310°

Why Microsoft Won't Sell Xbox One Without Kinect

The Official Magazine: ''If there's one thing you can rely on the average, halfway-intelligent and means-conscious human being to do, it's ask for stuff to be cheaper. In the case of Xbox One, there's a simple little equation attached: why not slice a few tenners off that RRP by removing Kinect from the package? After all, Kinect is rumoured (very firmly without official confirmation) to be almost as expensive to manufacture as the console itself, and given the less-than-tremendous state of current generation motion gaming, is unlikely to be among the main reasons Xbox One buyers shell out.''

MariaHelFutura3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

Because like w/ the 360 their masterplan was catering to casual gamers before core gamers. The just use core gamers to move systems at first. Look at the 360 pre Kinect and look at the 360 post Kinect. Big difference.

True_Samurai3923d ago

Go away Maria no one missed you

Electric-flamingo3923d ago

Yeah seriously. He only comes out when there has been positive Xbox news recently.

pompombrum3923d ago

You missed him enough to reply to his message.

Root3923d ago

@Electric-flamingo

Oh you mean like how all the new Xbox/MS fanboys have suddenly came onto this site and defend the crap out of Microsoft in any article which relates to them in some way...you know those new profiles that have just joined the site either recently, the same time the Xbox One was revealed or when E3 came around. The ones who spin anything to make it look like "Sony fanboys"....hell when people were booing Double Helix at EVO the first thing they said was "Sony fanboys" I mean really, all those people at EVO were fanboys, get real.

Pope_Kaz_Hirai_II3923d ago

TrueNinja + 15m ago
Go away Maria no one missed you
#1.1

You have alot of disagrees so we DID miss maria.

pompombrum3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

@ Root Lol so true, some of them are even reporting negative Microsoft articles in attempts to get them removed.

JokesOnYou3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

"If there's one thing you can rely on the average, halfway-intelligent and means-conscious human being to do, it's ask for stuff to be cheaper."

"For all that, though, I think those who insist on regarding next gen Kinect as an unnecessary expense are missing the point by a fair few lightyears."

"However dim your view of the new sensor's capabilities and/or usefulness as a "real" gamer's device, the fact remains that it's now as integral to Microsoft's console offering as the Wii U's tablet controller is to Nintendo's - a day-one core component, rather than a mid-cycle layer of mainstream-courting, market-refreshing paint."
-OXM

JokesOnYou  +    6d ago | Well said

"Wise...actually the original Kinect was $150 at launch, Kinect v2 is selling for $400 on pc by itself so I believe the extra $100 is a bargain price. Now more importantly this means that kinect will be fully supported over th X1 life cycle with cool options that will not only improve dedicated kinect games but also truly add to the experience of X1 core games which will benefit from more immersion. Its already being used in subtle ways for many of the announced games and if you read about what devs are doing I think there is some cool implementation can be done in core games. Finally Kinect makes the X1 X1 functionality for the UI freakin sweet, the intergration is hands down the best I've ever seen for a home console."

JokesOnYou  +    6d ago

"True but thats like saying nintendo should cut the new wii u gamepad because they could sell the console cheaper...NO, its a part of their vision, if you don't want it then you don't want a wii-u."
http://n4g.com/news/1311366...

-I think I pretty much said all this a week ago and many times before.

AngelicIceDiamond3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

Maria's another user I'm gonna mark down for trolling every time hes in a X1 article trolling. And you wonder why you lose bubbles? What are you a Child? you can't behave yourself and act right? As long as you ruin X1 threads I'll mark you down for trolling its simple.

Is there a rehab for uncontrollable trolling? Some fanboys like Maria need it BAD on here...

Anyway.

Kinect doesn't need to be optional. I rather have it now than forced down my throat later. I also don't want Kinect only software, Kinect only ads, Kinect only E3's. You know, kind a how its been with the 360 for the past couple of years/E3s.

MS pushed hard to feed that Kinect fanbase and completely forgetting the core. That was horrible and the same thing could be repeated if its separate.

Why separate the fanbase while everyone can opt to it now?

How many casual Kinect titles are there for X1? like 2 or 3 causal games. So far, Kinect only software seems only being developed for the casual, while hardcore devs are utilizing for core mechanics. Deadrising, BF, COD, Whitcher.

No way, I rather pay for Kinect now than later.

mewhy323923d ago

Well I think that it's just a way to push a technoloy that they've spent millions upon millions to develop. That and the fact that the NSA are partnered up with micro$oft. Kinect is the perfect tolls for the NSA isn't it?

Snookies123923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

Lol at everyone calling MariaHelFutura a "he"... It takes all of five seconds to look at someones' profile for gender. Not everyone on here is a guy. -_-

Anyway, saying "no one missed you" makes you sound like a rather unfriendly individual. I may not completely agree with what was said, but there is some truth to her post. The 360 was enjoying a lot of amazing games before they started work on the Kinect. Once that came out, they seemed to change up directions and focus more on casual games. Which in turn left the hardcore gamers out in the cold unfortunately...

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 3923d ago
Mr_Nuts3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

I think in my opinion that's why they reversed their DRM policy...to gain a bigger fanbase off the core gamers. Once they have an established fanbase and all those games they showed off at E3 (some like Halo, Quantum Break and Sunset overdrive which we'll see next E3 aswell) come out they'll revert back to what they were doing post Kinect and I think they could possibly bring DRM back in some way

They've done it before...this isn't about fanboysim it's about common sense. When you do something wrong you learn from your past mistakes to make yourself a better person, the same can be done when a company does something and you make a mistake by getting suckered into it, you learn from your mistakes and the companies history so you don't get suckered into something again. All your doing is being cautious

YNWA963923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

I hope that does not happen, and also, remember when the PS2 was so successful, Sony then thought they could do anything they wanted and you would scoop it up. A calculator ended up selling much more. I hope neither scenarios play out like that again, and lessons are truly learned, so please lay off the bashing and see what happens. Remember Phil Harrison, who knows his stuff has yet to get really influential in all of this.

Edit.
I do agree with the points made, but lets see what happens from here. Clearly they were rocked to the core after the reveal and then E3. They do clearly have great games on the table for the X1, so, like I say, lets see what happens from this point on. If they mess up again, I will join you too and condemn them. I also think it makes great sense to have the Kinect in every box, it means developers can build from the ground up, knowing everyone has it. You have only picked the negatives, which I understand, but then your in your life, your glass is always half empty and bitter.

Mr_Nuts3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

*** so please lay off the bashing ***

How is that "bashing", this is what I was talking about. It's not bashing, it's common sense, they have done this before, MS have lied, they have declined in terms of their support with core games...it's fact not assumptions or bullcrap.

*** I hope neither scenarios play out like that again, and lessons are truly learned ***

Well after everything Microsoft has said and done since the Xbox One was revealed, I don't think thats the case. If they were that bothered they would make an SKU without Kinect ready for early next year or even launch if they listened to us sooner. I mean remember when Kinect launched they pretended like we all loved it. It's ignorance at it's finest and MS have not learnt any lessons.

MasterCornholio3923d ago

I noticed that you gained a bubble.

Congratulations.

Motorola RAZR i

andibandit3923d ago

@MariaHelFortuna

I suggest you actually read the article before posting...especially the part about developers not wanting to develop for something that isnt guaranteed to be there (kinect 1.0).

nukeitall3923d ago

What happened to a well rounded console? You know, like the PS2?

Catering to core is enabling the platform to have a wide variety of games they enjoy playing. Never once, did I feel like there weren't enough games on the Xbox 360.

I don't understand why games has to be exclusive to significant.

That said, if you look at Sony's history it is kind of spotty. PS Vita has gotten poor support all around, from both Sony and third party.

Look at Nintendo, where are the first party games? Heck, where is the third party games?

Point being, MS with 15 first party exclusives the first year is solid support!

Bigkurz853923d ago

Never once did you feel there weren't enough 360 games? Not even....say...right now?

nukeitall3923d ago

@ChiTownDoc:

Right now the Xbox 360 has the biggest catalog of games it has ever had. My backlog is so big, and it is getting bigger with all these games on demand sales.

I just spent like $80 this past week or so on Mass Effect, Borderlands 2, Tomb Raider, Bulletstorm, Max Payne 3, Hitman, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 and so on.

So now, not now!

I'm still playing Gears of War: Judgment, and Splinter Cell: Blacklist is coming soon!

The question is, where do I find the time?

Bennibop3923d ago

Sony have 30 exclusives 1st year and that does not include indies.

DarkHeroZX3923d ago

LMAO! You say look at Sony's history and only have the Vita to try and argue with? Get off N4G dude. Poor support? The Vita keeps getting all these great titles though many are only available in Japan a the the moment. Nintendo has brought tons of 1st party to the table. I'm playing Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon right now. MS has games but what it has been lacking is good exclusives. All those games you mentioned except Gears is available on the competition and since I do most of my multiplatform gaming on my PS3 or PC I don't even see a reason to own a 360. Then we throw in exclusives and the 360 seems like a $150 door stop.

Bigkurz853921d ago

Nuke: Just because you're behind on years-old games doesn't mean the 360 library still active. How many AAA games in the last year? The 360 is essentially dead in terms of new releases except for the multi-plat GTA 5.

Seriously? Mass Effect? You're a little late friend. Also, none of those games you listed that you just bought are 360 exclusives.

Sony on the other hand, in the 'lame duck' console year, has brought/is bringing The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, Gran Turismo 6, Kingdom Hearts Remix, and the aforementioned GTA 5.

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+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3921d ago
dedicatedtogamers3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

While there are certainly people out there who want Kinect gone, Microsoft wants Kinect in every single home. It's for advertising. You thought ads on the dash (even if you're a paying Gold member) were bad?

Xbox One was made for advertising. This article comes from the same site (OXM) http://www.oxm.co.uk/57592/...

And what does Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO have to say about it? Well, he said this waaaaaay back in 2006. Straight quote: "the bedrock of Microsoft was developers, developers, developers. Now it's advertisers, advertisers, advertisers".

And people think Microsoft cares about gaming....

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Megaton3923d ago

You're 100% correct. The amount of willful ignorance towards Microsoft's intentions, especially on this site, really astounds me sometimes.

T23923d ago

guess I won't be getting an xbone after all... I was looking for a sku of 299 without kinect in 2015, oh well...

Bigpappy3923d ago

No you would not be getting X1. But I will. I don't mind the Gov'ment watching me stick it to the lady of the house every now and then. I will also try and remember to take my shirt off and remove the cap from my head so they don't know what team or brands I like.

It makes no sense for them to remove Kinect then I have to order one separately. I like to come home knowing I have everything I need in the box

DarkHeroZX3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

@Bigpappy

No matter how much make up you make her wearand how nicely she dresses for you, your hand doesn't count as a woman.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

andibandit3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

The article you linked to talks about add profiling...so I for example, dont get adds for lego games or jrpgs......kinect itself isnt providing extra adds, which you make it sound like.

SilentGuard3923d ago

No, Kinect may not provide extra ads, but what it will do is allow for targeted advertising based on data mining. Better targeted ads that hit the demographic advertisers want will allow MS to charge a premium for ads on Xbox. It's a gold mine for them.

XboxFun3923d ago

@Dedicated

So this will take away from gaming how?

Are there still games announced for the X1? Are there still games coming to the X1? Have they not stated that they are developing new IP's for the X1.

And because they want extra revenue this will take away from the gaming experience?

You really need to try harder with your insane attempt at downplaying the Xbox.

And why don't you re-watch the link you provided. It has nothing to do with advertisements as you make it out to seem.

sAVAge_bEaST3923d ago

So true,.. that is why it is mandatory,.

To have this device in your living room, for Market Research, and Targeted Marketing,.. Is Disrespectful, Unethical, and Intrusive.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3923d ago
dirigiblebill3923d ago

Give me a game that makes compelling use of it, and I'll get behind it. In front of it, rather. You know what I mean.

nukeitall3923d ago

There are already two compelling games for the original Kinect:

Kinect Sports (sold over 3 million copies)
Dance Central (sold over 2.5 million copies)

Those sold numbers are for quite a while ago and not updated for some time. That is, it sells more than many hardcore games!

With the more advanced Kinect, if people don't whine too much, developers might try some more awesome experience.

As a supplement, it is already great: http://www.ign.com/articles...

McScroggz3923d ago

I think what he means is something more catered towards core gamers. Kinect Sports and Dance Central certainly have their fanbases, but those are more specialized games for parties and the like. I believe what dirigiblebill is asking for is a game, first and foremost, that happens to make use of the Kinect in interesting and fun ways that could not be done without the device.

nukeitall3923d ago

@McScroggz:

Then it is too soon to know, but I think the next Kinect will bring some creative and awesome games. However, it is dependent on the device not getting so much bad reputation that people avoid it, simply due to the a niche core crowd outspokeness ruining a great opportunity to revolutionize gaming.

The accuracy and the stuff MS has shown with the next Kinect is nothing short of amazing. Just looking at you, Kinect One can tell your heart rate! o_0

KwietStorm_BLM3923d ago

If your examples for compelling games are Kinect Sports and Dance Central, then you either had no idea what he was getting at, or your idea of compelling is..something else.

no_more_heroes3923d ago (Edited 3923d ago )

Don't want the to take it out of the package. I would just prefer if they didn't make it necessary to be connected to the console for the console to work.

I'm actually quite intrigued about the possibilities Kinect 2 presents, especially since developers know that every x1 owner will have one.

pompombrum3923d ago

"I would just prefer if they didn't make it necessary to be connected to the console for the console to work."

That's my biggest problem with the Xbox One at the moment. I can see the logic in packaging it with the console but to make it necessary to have it connected for the Xbox One to work is just forcing it on us imho.

SnakeCQC3923d ago

well the fact that kinect one was soo broken that the ryse team didnt think to use it tells us a lot

Show all comments (95)
20°

Joy Ride Turbo - The Beginning of the End for Xbox Kinect

Joy Ride Turbo launched 10 years ago today. The first title was Xbox Kinect exclusive, yet this sequel failed to support the device at all.

300°

10 of the Biggest Video Game Hardware Failures Ever

Cultured Vultures: "Sadly, not all hardware is created equal, and no matter how much developers might try, some gaming hardware just fails to hit the mark. We’ve compiled a list of 10 gaming hardware fails, and boy did some fail hard."

Read Full Story >>
culturedvultures.com
Knightofelemia818d ago

I would label the Power Glove, Kinect, and that Tony Hawk skateboard more as hardware addons hardware failure would be like the Virtual Boy and one day Stadia.

Magog817d ago

Kinect was bundled with every Xbox One and inflated the price on an already underpowered and low RAM machine so for the One it wasn't an accessory as much as a white elephant.

CaptainHenry916817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Definitely the RROD but that power glove had a lot of issues as well. The Kinect just didn't work

817d ago
CrimsonWing69817d ago

Hardware add-ons are more like RAM or a video card, basically components that enhance capabilities or performance of the computer.

If you really want to get technical the Kinect is more of a peripheral device, kind of like a keyboard or mouse to a computer.

ThatsGaming817d ago

The person in this article obviously is not up on their gaming history....

Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, Coleco Gemini, Commodore 128, Commodore Amiga, Atari 5200, Atari 7800 were all massive failures and in most cases cost their companies participating in future gaming generations.

Gamer79817d ago

Sega saturn (successful in Japan) and dreamcast were not failures.
Seems like you're not up on you're gaming history

septemberindecember817d ago

@Gamer79

How in the world are the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast not seen as failures? They both sold around 8M each, which is much lower than the ~30M that the Genesis had sold before it, and even the Master System before that. They were both the worst selling consoles in their respective generation (PS1, N64 outsold Saturn, PS2, GC, and Xbox outsold Dreamcast). Both of the consoles were incredibly short lived. The Saturn was discontinued in every territory but Japan after just three years. In Japan the console was discontinued after six years. Meanwhile the Dreamcast was discontinued worldwide in 2001 after launching in most territories in 1999 and in Japan in 1998. The failure of the Saturn and Dreamcast lead to Sega pulling out of the hardware market. Which, by the way, all of this occurred when Sega was massively dropping the price of their consoles quickly to compete. Sega was hemorrhaging money at this point.

None of this indicates a successful console. Saying the Saturn was a success because it did better in Japan is like saying the Vita is a success (they both sold around the same amount of units in Japan). Even the Wii U outsold these consoles worldwide.

Magog817d ago

The picture should be the 360 RROD. When I think of gaming hardware failures that's what springs to mind. Kinect and it's bundled price tag definitely hobbled the already underpowered Xbox One though for sure so I would give it a close second place.

porkChop817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

That's not what the author means by failures. It's about hardware that failed in terms of sales (Wii U) or just failed to deliver on its promise (Kinect).

Magog817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Given that the 360 had a year head start, much easier hardware to develop for, was cheaper, and still ended up in third place I think it qualifies especially when you factor in the frustration and huge losses incurred by RROD.

porkChop817d ago

Selling over 80 million consoles isn't a sales flop. We get it, you don't like Xbox, but that doesn't mean the 360 is suddenly a failure.

Rhythmattic816d ago

Porky....
You know how many people I know bought a 2nd or third 360 due to RROD? Even when MS had to confront the issue with replacement systems, my mates couldn't wait for even the turnaround of sending it in, and waiting for a replacement.,,..,..
If that's how you consider it a win... OK.. but so is having 5 , of which 3 don't function.... Its a win win....mwhahahahaha

porkChop816d ago

"my mates couldn't wait for even the turnaround of sending it in"

You're acting like it would take months. When I sent my 360 in I got a new one literally 5 days later. As soon as MS had tracking confirmation that you sent yours, they'd send a new one to you the same day. No one is going to spend hundreds to buy a new console instead of waiting a week. I swear you guys pull some of the dumbest shit out of nowhere and think people will actually believe it.

Regardless, none of this changes the fact that this isn't what the article is even about.

Rhythmattic815d ago (Edited 815d ago )

Porky
"You're acting like it would take months"
Sometimes it could.. FFS.. 'Strya here...
Best turnaround I reckon was 2-3 weeks.....
Either way, My mates experiences still exist.. So Sorry, no point trying to earn Xbox Achievements when it doesn't feature in what was a situation you never dealt with,,,,
3 of my friends would disagree (overall, 10 extra Xboxes purchased)
Regardless.. MS sold a lot of 360's that was due to this reason.. That is sales. Fact

"none of this changes the fact that this isn't what the article is even about."
Headline says HELLO !
Oh and "Sadly, not all hardware is created equal," that's enough to pass this on without taking your article bias into consideration.....
As for the rest.... Ok.. But you've actually gone out of your way to give MS a Pass... Fap on.

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Aloymetal817d ago (Edited 817d ago )

Yup, and because of that big fiasco MS had to fork out 1 billion but knowing them I think they're very proud of the 360, it's the only time a MS console reached 80mil+ sales, RROD played a big part of that and a record they will never break again.

Rhythmattic816d ago (Edited 816d ago )

So true.. Even when MS accepted they where caught out in the biggest lie of any generation, The wait for a replacement was outweighed by just buying another, and having one be returned as a backup, which, btw, generally failed on first swap.
I own honestly can't believe MS tards are just supporting , or arguing why and what MS did by just dismissing it....

lonewolf10817d ago

Lol I had the Atari Jaguar, surprised its "competition" the 3DO isn't on the list too, both as "popular" as each other.

SullysCigar817d ago

Lol same. Played the crap out of Aliens Vs Predator and Tempest 2000 .... aaand that's about it really!!

lonewolf10817d ago

Sad but true that was pretty much it.

Kurt Russell817d ago

Agreed, I never actually saw a 3DO make it to retailers in the UK. At least the Atari Jaguar was sold for around 6 months.

lonewolf10817d ago

It made it to some my brother got one, fared just as well as the Jaguar so most probably hard to find in general.

darthv72817d ago

3do had way better games. Jaguar not so much. Neo Geo sold less than both and yet isnt considered a failure. Go figure.

LWOGaming817d ago

Stadia is a weird one. It hasn’t sold at all well but in terms of how it works it’s still miles ahead of Xcloud in terms of stability and performance. Xcloud is still a way behind and that needs sorting but it will be in time. Stadia for me is one of those things that will go down as a what could have been moments. With better marketing it could have been a roaring success. I still play it and it remains the best place in my opinion to play CyberPunk 2077. Only platform I have played it on without having any issues at all. The tech is great. The concept is fine. Marketing terrible. Shame really.

Magog817d ago

The sales model was awful. They should have teamed with an existing player to allow for local and cloud access to games or a gaming subscription service.

LWOGaming817d ago

It was a strange mess from such a huge company, as I said, as a system it works really well but without gamers it’s nothing. Such a waste,

LWOGaming817d ago

The Xbox One was Microsoft’s Nintendo Wii U. Undercooked, undersold and just an unholy mess. The thing is with any of these failures is to learn from them and thankfully both Nintendo and Xbox did just that to the benefit of gamers everywhere.

Show all comments (39)
120°

Pivotal Decisions in Gaming History - Xbox Goes All-In on Kinect

Xbox 360's Kinect had flopped yet Microsoft insisted on mandatory Kinect for Xbox One, driving the price up and alienating their potential customers.

Read Full Story >>
techstomper.com
darthv72994d ago

the tech was pretty damn good but their focus on making it the centerpiece was not. Had they opted to keep it as a secondary or even tertiary device, it may have found new use for AR/VR.

PrimeVinister994d ago

Maybe. But they were two early for VR and too late for motion control

994d ago Replies(2)
Godmars290994d ago

Their focus was marketing metrics. Information gathering for targeted advertising. Also "event curating" or head counting for special TV events. If MS had had their way with always online and mandatory Kinect pre COVID, as and during it they'd likely be turning into dominant presence in many Western homes. Be getting subsidized by Disney and other streamers as well as the NFL.

Thing was, Kinect as an actual game system, its games, just weren't ready. MS moved on it too soon. Thankfully.

Atticus_finch994d ago

Sorry but it was incredibly bad for gaming. The thing barely worked as intended and the games were broken shovelware. And let's not forget all the lies from Xbox to try and sell it. What happened to Milo?
It's like Xbox it's a perpetual lying machine.

PrimeVinister994d ago

I had almost forgotten about Milo. It looks so unbelievable in retrospect. How did anyone believe it?!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 994d ago
TheEnigma313994d ago

Kinect requirement, TV focused, DRM, and $100 buried Xbone before it even stared.

PrimeVinister994d ago (Edited 994d ago )

I think Kinect was the worst of the bunch. They reversed DRM overnight and try to play down the TV stuff when they realised it made them look disinterested in gaming.

Kinect stuck around for six months, preventing sales and making more and more people upset when they dropped the Kinect and the price.

Atticus_finch994d ago

Don't forget the inferior hardware which affects their game development to this day.
And the constant boasting and lying that hasn't change very much to this day.

kayoss994d ago

I was kind of excited for the kinect. It had potential. That was until i tried it at one of their Microsoft store. The thing was so laggy and worker who was there, had no clue what he was doing. It kind of made rethink about buying an Xbox One with Kinect.

PrimeVinister994d ago

I had already been turned off of the idea by Kinect for 360. Even when it worked, the games were bad and showed no potential.

Wii made you understand what they were going to do with it within about 10 seconds of Wii Sports. It went on to become a bit of a joke but at least it worked and had a purpose.

Thundercat77994d ago

The damage to the Xbox brand was so hard that til this day they are just the last place brand in the market.

PrimeVinister994d ago

Totally. They haven't been really all that relevant since.

Godmars290994d ago

That has to do with repeatedly failing, having to reaffirm only to again fail at creating a competent flow of decent games.

@PrimeVinister:
Until Game Pass and BC are mentioned. Only for the point to be missed.

kayoss993d ago

thats because they dont know what they want to be. A gaming console, Television, or a gaming service?

Godmars290993d ago

@kayoss:
They wanted, expected, to be Steam. To have everyone coming to them and paying for the privilege. That's the exact mentality on display when they tried to push always online.

brewin993d ago

Its sad because the Xbox one version of Kinect was actually pretty solid. Not for motion games, I couldnt care less about those, but for the other features that are now commonplace in the gaming ecosystem. Things like voice control and optional motion features in games. Stuff that Sony did with the PS camera was pretty sweet and they could have done some of that stuff with Kinect.

The tech was pretty sweet when implemented right though. Who remembers the implementation in Dead Rising 3?! You could lure zombies away by saying stuff into the kinect, it was a bit hokey at first, but it actually enhanced the game significantly once you learned all the different voice commands. There was and still is nothing else like that!

The focus on TV seemed to be an issue for people, but the TV pass through had some real potential. They could have had cable companies giving the XBone out instead of cable boxes! I understood what they were trying to do, but they needed to show the games too, and thats where they lost the core gamers. Being able to jump right to a sports event or TV show with out leaving the console was actually a pretty cool thing. I spent many nights switching between NHL games or TV shows and jumping right back into my games seamlessly, just by telling Kinect to do so. It was better than people care to admit, but I loved it!

People say XBone had no games, but on launch I got Dead Rising 3, AC Black Flag, Watch Dogs, Killer Instinct, Battlefield 4, Forza 5, and Ryse. That was actually a pretty solid lineup in hindsight! Then later on it got gems like Quantum Break, Dead Rising 4, Sunset Overdrive, Gears 4 and 5, the Ori games, Rare Replay, Forza Horizon 3/4, State of Decay 2, ReCore (SUPER UNDERRATED GEM), Halo 5, Halo Wars 2, and all the great 3rd party stuff as well! I dare anyone who sat on the Xbox One to go back and give it a shot now.

It was actually a pretty great console all things considered. Yes the PS4 had better 1st party stuff, stuff that MS just couldnt top or even compete with, but there are some really great games that a lot of people missed out on that they would probably really enjoy if they actually played them. Thats why I recommend a Series S and Gamepass to a lot of people, as its a great way to get an awesome lineup pf games for super cheap!

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