USB Connectors

USB-C is the universal connector that isn't quite universal. The same physical connector supports wildly different capabilities depending on the cable, the port, and the protocol negotiated. This is both its greatest strength (one cable for everything) and its biggest source of confusion (which cable for what?).

USB-A is the original USB connector and remains ubiquitous on host devices. While being phased out in favor of USB-C, it will remain common for years due to the massive installed base. The connector was intentionally designed to be non-reversible to ensure proper power delivery orientation, though this is often cited as a design flaw compared to USB-C's reversibility.

USB-B was designed to prevent users from connecting two host devices together (which USB doesn't support). The distinct shape makes it obvious which end goes where. While being phased out in favor of USB-C, USB-B remains common on printers, audio equipment, and industrial devices where the larger, more robust connector is actually preferred.

Micro USB was mandated by the EU in 2009 as a common charging standard, leading to its widespread adoption on Android phones. It was designed to be more durable than Mini USB with a rated 10,000 insertion cycles. However, its non-reversible design and fragile-feeling connector led to its replacement by USB-C starting around 2015-2016.

Mini USB was introduced with USB 2.0 in 2000 and was the standard small device connector before Micro USB. It was officially deprecated by USB-IF in 2007 due to durability concerns and the desire for an even smaller connector. However, many devices continued to use it for years, and some niche devices still ship with Mini USB ports today. The PS3 controller's use of Mini USB kept it relevant longer than expected.