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But wait.
If you are rocking an original "fat" Xbox One from 2013, a simple cable won’t do. You need that massive, brick-shaped external power supply. If you try to find just a "cable" for that one at Walmart, you’re only getting the lead that goes from the wall to the brick. If your brick is dead, you're looking at a much more expensive replacement that Walmart often stocks via third-party marketplace sellers rather than in-store.
The Series X and S Difference
The Series X and Series S are surprisingly straightforward. Since Microsoft ditched the "brick" years ago, the xbox power cable walmart carries for these is almost always a 2-prong AC cord.
Here is the thing about the Series X specifically: it draws more power than a Series S. While a standard 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) C7 cable will technically fit both, some high-end enthusiasts prefer a 16 AWG cable for the Series X to handle the higher wattage draw during intense 4K/120Hz gaming sessions. Does it make a massive difference? Probably not for the average person. But if you see two options at Walmart and one looks thicker, go with the thicker one for the Series X.
Avoiding the Marketplace Trap
Walmart.com is a bit of a wild west.
When you search for an xbox power cable walmart online, you aren't just seeing stuff sold by Walmart. You’re seeing hundreds of third-party vendors. Some of these are great. Others are selling cables with zero UL certification that feel like they’re made of recycled soda cans.
Always look for the "Sold and shipped by Walmart" filter if you want the safest bet. If you have to go with a third-party seller, check the reviews for mentions of "overheating" or "loose fit." A loose fit is a fire hazard. Period. If the cable doesn't seat firmly into the back of your Xbox, it can cause arcing. That’s how ports get melted.
Pricing Reality Check
How much should you actually pay?
If you're in the store and they want $20 for a basic 6-foot C7 cable, they're overcharging you. You can usually find the Onn brand (Walmart's house brand) for under $10. Sometimes even $6. If you are looking at the external power bricks for the older Xbox One, expect to pay between $25 and $40.
Don't buy the $3 cables from unknown sellers on the marketplace. It isn't worth saving four bucks to risk an $80 repair on your console's internal power board. Cheap insulation breaks down, and cheap copper (or copper-clad aluminum) gets hot.
Technical Specs to Look For
If you’re staring at a wall of black cables in the store, look at the fine print on the packaging.
- Connector Type: Must be C7 (non-polarized).
- Voltage: 125V is standard in North America.
- Amperage: Usually 7A or 10A. Either is fine for an Xbox.
- Certification: Look for the UL Listed or ETL logo.
These logos mean a lab actually tested the cable to make sure it doesn't spontaneously combust. It’s the easiest way to tell a legitimate xbox power cable walmart stocks from a piece of junk.
What About the Original Xbox and 360?
If you're a retro gamer, Walmart is rarely going to have what you need on the shelf. The original Xbox used a C7, but the early versions had a power supply issue that actually required a specific cable with a built-in circuit breaker.
The Xbox 360? That's a nightmare of compatibility. There are at least six different power brick connectors for the 360 depending on if it’s a Xenon, Zephyr, Falcon, Jasper, Trinity (S), or Winchester (E) motherboard. If you need one of these, you’re definitely looking at the Walmart Marketplace, and you must check your console's wattage requirements on the back sticker before buying.
Getting Back to the Game
Most of the time, you just want to play. If you have a Series X, Series S, or an Xbox One S/X, just walk into the store, find the "Universal Power Cord" by Onn, and check that it has the Figure-8 end. It works. It’s safe. It’s cheap.
For those stuck with the 2013 "VCR" Xbox One, don't just buy a cord. You need the whole power supply unit. Double-check that the listing includes the brick, or you'll be making a return trip to the store tomorrow.
Next Steps for a Safe Setup
- Check your console model: Look at the back of the Xbox to see if the power port is a simple 2-prong "Figure-8" or a large multi-pin proprietary socket.
- Verify the fit: Once you get the xbox power cable walmart home, plug it in and ensure it doesn't wiggle. It should "click" or seat firmly.
- Check for heat: After an hour of gaming, touch the cable near the console. It should be warm, but never hot to the touch. If it smells like burning plastic, unplug it immediately.
- Route safely: Avoid pinching the cable behind your entertainment center or running it under a heavy rug, which can trap heat and degrade the internal wires over time.