In the latest Digital Foundry video, “PlayStation 5 Pro: One Year,” @john-linneman brought up a fair critique about the removal of the front USB-A port on the new PS5 models, and honestly, he’s right to point it out.
John said: “With my only real complaint being the move to dual USB-C ports in the front, and the problem there, is that a lot of arcade sticks and other accessories still want USB-A. And now, if you want to use them, you gotta reach around the back and give it the old "reach around", and it's not great. That's one issue with the physical design that I have.”
If you miss that front USB-A convenience, here’s a simple fix:
Grab a short (50cm / 20in) USB-A 3.2 extension cable and plug it into one of the rear USB-A ports. You’ll have easy front access again without needing to move the console.
As for the front USB-C 2.0 port, you can also use a tiny USB-C to USB-A adapter. Just be careful so you don’t stress the front port.
Small tweaks like this make connecting accessories a lot smoother.
I actually have a small USB hub that is plugged in the back port, and whenever I need it (for the wireless headset or steering wheel), I just raise it slightly and plug stuff to it. I was happy to see that I can plug the headset and the steering wheel to it at the same time with no issues, so I can play GT7 and Exo Cars with the PSVR2.
I actually have a small USB hub that is plugged in the back port, and whenever I need it (for the wireless headset or steering wheel), I just raise it slightly and plug stuff to it. I was happy to see that I can plug the headset and the steering wheel to it at the same time with no issues, so I can play GT7 and Exo Cars with the PSVR2.
That's a great idea. Do you feed the hub with additional power?
@Fendera no need for additional power. It's actually a very old hub, I tried a newer one but it kept failing I think because the plug did not fit perfectly, but this one works without a hitch. I'll try to share a picture later.
Edit: https://imgur.com/a/TQegG5D and https://imgur.com/a/JJJe9GY it's a really simple and old hub that I had lying around, but for some reason (I assume it's because the plug fits firmly with the port) it never has connectivity issues.
@Fendera no need for additional power. It's actually a very old hub, I tried a newer one but it kept failing I think because the plug did not fit perfectly, but this one works without a hitch. I'll try to share a picture later.
Edit: https://imgur.com/a/TQegG5D and https://imgur.com/a/JJJe9GY it's a really simple and old hub that I had lying around, but for some reason (I assume it's because the plug fits firmly with the port) it never has connectivity issues.
I'm sorry for the late reply.
This is actually a nice solution to get more USB ports. But, if the devices are power hungry, the Hub could provide not the power necessary. Some Hubs give you the option to boost the power with an additional power supply.
@Fendera no worries, and I see your point. Thus far, as the only things I hooked up to that hub were the headset dongle and the steering wheel (the wheel has its own power supply), I guess those things don't cause issue, but maybe more exotic accessories (an arcade stick, maybe those guitars for rhythm games, or certain keyboards/mice) might require a hub that draws power from a power supply.
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Topic: John Linneman on the PS5 Pro’s missing USB-A port — and an easy fix for it
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