Microsoft has just announced that, starting June 9, an Xbox One system bundle without the Kinect sensor included will go on sale for $399.99. However, if you want to purchase a Kinect in the future, Microsoft said that the option to purchase a standalone sensor will be available this Fall. The standard $499.99 Xbox One + Kinect bundle, which Microsoft’s Yusuf Mehdi calls the “best [Xbox One] experience,” will remain on the market.
Phil Spencer, the Xbox Division’s Head, said (via the Xbox Wire) that this decision is all about offering more choice to Xbox customers. However, he also made it clear that Kinect will be part of the Xbox going forward.
“To be clear, as we introduce this new Xbox One console option, Kinect remains an important part of our vision,” Spencer said. “Many of you are using Kinect for Xbox One every day. In fact, more than 80 percent of you are actively using Kinect, with an average of 120 voice commands per month on each console.”
This is a major reversal from Microsoft’s original opinion of the Xbox One and Kinect. Originally, there were some fears that the Xbox One would only operate when connected to a Kinect sensor.
