Pre-orders open for Xbox One without Kinect

Just a few minutes ago, Microsoft announced a new Xbox One model that comes without the Kinect accessory. Retailers are now starting to follow up by opening reservations.

[headwing45]

What madness is this?

[gillri]

you not seen the annoucement?

[Anarki]

They should have thought of this at launch, would have been an entirely different story then.

[4Sh0w]

I personally think its a bad decision. Kinect definitely makes X1 unique and this fractures the userbase and sends the message they're not committed to Kinect, but oh well I'm happy with mine.

[Webbyy]

No surprise here,

I am happy for all gamers. I really am.

Thank you Phil, For making Xbox one affordable to some and for listening to those that do not want kinect.

[xHeavYx]

I can think of a few people who said tp me "it will never happen"
I think the price should be around $350 though

[DARK WITNESS]

I guess we will have to see how much they are able to catch up... if they can catch up!

If they hadn't been so stubborn out it right from the beginning and listened to what a lot of people were saying, even before it launched, maybe they would not be so far behind the ps4.

I wonder what excuses we will hear from all the MS employed xbox business strategists on this site?

[Baka-akaB]

NOt everyone said that , some of us just find the idea distasteful , even when we dont like kinect .

So here we are with a console losing it's main gimmick gadget , and with weaker specs and all around performance than its direct concurrent ?

Unless you are sure you've got a community on XB waiting , or truly want the xb1 exclusives , it's just one less PRO on the list .

More than one actually , dont forget that you can't capture and share feed without it , as it wasnt built to do so without the kinect

[Anarki]

@4sh0w: What makes them unique is losing them sales, the Kinect isn't for everyone and for the minority who likes the Kinect, it's not enough to keep the Xbox One afloat. The XBO has inferior tech to their competition(PS4) with a higher price point. This will put them on par with the PS4 in terms of price.

It will be very interesting to see how things pan out now, XBO sure has some good games to keep them going. I for one will be purchasing an XBOne now due to this.(Main reason for not purchasing XBO was Kinect & being spied upon).

[UnHoly_One]

Wow.

I was wrong.

I didn't think they would do it.

[tehpees3]

This honestly has to be the fastest relaunch I've seen.

[ziggurcat]

@ 4show:

the only thing this does is give people an *option*, which is never a bad decision.

and honestly, there's not much that kinect does that the PS4 camera also can't do, so there's not as much uniqueness to xbone with kinect as you might think.

[aaaaqqqqq]

At least MS sold around 5 million Kinect compulsively. Just can't say MS's never built an Kinect base. I believe Kinect is still the game changer, considering more harsh time game developing than the past. Hardcore should cooperate with casual, XB1 will make hardcore gamer play casual games vise versa. That means more profit game developer would get. The benefit is instant and clear, XB1 with Kinect just like a combination of XBOX and Wii.

[Baccra17]

Have you not seen Titanfall?

[creatchee]

@xHeavYx

"I can think of a few people who said tp me "it will never happen"
I think the price should be around $350 though"

And I can think of a TON of Sony fanboys whose constantly repeated talking points (required Kinect, price, app paywall, Games With Gold inadequacy, etc.) just got doused in gasoline and burned to the ground this morning. What do you have left to harp on about - a couple of better looking multiplats and the name on the box? Or are you guys just going to say "I told you so" and yell "180" like you always do?

[4Sh0w]

Anarki I get that but regardless of your personal tastes Kinect does make X1 unique, its like Android strength is that its a more open OS compared to iOS. There are people on both sides who like and dislike both platforms for exactly the same reason.

With Kinect X1 does some really nice things, should have unique games, without Kinect its a slightly less powerful ps4, not that that matters a whole lot as long as they deliver strong games, sure X1 will sell more but sales were far from in the toilet, in fact they are still ahead of 360 which did quite fine sales wise and as a gamer I never cared about X1 having higher sales, clearly they've got plenty enough for continued strong dev support, 3rd parties are all in on X1, but no this is about micro's ego, so again its a bad decision because it affects the future of Kinect integrated X1 games.

I'm sorry but the crying from those who don't like Kinect should NOT outway Microsofts decision if they truly believed their vision of a Kinect gaming environment, NO that means then unfortunately those who don't like it should just stick to ps4 because the console isn't focused on YOUR WANTS. That's life, and now micro shows their true GREED here putting higher sales $$$$ over vision. Its a sad day, but just like I said that's life.

This reminds me exactly of the always online/DRM fiasco= to this day Iam 100% convinced X1's real potential was gimped do to catering to the masses rather than following a vision that would sell less but be looked at 10yrs from now as a great achievement for setting the bar of things to come, hell I'm 110% convinced we'd see even better games than we already have on X1 and sales may be a bit higher because instead of folks hearing about 1080p this or that might be hearing about more uniquely created game worlds, Driveatar like AI games, that went beyond what Turn 10 did. Trust me I thank sony fans for nothing, I'm old enough to remember when the move to more detailed 3D games were question as "interactive violence", when the thought of online gaming was frowned upon because it will expose to many young children to "vulgarity", or hearing things like "game consoles should just play games", etc, etc. I don't know I'm not a business man, but if I did own micro I'd be fine with making a few billion in profit instead of 10's of billion, selling less hardware than my competitor while also being respected for trying to innovate, if I wanted them to "be like sony", then I would just buy a ps4.

[Naga]

@ Heavy

"I can think of a few people who said tp me "it will never happen"

I was one of those guys. I really, really didn't think we would be seeing this - especially not at the 6 month mark.

I was wrong.

[Patrick_pk44]

@tehpees3 I think you mean, "the fastest damage control for a console ever released".

[Giul_Xainx]

Headlines of the future. "Kinectless sku spawns 7 million pre orders."

"Gamers agree, what the f*!# took them so long?"

[Anon1974]

Well folks, we now have ourselves a race!

Good on Microsoft for once again showing some flexibility when it comes to the Xbox One. This move will only help the Xbox One and I think the stakes at E3 this year just went up considerably.

I still view the PS4 as a better choice (that's just my personal opinion) if you're only looking to pick up one console or the other but certainly this is a game changer.

[LexHazard79]

@webby,
Couldnt have said it any better.

[Saigon]

It should have always been an option and not a requirement. Cheers to MS for making a great decision. Now the only thing is that I hope the price of the Kinect separately is not an outrageous price.

[Boody-Bandit]

@Unholy_One

"Wow.

I was wrong.

I didn't think they would do it."

Mad props for being one of the first I've seen to do this.

I just wish MS would've never included Kinect in the 1st place. I've always said it was a huge mistake and it should've remained an option. Where would the numbers be if they didn't include it which inflated the price? Is it too little too late? Will it turn things around? Personally I think, as always, it will come down to the games.

I know we gamers say this every year but honestly I've never been more intrigued for E3. This could possibly be the best in years. I'm hoping it is. I plan on gaming until I kick and I don't plan on shuffling my mortal coil anytime soon.

I think MS made a lot of poor choices to start this generation and I'm frustrated by how long it is taken them to try and correct their mistakes. I still know competition moves us forward. So I'm just glad these moves are being made. Time will tell what effect they will have.

[fr0sty]

Drop the price to $350, drop the paywall for netflix and other services, and then I'll start watching some of the games for what I'd be interested in.

A step in the right direction, for sure. MS just might have prevented their gaming division from going extinct before the end of the generation. However, it is hard to stop momentum, an object in motion tends to stay in motion. PS4's momentum isn't going to slow any because of this, so XO is really going to have to ramp up fast to be any real threat.

That said, at this point Phil and friends aren't likely concerned about being "a threat" to PS4, and claiming the #1 in sales crown which only really matters to internet enthusiasts. They just want to take this sinking ship and try to make a little bit of profit from the recent investments made on the console so that execs and investors will stop calling for the division to be sold off.

[blackbeld]

Great news!

Now PS4 price drop please? PS4 for $299,- that will be great for all gamers!

I bet PS4 is almost reaching the break-even point so please drop the price.

[ZodTheRipper]

Am I the only one who thinks that this is actually a hidden price increase for the console itself? Weren't there people claiming that the production of Kinect costs almost as much as the console itself? And if I'm not mistaken, you can get an X1 + Kinect + Titanfall for 500 bucks at the moment ...400 for just the console seems like a hoax.

[ThunderSpark]

I'm waiting for the 180 on all this cloud makes you go super saiyan talk

[alexkoepp]

Don't really care one way or the other but they've now essentially killed Kinect

[Perjoss]

Good move, they only have 1 final hurdle to tackle now, they need to find a way for the One to catch up to the PS4 in terms of power.

[mikeslemonade]

LOL

Those who said that this wouldn't hapeen go EAT CROW NOW!

I told you so!

^^
And not this is too little too late for X1. If you look at trends it will tell you that the X1 won't be even competitive unless it's $299.99.

[UltimateMaster]

What Microsoft SHOULD have done, is make the Xbox One 400$, with kinect. Just saying.

[Supporter]

Its about time

[UltraNova]

@Heavy

Yep, they went directly after Sony, that was stupid. They have the money to spend why not drop to 350 and give Sony a fight? They are being beaten 2:1 globally after all.

[lelo]

"Pre-orders open for Xbox One without Kinect"

I was expecting this... remains to be seen if it's not to late for the X1. I hope not, competition is always good for the consumer.

As for the $399 price tag, it's a bit high. The PS4 is a more powerful console, so the Kinectless X1 should be $320-349.

Since I already have a PS4, probably get a Kinectless X1 in September when released in my country. Hope it's at least 350€ by then.

[randomass171]

Well, well, well... this race just became a lot more interesting.

[lonelyplayer]

NO. Remember Xbox One has additional hardware for handling the HDMI in.

[gameon1985]

You act like the PS4 is just night and day difference in power, when there has not been a single game on PS4 that shows a massive difference.

[Caffo01]

@gameon1985
infamous does show it a lot....1080p and above 30fps on an open world game with awesome graphics.
and 349 it's 50 less than ps4 so it should be right even if there's not much difference.

[JustCallMeDaddy]

You seem to forget the amount of features this system has. These two systems are dramatically different. It is like comparing an MP3 to a Cellphone.

I personally spend half my time using my Xbox One with functionality that I could also do on a PS4. The other half, I spend it using functionalities and features only applicable to the Xbox One.

What this, to me, means is that I paid $250 for a gaming system that can do exactly the same as a PS4. and the other $250 for the remaining 50% of features that are unique to Xbox One.

I think that at lunch, the Xbox One was hugely overpriced. But at this point? No way! It is a bargain for the amount of value it provides.

I digress, but who cares?! I use my Xbox One everyday, and I would be willing to bet that the average time Xbots spend on their Xbox One is at least twice what the average Ponies spends on their PS4.

If you take the above statement as being true, then nobody can't argue that the value provided by the Xbox One is on average twice what the PS4 provides. So in paper, the Xbox One could cost twice as the PS4 and still be worth it due to the amount of value it provides its users.

I digress, again. But in all sincerity, I can pay $400 dollars to use a PS4 for a set amount of time. OR, I can pay $500 and use an Xbox One for twice the amount of time. Tell me, which one provides more value, satisfaction and usage?

[Mr1Y]

@lelo
I dont think so, MS is losing a crap ton of money now http://tinyurl.com/ofsracw ,so i think a 400$ price tag is fine

[PrinterMan]

JustCallMeDaddy I guess it depends what you purchased the system for. I use my PS3 100% of the time to play games ... because that's why I purchased it. Xbone does not include a single feature the ps4 does not have that I personally find useful. I use a remote for my tv. I can press the power button without speaking, I can sit on the couch to play games, I don't need to jump around and look like an ass playing my games. etc. etc. etc. Of course this is just my opinion (and I'm entitled to it :).

$250.00 worth of unique features the Xbone provides you? How on earth did you come up with that???

[ufo8mycat]

gameon1985 - There are a few games on PS4 that show quite a huge difference compared to XBONE

1) Infamous Second Son
2) BF4 compared to XBONE ver - The difference here is actually quite big, especially in AA and texture quality. Not to mention the clarity of objects in the distance.

[SIX]

Madness indeed. Now what? You have two consoles at the same price but one is more powerful.

[Charybdis]

Agree Microsoft should lower x1 price to 350 without kinect.

[pwnsause_returns]

it should happen but it cant happen right now. its too early to reduce the price... but this is a good start.

also you forgot one thing about the PS4...you can change the hard drive without voiding the warranty....

[Mr1Y]

@ six
Remember games matter too, or else whats the point in having all

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Ps4 is more powerful but X1 is packed with far more features and a better social system. Both consoles are winners in their own respects.

[djplonker]

Still costs too much for weaker hardware for sure!

[Illusive_Man]

Because one has more functionality and expandability outside of games.

[asmith2306]

@Clown - maybe, but then again 360 had that over PS3 and it took massively inflated sales numbers due to RROD to be up there with PS3 sales.

[LonDonE]

@Clown_Syndr0me
Yeah but software and features on PS4 can and will improve over time and should rival the xbox 1 nicely but the hard ware difference and 40% or so more raw power cannot be caught up by Microsoft! its physically impossible!

Yes they can improve the api and drivers and sdk dev tools and optimise but so will the PS4 and so the difference in performance will more then likely stay!!
Software is something Sony will be able to improve on that's a given but M$ cannot catch up the difference in power between the consoles.

And this is coming from a core gamer who is a happy owner of a PS4,WiiU and XBOX ONE.
It actually is a bit disappointing because now the xbox one wont have anything unique about it.
If at E3 Nintendo unveils a game pad less Wii u then that would be a mind f_ _k!!

Microsoft's lack of vision and direction is worrying, all these 180's they have done while good for us the consumers is still worrying!

Just what an earth were they thinking at M$ head quarters? the X1 is a good console but should of been so much better but now the money they wasted on kinnect could have gone toward making the x1 more powerful.
Its the same with the wii u if it didn't have the game pad it could have been more powerful granted power is not everything, and again it would of made the wii u the same as the competition. I actually liked that all three of the consoles this generation where vastly different offering different things.

Its a strange situation for sure, if the X1 sales start picking up i wonder if this will be a hint to nintendo? i doubt it!
If Mario kart 8 and smash dont make wii u consoles fly off the shelves then nothing will!
I love the game pad but would of preferred if it wasn't included and was optional, that way the wii u would have been much cheaper.

But the kinnect i just dont see any use for it!
i suppose M$ will finally fix the home screen and make the os more controller friendly as it is at the moment its very awkward, i dont like it!

I think they made it that way on purpose to force people to use kinnect, which is a hit and miss most of the time.
I do hope they make the o.s more controller friendly now.
Either way this Generation just got allot more interesting!!

[diehardmetallicafan]

@SIX exactly right. picture a piece of turd, now cut a third of it off and you have a kinect-less xbone. (my own opinion so don't everyone get all poopy and teary)

[spicelicka]

But the other has better games? See anyone can do that.

Lol I love how people were bitching when DRM and disc policies were introduced, then they reversed those policies and people started bitching about the price................ then they offered the titanfall bundle for $450, people were still bitching............ now they removed kinect, people are still bitching.......I'm so thankful to all those people for making these changes happen, but for shit's sake be grateful MS is listening.

And then there are the Sony fanboys, with less and less things to hate on XB1 for you can see the insecurity level rise, like SIX here for exmaple^.

[GribbleGrunger]

All the developers with Kinect games in development are going to love this.

[Neonridr]

I'm sure everyone at Rare just threw their hands in the air and said

"Fu$k this, I'm going back to Nintendo"

[GribbleGrunger]

All Sony have to do now is double down on the power difference message. This will create a spike in sales for the XB1 without a doubt but with no differentiating feature, MS just handed Sony the killer blow.

April's NDP is going to embarrass both MS and VGC.

[Baka-akaB]

True but there is even a big popular differenciating feature . The ps4 has built in game feed capture without the camera . Unless mistaken , the plan was to do that with kinect

[medman]

If developers are making Kinect games they deserve the misery.

[GribbleGrunger]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

What if Sony drop the price of the PS4 by $50 and offer a version with the camera included for the original price? Check mate.

[darthv72]

If developers are making games for kinect then people with kinect can play them and people buying an xb1 can still by a kinect sku to play them as well.

It seems rather pointless to buy a game if you do not have the accessories to play.

[forcefullpower]

With no guaranteed kinect in every box no developer is going to bother with it. Its now just an under powered console compared to the PS4.

They should have just taken the hit and reduced the whole xbox one to £300 at launch and may be they would have kept some market.

Also what price are they going to sell it as a separate accesssorie.

[GribbleGrunger]

Perhaps Sony don't even have to offer the $50 cheaper version. We know that VR is going to be Sony's focus pretty soon and we know that a camera is necessary for it to work, so 'perhaps' Sony could simply announce:

"We are pleased to announce that from June 1st all PS4s will come with the PS4 camera for no extra cost."

A reaction from Harmonics:

http://i.imgur.com/hZetsGS....

[THE-COMMANDER]

Madness? THIS IS SPARTA!!!

lol jk, but seriously check this out:

http://n4g.com/news/1507596...

[DARK WITNESS]

It is the madness that a lot of die hard xbox fans said would never happen...

Yet another thing that has been backtracked on. Don't get me wrong, personally I am happy they are doing this. It gives buyers more choice and it goes someway to show MS is willing to change whatever it takes to "try" and get on top of the game.

It just makes me laugh for how long people have defended and said it would never happen.. oh but the whole system is designed for kinect, it can't work without it, blah blah blah...

what a joke.

I just wish I had held out buying one at launch, but I am one of those guys that just has to have it at launch, even if I don't play anything on it. bad on my part.

[Visiblemarc]

Yep, exactly.

I personally think it's the right move, and have said so many times...

...as a result I've been called every name in the book and accused of being a Sony fanboy.

Beside the fact that I own and play all brands, it really confused me to be called a fanboy for suggesting a strategy that I thought would *help* sales.

Anyway, as it turns out MS has done the right thing here. Good for them for making the decision sooner than later.

[DeathOfTheFanBoy]

Major Nelson blog - Delivering More Choices for Fans

The following blog post has been posted on Xbox Wire from Phil Spencer. Since many of you can’t visit Xbox.com while at the office, I am posting the full text here so you don’t miss anything

Since the beginning, we have focused on delivering great games and entertainment experiences for you. Your feedback matters to us and it shapes the products and services we build. Your feedback showed up in the Xbox One console we launched back in November and in the monthly updates we’ve delivered since.

Today, we’re excited to share more ways your feedback is impacting the products we build.

First, beginning on June 9th, in all markets where Xbox One is sold, we will offer Xbox One starting at $399*. This is a new console option that does not include Kinect. For $399, our new Xbox One offering will continue to deliver access to the best blockbuster games like “Titanfall,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Dead Rising 3,” and the upcoming “Watch Dogs,” “Destiny” and “Sunset Overdrive.” You will also be able to access popular entertainment apps, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Netflix, as well as watch live TV and use OneGuide. Finally, you will continue to be able to use many of the unique features of Xbox One including the ability to get game invites while you watch TV, switch between games and entertainment apps, enjoy Twitch broadcasts, and upload your favorite gaming moments.

Next, we’re bringing more value to our Xbox Live Gold members while extending the entertainment experiences available through Xbox to every connected console. So, also starting in June, we will roll out a new set of benefits for our Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox One and we will offer anyone who owns an Xbox 360 or Xbox One access to popular games and entertainment apps without an Xbox Live Gold membership. Here is what you can expect from the new generation of Xbox Live:

• Free games with Games with Gold**. Since Games with Gold launched on Xbox 360 a year ago, over 12 million people have enjoyed great free games, resulting in nearly 200 million hours of free fun playing Games with Gold titles. We’ve been learning from your feedback and have focused on making improvements each month to the selection of titles. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Games with Gold for Xbox 360 and as a thank you for helping shape this program, members will receive an additional free Xbox 360 game in June. The Games with Gold titles for Xbox 360 in June are “Dark Souls,” “Charlie Murder” and a bonus game of “Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.”

We’re pleased to bring Games with Gold to Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox One in June. Members will have subscription-based access to free games ranging from top hits to breaking indie stars. The program will launch on Xbox One with “Max: The Curse of Brotherhood” and “Halo: Spartan Assault.” A single Gold membership will get you access to the free games for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.

• Exclusive Discounts. Deals with Gold will also launch for Xbox One in June, delivering discounts for great games each month, with significant savings for Xbox Live Gold members. The first titles offered in June will include “Forza Motorsport 5,” “Ryse: Son of Rome,” and a few other surprises. This program will continue to be available for Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox 360. And new on Xbox One, we will launch a virtual VIP room exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members where we will feature free games, monthly deals, and other great benefits.

[SkippyPaccino]

Incoming PS4 price drop at E3...349.99$
Competition is a good thing

[tuglu_pati]

doubt it. Unless MS takes the lead which I also doubt. This price drop will move more console but it will not put MS in front of Sony.

[Illusive_Man]

Sony is bleeding all over from losses in multiple departments not to mention the PS3 and you expect a price drop?

Keep dreaming.

[SkippyPaccino]

Ok...everyone has to relax...If you don't think its going to happen fine...We don't have to be all douchy about it...I got my ps4 for free on day one with my credit card points...I'm set and waiting for watchdogs at the end of the month...

*speculation is that Sony is making money on every PS4 sold...( around 18$) Anything can happen...especially if Microsoft starts gaining on them , they could discount it closer to Christmas...Anyways its great news for gamers...

Stay Classy N4G

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

I think Sony will have a price drop for holiday season. The ONE will get a boost and may be on near equal footing in US/UK by then. Since this is not technically a price drop, just a new sku, I think we may see a price drop for the ONE as well. It would make me happy, but I doubt it.

[Magicite]

Hah, giving up already? Another 180? Here we go, MS, good job!
Wheres georgenoob, axios and truefan when we need them the most :D

P.S. Isnt this gonna hurt MS? I thought they invested shietloads of money into kinect, how are they gonna get it back now?

[tuglu_pati]

Why are you acting like this is bad? This is great news. Kinect was inflating the price of Xbox One to high.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

How is it bad news? Everything gamers moan,about, MS fix. They giving us exactly what were asking for. Its better for gamers and for business. Win win.

[GHOSTxx420]

this shouldve been at launch but oh well not dissapointed.

[Zombro]

No paywall and kinectless xbox one damn people are gonna run out of stuff to complain about.

[Obamanationn]

they removed paywalls ?

[Aceman18]

Well 2 out 3 things I wanted happened, now just redesign it to look smaller and slicker than I'm in.

[3-4-5]

Does this mean Rare can start attempting to make games people actually want to play again ?

[supergravity]

@ Headwing45
"What madness is this?"

The kind where MS force-fed their early adopters B.S. they never asked for, then soon after took a big steaming dump all over their loyal faces.

[TheSaint]

That's MS, not sure how so few people see it.

[Mac420]

Same thing I'm wondering, they will never learn. Still wouldn't buy an Xbox 1 even with the price drop. Not worth $400, if it was $300-$350 maybe but this console will never be bought by me. At least not until it breaks below the $300 mark.

[Mr1Y]

oh snap

[XiSasukeUchiha]

@Headwing

It's called a Victory my friend Uchiha Sasuke Out (disappears)

[frostypants]

It's still overpriced relative to the PS4 hardware. $350 would be the point where I started considering it.

[brich233]

They finally took thier head out of there asses and realized that nobody cares about waving thier hands lol

[parentoftheyear]

I wish i could copy and paste all the people that said this would never happen. It was only a matter of time. Thank Goodness! Xbox 1 Here i come.

[TheSaint]

MS are finally upping their game, shame they didn't do this and the no Gold needed for apps at the start, they might have faired a lot better.

[ITPython]

Wow, N4G down almost all day, coincidentally just hours after this huge announcement about kinect being dropped. Me thinks somebody who championed the kinect is bitter about the whole thing, and decided to take it out on the site they believe is some kind of "PS fanboy paradise" with a little DDOSing. Can't have us saying "I told you so" now can we?

I mean heck, if Sony came out and said "We are selling the PS division to Apple" I don't think I would want people talking about it either. Especially if I made a real hard case about how it would never happen.

Or N4G could have been down for unscheduled maintenance (worst possible time though, a kinectless XB1 is pretty massive news).

Either way Kotaku was an option, but it just isn't the same as NG4. No disagrees/agrees or bubble down/up there, so it isn't as fun. You can recommend posts by hitting the little star thing to spite those who disagree, but it really doesn't have the same impact as it does here.

OT: Kinectless XB1... HA! I hate MS beyond words, but I do commend them for this incredibly wise decision that many of us (ironically ones who own PS4's) have been suggesting/requesting since the release of the console. I would say better late than never, but as much as this helps the XB1, it also hurts it. While it is a good choice, it also shows MS flip-flopping on more things they claimed to have made such a strong commitment to. Just like the DRM and always-on stuff they announced at E3.

I dunno, I think it's about time for a XB2 at this point. The XB1 reputation is sullied, possibly beyond repair at this point. People could think of it as the "beta" release of the XB2 to test the waters and to iron out the problems. MS could offer massive discounts for those who would trade-in their XB1 for the XB2, and for the rest, charge $399 for it and make it just as powerful as the PS4.

[liquidhalos]

What the heck? is this a joke?? If not then this is great news. I can finally unretire my xbox account! YES!!

[user5669510]

This is the dumbest move ms. Whats the point ofkinect now. Ms doesnt have a ounce of planning atleast stick to you guns to let use see what your gonna deliver. This shows that the games the games was making that focused on kinect sucked. Just like with the always online they try to say how much its going to change things without even attemping to try and explain or show.

When it comes to any market ms enters its all business. Money grab. MS as a whole need to do some real soul searching because in the llast 15yrs they suck as a company. And I'm not talking about their money that's easy to do when your fan base is basically locked in for life. Windows basically prints money

Hopefully Xbox fans won't see Xbox go the same route as zune. Yep zune they do the same $h!t every market

[AceBlazer13]

Lol everyone called it. Except the die hard. So much I want to say but I might get marked for trolling

[Eonjay]

They were defending something that Microsoft wouldn't even defend so there you go.

[IRetrouk]

No, micro did say they would never release the one without kinect, they said it was designed with the system to be part of it, blame micro not the fans.

[randomass171]

Plus we're talking about a vocal minority. I think most people honestly expected this.

[die_fiend]

I got marked for trolling for saying that Destiny looks miles better than whatever Halo has ever looked like

[Hellsvacancy]

Go ahead man, we're not trolling if we're talking facts, most (not all) Ms fans said "but the XB1 is built around Kinect, it will NEVER happen"

And look what happens, I remember Angry Joe mentioning this to Major Neson and he completely shut Joe down "are you an engineer Joe? no, the XB1 will not work without Kinect" lol

Edit: I'm wrong, the interview was in regards to always on

[pompombrum]

To be fair, the Xbox One interface was clearly designed with Kinect in mind. Works absolutely fine without it though, I only ever use it for turning on, signing in and turning off my console.

[rivencleft]

Microsoft themselves said they will never release an Xbox One console without Kinect but as we see that's not the case, I praise them for finally doing it though, I think it will definitely boost their sales given that a lot of people really don't need the kinect. I like the lower price point but in my household the kinect is a staple, my wife, son, and I always play Kinect games together and we enjoy it, but there are a lot of gamers that either just use it for voice commands, or don't use it at all.

[pompombrum]

That poor poor switch.. LEAVE THE UNFLIPPABLE SWITCH ALONE!

[Sayburr]

I was one of those who thought Microsoft would keep the Kinect connected, but alas, it seems I was very much wrong.

I guess Microsoft saying the Kinect was essential to the Xbox Experence was just PR crap. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by it though.

[randomass171]

I think it was initially. When the OS was still built around the DRM I think Kinect must have been far more integral to the device.

[Bennibop]

More Microsoft spin and back tracking its been happening since the x1 announcement!

[HugoDrax]

I said Microsoft should keep the Kinect included and drop the price to $399.99.

Well now let's see! There has been so many gamers who said "I will buy an Xbox one if it doesn't have Kinect" Now that it's removed, I guess they should be getting their wallets ready.

[FITgamer]

"It'll never happen, Kinect is an integral part of the Xbox One OS." It's happening lol.

[HappyWithOneBubble]

LOL so many said that. I wonder how they feel about it now.

[FITgamer]

@NoWayOut You probably won't seen any those people in this thread either.

[Muzikguy]

Me too..... Me too. All those "it can't work without it" was all just to get te most money out of their customers. Now their whole "vision" is shot. Think back to where the original Kinect started and see where they (MS) are now. All that time wasted, to just end up in this position

Edit: I forgot to explain my point. All that time wasted on something that wasn't going to stick anyway, that's what people were having a problem with

[Eonjay]

Microsoft is doing everything it can to make this an interesting fight so good luck to them. All they have to do is take the Kinect out of the boxes they have... and bam!

So this puts Sony in an interesting situation. They are shipping these on the same day as E3.

[bleedsoe9mm]

its interesting that this isn't being done at E3 , games lineup must be great .

@Eonjay E3 part of the strategy in front of all the big retail buyers , XB1 is equal now , and look at the fall game lineup , who in the audience ready to sign up for a big order LOL

[Eonjay]

Well games don't come out that day. What they have to do is try to recover some ground they lost to Sony in the meantime.

[Wikkid666]

They said they are going to have many announcement before E3... and leaving E3 for the real juice!

[die_fiend]

Just need to replace all of the components now

[dodgemoose]

Will need new boxes without Kinect on them :P

[frostypants]

The PS4 is superior hardware for the price. In fact it's even more apparent now...before MS could at least try justify the cost by vaguely arguing that the Kinect makes up for it. Now, Kinect is gone, and they want the same price point as the PS4 for clearly cheaper hardware? How do they justify that now that there's no shell to hide it under?

[ITPython]

The release date is definitely interesting, maybe MS is going to try to pull some kind of House of Cards move at E3. Perhaps using their Shipped-through numbers of the newly released kinect-free XB1 to bolster their position and decision on un-bundling kinect.

I mean think about it, a kinect-free XB1 for $100 cheaper is essentially like releasing the console all over again, June 9th is basically going to be a born-again day for the XB1. And since it is a pre-order, all those sales will be neatly bunched up into one day when it releases. Think of it like a day-1 release of a game, that first day, due to all the backed up pre-orders, is always going to be it's highest selling point.

MS is most definitely going to use that number to their advantage in some way or another. For example creating marketing hype about how the XB1 was the highest selling console during the month of E3 kind of thing. Problem is they are counting their chickens before they hatch, and it could backfire on them if the pre-order numbers are really weak.

[Eonjay]

You hit it on the head here. Only problem is they did this with Titanfall and failed. Its basically the third console launch so far.

1. November 22 2013.
2. March 11 2014
3. June 9 2014

[fonger08]

I knew waiting that out was the right way to go!

[ABizzel1]

Yes, and that's what I told everyone else to do.

Launch games aren't always the greatest, and they'll drop in price after a couple months anyway, and with the XBO being the most expensive of the 3 it was the most likely to receive a price drop first.

[fonger08]

It's the first system I haven't bought at launch in long time. $500 is just too much especially at launch. $400 is mentally much easy to dish out for, especially since I'm a sucker for Halo.

[ABizzel1]

@candy_mafia

It never makes sense to buy the most expensive console first, because it'll get a price drop usually 1 year later. The same thing happened to the PS3, but it was a bit more understandable why it was so high. It was a gaming console + Blu Ray player, and Blu Ray players were around $400 alone back then. But 1 year later and the PS3 was $399 down from $599.

If the full value isn't there (such as some of your favorite games Day 1, or superior hardware), then don't buy the most expensive console.

[PainUzumaki]

YESSSSSS I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!!! lol definitely picking this up along with that Sunset Overdrive

[randomass171]

Hoping to get one for myself as well at some point. :D

[silkrevolver]

Good call on their part. If their exclusives prove to review well in the future, I might just get one.

I still feel that the PS4 is the better long-term option, but everyone wins with this change.

[ninsigma]

So it's not essential to the whole experience then?? :P
Smart move, lets see of the sales increase!

[n4rc]

Its essential to the whole experience..

You can now get Xbox lite for cheaper.. Lol..

[bigboss1990]

Blow it your ass! Lol

[Boltshocker]

About time Xbox One without Kinect will sell more and be much better :)

[raWfodog]

I agree. I'll probably even pick one up a lot sooner than expected.

[DynDasE]

It is great for MS exclusive goers.

For usual consumers, a good selling point for Xbox One has been stripped away.

Within the same price tag, Xbox One still is still underperformed by PS4 in every other aspect( except Xbox Live, but PSN+ gives you more value)

Also, we will see what current customers of Xbox One who do not want Kinect at all will think about this sudden change.

Incoming dissonance indeed :P Interesting !

[Software_Lover]

It's all about features and subjective wants/needs from a console. The O.S. of XBone is head and shoulders above the ps4. Snapping back and forth between games and apps with XBone is like magic especially with Kinect :(

Sony has a better history of their first party delivering great experiences.

You have to give and take with both, but you can't go wrong choosing either, or even both.

[IRetrouk]

I have only played with xbox one a lil, head and shoulders? No, there are features on it that the playstation does not have like the snap feature but its a hell of a lot slower than sonys os, either way my wish has been granted, deff getting a one after e3 now.

[DynDasE]

Actually MS OS is better, but install time ? Navigation ? Design ? Lots of Adss ?

Xbox One OS is Windows 8.1 RT which will suffer when you cannot use Kinect.

[2pacalypsenow]

what?

[AW360ME]

To be honest it at least means that a Kinect sensor is worth a couple of quid on eBay now, seeing as if a (solus) console owner wants Kinect at some point, £30 on eBay might well be better than the inevitable £99.99 in the shops.

[system22]

yes and no. i'd like to think that the reason they made this an option is because consumer feedback probably pointed to high costs without a perceived value to that cost. in other words, market research might prove that people would rather pay less to forego Kinect, seeing no substantial gain in experience. I don't know why they'd do it for any other reason.

personally i like the kinect... moreso as an input device for watching tv/movies etc. its nice to not have to reach for the remote and just use your hands or voice. (even tho you feel like an asshole at first)

i would probably disagree in the xbox underperforming in every other aspect. the xbox has a lot of functionality that the ps4 just simply doesn't have. yes multiplatform games seem to be better on ps4 at present, but the xbox can literally run two apps at the same time on screen, has integrated skype, a kickass version of twitch, hdmi passthrough with overlays and guide customization for live tv (even apps show up as channels in the guides with their content listings) and its awesome. you can also pin apps, movies tv shows to your homescreen etc. its pretty slick (although not completely perfect). you also get a live preview of whatever app is running when you return to your home screen. its also based on win8/directX, which most developers prefer in the long run for things like porting etc (even tho most also prefer sony's dev kits)

I think where ps4 has advantages are the fact that you don't need ps+ to have access to things like Netflix. ps+ probably offers better free titles for now, but the problem with that is that if you lapse your subscription you lose your games. this is not so with games with gold. PS4 has a lot of free to play games so far if you're into that. its not my thing really but its cool that its there.

its also worth noting however that MS will probably submitting on needing xbl gold to run apps you are already paying for. which to me is the right thing to do. thats always annoyed me about the xbox. especially when the ps4 doesn't make you.

[n4rc]

Does it really give you more value now?

Now you get the performance of xbl plus 2 current games a month...

[Bundi]

Xbox One kinect bundles will still be for sale...nothing lost

[Software_Lover]

Missing in the Kinect excitement is that they are doing a PS+ subscription/free game type of deal for the XBone and 360. Halo Spartan Assault and Max the curse of the brotherhood will be available for free to gold members starting in June.

Exciting times.

Edit: Personally, I would've preferred them to just drop the price to 399.00 with the kinect. That would have shown that they were dedicated, BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE CAUSED INVESTORS TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK.

[Sayburr]

Well, there were a lot of people post on here and other sites that they would buy a XBO if the Kinect was removed... so there you go... start ordering!

[VitaOwner]

I'm one of them and I will!

[WeAreLegion]

So, does that mean they'll be selling the Kinect 2.0 separately?

So everyone knows, you can still buy Day One Edition with Kinect for $466 on Amazon.

Edit: Awesome. Thanks!

[Bonkerz]

yes, they are. In the announcement it stated if you later feel you want the kinect for the entire Xbox experience you can purchase it separately.

[LGM313]

Now Kinect is dead like the first one.

[Sayburr]

I have to agree... there is no use spending time programing for an add-on unless you just have some extra time before the release date.

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Its hardly dead, its used so much for streaming, upload and voice commands. That alone makes it worthwhile. Oh and it signs me in by my face, that's awesome Im far to lazy to sign in manually. That's old skool.

[frostypants]

The original Kinect had voice commands and everyone quit bothering with them.

Also, you're too lazy to click a button to sign in? Another example of a solution to a non-problem. This is Microsoft's main problem: they provide features that offer very little added convenience (or worse, makes stuff harder). They don't get it. It's what led to the Windows 8 debacle, the Windows phone debacle, and both Kinect debacles.

[Convas]

Man, I hope someone picks up that phone ...

... BECAUSE I FREAKING CALLED IT.

[Goro]

Just like almost everyone did.

[randomass171]

The phone's must be ringing off the hook because a ton of people called it. :P

[uth11]

they said it couldn't be done!

[sAVAge_bEaST]

Flip a Switch.!,!.!

[bobacdigital]

They missed the Kinectless price point IMO ... It should have been priced at 349.99 without Kinect.. People will knock on this sku as still being less powerful than ps4 since it has no advantages anymore. They would have been better off eating the loss and including the Kinect IMO.. The only thing that makes them different now is the specs and MSFT exclusives... What happens when Sony shows up at E3 and says 349.99? MSFT should have lowered their price under the PS4s to start buzz...

The Titanfall bundle for 499.99 with pack in Kinect and game seems like better value IMO?

[Dchops]

You have a good point there, but the titanfall bundle is supposedly a limited edition run.

[Rogert]

Sony is not going to decrease the price of the ps4 to 349.99 at E3. They are already losing money on every ps4 sold and for a company that financially is barely surviving dropping the price is at terrible idea

[bobacdigital]

Sony as a WHOLE is losing money ... but the game division has been exponentially increasing. Dropping the price isnt a bad thing because more systems out there means more PSN+ subscriptions and more games being attached to it.

Sony is not selling the system at a loss this time around (google it). Working with AMD and going with the less custom architecture has made it a lot easier to make.

Also the longer anything is in production the less it costs to manufacture it (especially if what you are manufacturing is being mass produced). An example of this is that Iwata stating the Wii U is longer sold for a loss (and that is with it selling like trash).

[MoonConquistador]

Both Xbone and PS4 were making a profit on every unit sold from day 1. If anything, both should have increased that profit margin.

Not sure where you get your info, care to post a link?

[frostypants]

I concur. $349 would reflect the slightly weaker hardware. That's the price point I've said all along should be where a Kinect-less One should be. This is still just as overpriced as before...just minus the crummy accessory.

I don't see Sony cutting the PS4 price though without seeing how things shake out for the One. They're playing from a position of strength...they can take time to analyze things. Though it would certainly be one hell of a crotch-punch move if they did so...

[osprey19]

Aaaaaannd now look at all the comments that say they will now get an xb1, more sales, cant be a bad thing. The gamer always wins

[crosstrigger]

Anybody wonder if Phil Spencer was in the room when they decided to bundle the Kinect and was just shaking his head? lol

[Menkyo]

looks like you people who disagree with me time and time again when I said this was coming now have to eat some good old crow. yummy yummy.

[vividi]

Now we're talking, competition is good, as an Xbox 1 owner Kinect is a joke

[HugoDrax]

I own an XBOX ONE, PS4, and Wii U. I just downloaded Kinect Sports Rivals and played with my family over Mothers Day Weekend :-).

Serious question now? So how will gamers record gameplay then? As of now I just press a button on my PS4 controller (Share). What will you press on your Xbox One controller? Since you no longer can say "XBOX RECORD THAT" how will you record anything, unless they make the voice command active through the headset. Still that's going to limit a ton of recorded gameplay for xbox one. Guess it's time for them to release a modified controller, similar to when Sega Genesis had to release a 6 button controller because of the release of Mortal Kombat.

[vividi]

Maybe Kinect works for the family,Mobutu for a gamer that is alone, like me, it just doesn't work

[Gr1mmyshadows]

I personally love my kinect and think it adds some uniqueness to XB1. I just hope dev dont abandon the kinect and continue to add features in their games using the kinect.

[Mac420]

They abandoned it before it launched, just another MS marketing ploy. Supposivr biggest XB1 title this year ((Titanfall))used it in no way what so ever. After that game launched, people should have realized it was a dud.

[Gr1mmyshadows]

Yet I can still use it for other things. I'm satisfied with just the voice commands and motion gestures because they work so good. You may think it's a dud but I don't see it that way.

[Master-H]

Oops! Major Nelson must be at it again with the switch flipping !
Good news tho, but why is it 399 ? since it's weaker than a ps4 shouldn't it be like 349 ? good news non the less, Kinect has always been a worthless piece of ish in my opinion bringing Xbox down since 2010.

[Rogert]

xbox 360 being weaker than the PS3 didn't seem to matter as the 360 destroyed the PS3 sales wise in America.

The average consumer could not care less about FPS or resolution and Microsoft knows that.

[Master-H]

Umm the 360 came out a year earlier in the US , was cheaper plus the ps3 while stronger , still had the worst versions of the multiplatform games because it's hard to develop for.

[GundalfDeGrej]

A better example would be the Wii vs every other console. It's all about the games.

[BF4THEWIN]

No one could care less about America , playstation outsells xbox everywhere else and always will

[James-GAMES]

Well's it about time this definitely should give a boost in sales, but enough to outsell the the PS4? I don't know. All i know is I'm very happy with my PS4, and this news makes it easier to purchase a second console.

[curtis92]

Good day for gaming

[cyclindk]

Very quick reaction if true instead of letting the console flounder for years and only THEN removing it. But think they will maintain two versions? One with and one without or what?

Some will call backsliding and it is somewhat, but better than the console sinking and if they still give an optional kinect, nothing bad about having a cheaper kinectless version.

[hobbitooo]

if titanfall cant save xbox, i wonder a kinect-less xbox can...

[Neonridr]

pretty sure TF sold a boat-load of games. How is that in any way bad for MS?

[Mac420]

700K with the free copies that came with Titanfall bundles included in sales figures is far from good.

Halo when Bungie was making it, sold more on single console. How is 700k sales good. You have around 4 Million X1 users, Almost 50 Million 360 users, An millions more on PC.

Never understood all the hype behind TF, Glad I Gameflyed it. Put it back in the mail after 3 days.

[Neonridr]

care to provide a link for those numbers. Last I heard it was closer to 1.5 million sold on the XB1 alone.

People still bought the consoles to get access to the game.

The PS4 has millions more users and Infamous still sold less.

[Hellsvacancy]

It will definitely help, for a while atleast

[Rogert]

a $100 price reduction just before E3 where they will announce a ton of games for the system? the momentum is all in Microsoft's side after E3.

Unless Sony announces something completely mind-blowing at E3 or shows off a major firmware upgrade, the tides(at least in America) will be shifting towards the X1.

[Bonkerz]

I know of 6 people who already reserved, seems like this will definitely help Xbox get a lot more sales.

[Neonridr]

A bunch of good changes in the MS camp IMO. GWG going subscription based a-la PS+ is great news, means access to better games. Removing Kinect is a getting rid of a great barrier to entry. Now the consoles are the same price, so it will be about the games now. Sure, you can debate whether it should have been a little cheaper since the hardware is "not as strong", but this is a great start to evening the playing field a little bit more.

In the end, gamers are the ones who are going to benefit the most from this news, so it's win-win.

[SLUG]

YES YES YES no kinect now real games will come now

[lemoncake]

I once had a dream i was playing great kinnect games, now that dream has died, bye bye kinnect support.

[bestofthebest]

Great move by MS should definitely help sales

[kurochi]

Another example of how money talks.
To really hit and drive home that we've had enough, hit the big corporations at where it hurts, their wallet.
This should definitely be a lesson to the Broadband companies that are pushing to eliminate net neutrality and charging us more.

[pabadamus1]

Ha. I said this would happen. I've been saying this would happen before the X1's release. I thought they would have done this around Christmas time but Sony's success has expedited the whole thing. I am now more interested than ever. Couple this with the rumor that MSFT may be pulling all non multi-player services from behind the pay wall and I am on board. All they need to do to get my money this year is announce an early 2015 Halo release and a bunch of compelling new IPs at E3. Awesome!

[mogwaii]

Microsoft cant do anything right it seems and this is just another backflip in their repertoire of stunts. I actually would only buy xbone for the novelty of the kinect, i dont take microsoft very seriously, not after the whole xbone launch debacle, i'll buy an xbone in a year or so so i can play silly kinect dance games with my niece.....if they actually haven't completely abandoned kinect by then.

[THC CELL]

180 again. They said they would not do this lol

[smt_Nocturne]

isn't x1 built around kinect ?
or is it a PR crap.just like DRM switch that they can't flip ?
altho one thing left for MS to do with x1 and that is to change x1 name to Xbox180.

[King_of_Nothing]

Is there any word on what the kinect will now cost as a stand alone unit?

[IRetrouk]

399 dollars, dont know what the sterling or euro price is though

[HacSawJimThugin]

Now that Kinect isn't going to be bundled with the X1 I wonder how many ppl will back up actually pick it up. Countless comments on here and other places said that they would get one without Kinect well time to show and prove.

Sunset Overdrive and. Kinect less X1 is will be hard to pass up...your move Sony.

I love my Kinect and whomever chooses to buy this new model will be missing out on one of the best features but hey this what you wanted right? So order up!

MS is still dedicated to Kinect and are probably building experiences that will make ppl want one eventually.

[skoorydook]

This is kind of a big hint that MS maybe aren't as dedicated towards Kinect as they originally claimed, lets be honest if this bundle gives X1 a massive boost in sales then it really won't matter that much who already owns and likes Kinect, if they end up in the minority then they will be just that, the minority

[gameon1985]

Look, you Sony fans need to stop with the weaker BS. just admit that you are afraid that this will no longer give sony a sale lead that they once had. Yuo people keep hollering power but Show me one Game on PS4 that is just so much graphically better then any Xbox One game.

[Applejack]

No need to get upset because of a few fanboys. This is wonderful that MS finally decided to make the Kinect optional. I'm definitely going to pick up a Kinectless bundle during Black Friday this year.

[WeaseL]

Amazon UK has XB1 for £379 with kinect and £349 without.
Kinect only worth £30?

[THC CELL]

399.00 USD = 236.982 GBP
US Dollar ↔ British Pound
1 USD = 0.593941 GBP 1 GBP = 1.68367 USD wow we getting robbed lol

[ziggurcat]

this is what i've been waiting for.... and, frankly, should have been made available as soon as they announced that kinect was no longer necessary to plug into the console.

[Infernostew]

X1 + kinect + titanfall/forza =$450
X1 + game - kinect = $460

?

[skoorydook]

Ah well already bought one now, wonder if the UK price will be £349 same as a PS4, if so then if the Kinectless bundle comes without a game people would be as well getting the bundle I got from Game £414 with 3 games,Sell the Kinect on at a reduced price from what retail will be if you don't want it

[LAWSON72]

I did not expect a MS blowout today, I am glad they are announcing these things before the show. I want a conference like last year, completely game focused and this time without all the cons of the system ruining the show

[mdluffy]

Didn't they say that xbox-one would never work without the kinect? So they worked around that huh...

[GodGinrai]

I think, what really matters here is that the option to buy it without kinect for those that didnt want it. Its a win win for everyone. Im ok with kinect, hence why I bought mine at launch. But this is good for those that dont want it. Plus...This will bring me plenty of fresh meat to kill on titanfall.. *evil grin*

[SLUG]

so true pvsz as well fresh meat to kill at lol

[kaileb]

Is this Day one Edition?? Relaunch again... From June and beyond no one can used the ps4 is cheaper defense..

[GodGinrai]

well...there is still the graphics issue...But I am bored of THAT conversation.Its really about the games...And I for one would like to see the topics be more about games now.

E3, cometh.

[Father__Merrin]

180 on everything now I fear for its future now

[sak500]

you're trembling cuz it's now better choice than ps4. Better games already out, better exclusives and taking into account modifications per users requests. Did you guys get cross game chat on ps3 despite crying from day one?

How many updates has ps4 had till now ?

[IRetrouk]

How so?

[GameDev1]

If i remember clearly the PS4 had a huge update, while Xbox does it in bits

Both have updates anyway

[Medusa]

Seems like they are removing the pay wall for xbox apps too!

http://gizmodo.com/streamin...

[mo241]

great story, should have been E3.
Still don't know if I buy the xbox one if it's going to be with or without kinect.

[sak500]

How about a f$#$%$N refund for us day one launch buyers? I paid $870 for this. GIVE us some games for free.

[Applejack]

Your entitlement is showing...

[Ninjamonkey82]

This will help sales that choice was needed badly. I still haven't used my kinect seen the day i got the x1.

[B1uBurneR]

you guys are asking the wrong questions.. how would one XBox record that?

[d_dogg2007]

Lolll it just goes to show that ms has no clue when it comes to gaming! They have and always will be a cancer to the industry with their ways! Xbox fanboys should thank sony for what your getting if it wasn't for sony none of this would have happened! Kinect, Xbox, hd-DVD, rrod that is an xbox legacy! Make the right choice, ps4 you cannot go wrong!

[SLUG]

i do not use my kinect at all i'm waiting for very good games on the xbox one
i laugh at people who try to tell my xbox one kinect to turn off or turn on snap when i play games on online with people i never have it on this will never happen to me

[HappyWithOneBubble]

The good thing is people can now buy XB1 without having to pay the extra $100 for Kinect. The bad thing is MS couldn't even wait til the holidays to do a none Kinect console. 1st the DRM change, then the Titanfall $400 bundle, and now the none Kinect console. So many changes in 6 months. MS really didn't think PS4 could do this well with a 3m lead over XB1. A $400 XB1 will help but PS4 will still remain the lead the whole gen.

[GodGinrai]

Apps being removed from behind XBL paywall...

Dropping kinect/lowering price...

The change in GWG to match PSN's Offerings....

Damn...phil Spencer is grabbing the situation by the horns! People are calling for "less talk more action" on N4G...well. You are getting what you asked for.

N4Gs comments section is going to be pretty interesting over the next few weeks, to say the least. Im not saying anybody is "winning" E3 or whatever...Im just saying... Alot of crow is being eaten today..including me! lol...I didnt see ANY of these announcements coming....but then we asked for "less talk, more action", right?

[sak500]

Yes, that's one fast action man, Phil. The way things are improving i see rising anxiety in the opposing camps. THey haven't had any good news, updates, games since the launch and MS is throwing punches left right and center.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

What a stupid ass decision. If Sony taught us anything is 1/2 ass support for a peripheral means its death. Kinect will be relegated to crap like Move, Vita, PSP, etc.

This is simply MS giving up innovation for market share.

[sak500]

Agreed. Dropping price or offering 2 free kinect games would have made sense. It's same way again when they shipped 360 with and without HD initially.

[Themba76]

now drop that price to $350 and I might just upgrade my 360

[unicron7]

If I can get a bundle of this with a good XB1 game, then I'll bite. The hardware is at about $350 if you ask me.

[Clarence]

Now this is a good idea for M$ as well as for gamers.

[synistatha1]

Still don't want one didn't have the first didn't have a 360 won't have a one played plenty at friends houses and wasn't impressed so good for the people who wanted a kinectless version but for me owning a one is unnecessary cause honestly I don't see any games on the one that really excites me maybe quantum break but I'm not buying a console for one game and please don't bring up halo or gears I am not interested in those series.

[tigertron]

and people here and elsewhere said MS would never sell a Kinect-less SKU. Well, I have news for you folks.

[DefenderOfDoom2]

As a big uber fan of the PLAYSTION brand , good move MICROSOFT ! My friends who still game on 360 will be very happy about this announcement!!!

[jmc8888]

I commend Microsoft for doing the right thing. I commend them for adopting the best practices of Sony in regards to the games with gold and removing some apps from behind the paywall. They were very popular, and Microsoft needs all the goodwill it can create.

But it was absolutely dumb for them to force package the Kinect sensor. An option is an option, only when it IS an option.

Only now (June 9th+) will it be an option.

The Kinect sensor didn't differentiate it from the PS4. I do find it funny that alot of Xbox fanboys mistakenly THOUGHT it did. Why? Because the Xbox One forced on the sensor? That because the PS4's didn't force it, it was somehow not there? Both the PS4 and Xbox One have motion sensors. So how could it be a differentiator?

Snap, isn't Kinect. You can have a button press initiate it, just as much as Kinect sensor, and of course, all these aspects can be without a Kinect sensor and a $2 microphone.

Sure Kinect has a few extra features, and the UI was made to almost force it's usage, but that is actually bad thing seeing how many Xbox One owners want to use their controller to control the UI.

Microsoft had a more advanced sensor, but Sony had the more advanced gaming console. But what good is a more advanced sensor when it really doesn't add anything?

We did all know this was coming, in as so far that if it didn't the Xbox One would have been absolutely trashed sales wise this generation. It's still going to be bad, but this will at least help keep things more competitive, which is a good thing.

$399 is still too much. Remember folks, you can get a $100 video card that is as powerful as an Xbox One. So it still is too expensive. This console is worth $299. Not a penny more. But $349 would obviously be a discount and close enough for many more to buy. At $399 you still are paying the same for quite a bit less, which isn't good. But it's a positive step forward.

It just seems like Microsoft once again is being dumb by not getting ahead of the situation and only taking half-measures instead of seizing the situation and turning it into a positive. A $349 pricepoint would have done that.

I feel bad for the people who didn't want Kinect, but paid for it. Those people should have waited, because it was clear well before launch, like June or July that it was going to happen. We just didn't know when.

Because of Xbox's inferior specs, they won't win the multiplatform war. They need to provide great legitimate 1st or 2nd party exclusives.

People do care about FPS, resolution, etc. Some may not know it specifically, but they know they want the more advanced system. This is true about anything. As long as you can say unequivocally that the PS4 is more powerful, and you will always be able to, the PS4 will benefit from this. PS4 has good word of mouth, so price parity, plus the fact it is more advanced will matter. People work hard for their money, and want to make sure they get their money's worth.

So if you aren't going to buy an Xbox One for; Call of Duty, Battlefield, Batman: Whatever, Star Wars: Battlefront, etc, then why would you buy an Xbox One? Exclusives. If people want one console, it's mostly going to be the PS4. But gamers love games, and if Microsoft produces honest exclusives, people will respond.

[jmc8888]

Right now they don't really have that. On the Horizon, they don't really have that. In a couple years, maybe. But they still have to open about half a dozen studios to achieve this, and it'll take 2-3 years once these studios are a reality, before their games come out.

Another problem, like much of their problems beyond the actual hardware, is of all the asinine decisions they made, and how slowly they responded. Not changing their fascist policies before the reveal and E3 was a mistake that would take years or a whole console generation to undo. One by one they got rid of most of the idiotic policies, but the damage was done. They gave the middle finger to their customer, and worse yet, then they mocked them. Even years from now, some people will still think the Xbox One is online only or can't play used games, and Microsoft is the one who created that.

Kinect's inclusion at a $399 launch price, might have been ok, but the $499 price and refusal to give people a choice, helped cement and reinforce all the early bad decisions. Giving people a choice is always better, but not giving them one while actively taking away all the other stuff they attempted to, was quite literally insane.

Now that half a year has passed, alot of the bad feelings for Microsoft have engendered run pretty deep, and their deficit to Sony's PS4 in sales is almost legendary. It would be if the PS4 had a higher production level. Microsoft lucked out that Sony could only make so many PS4's, or it would easily be already doubled.

So now it comes down to games, and the expectation that the Xbox One should be cheaper because it is made of inferior tech. But price parity is price parity, so some will choose to go Xbox One. At least they aren't giving you the middle finger and asking you to pay more.

If you have a PC and/or PS4, there isn't much of a reason to buy an Xbox One, but perhaps in late 2015 to early 2017 they will have produced enough first party offerings to justify a purchase. Halo 5 will be a good step, but that's late 2015 at the earliest. It needs more. This is the murky part we don't know much about. We don't know how many studios they might have bought or created, or how many people they funded for exclusivity. At E3 we'll find out more.

But at least now Microsoft has come to their senses. Which opens up future sales by many who simply wouldn't bend to the idiocy Microsoft was pushing.

Now they need to provide the games. It's a shame it seems like the pipeline for exclusive in house games doesn't start in earnest until Q4 2015-Q4 2016. We'll see if they've accelerated it or if it remains on the slow track. They'll have some of course that will be out before then, but most seem to be stuff they'll still be showcasing in preview form at E3 2015 and even E3 2016. They need good quality exclusives here in 2014, and Sunset Overdrive, Forza: Horizon, and Quantum Break don't scream like they are it. Right now Sunset Overdrive seems to have the best chance for legitimate hype, but how much mainstream appeal it will have is still up in the air. Though I expect it to do quite well, it may not be spectacular.

One step closer to my purchase, but quite a few exclusive games away from it.

[lifeordeath617]

a few my friends are already preordering this; however, i cant picture people using this system w/o kinect. I got used to saying "xbox record that" or "xbox snap or unsnap" lol

[Ninjatogo]

Will be interesting to see how the sales figures change given it's not cheaper but the same price. After the changes to Live it looks like the major differences will now be the games. In that department Sony still has better first party and third party games are better on their machine. There's still no real advantage to picking up the XB1 over the PS4.

[tommygunzII]

Xbox won't sell with or without Kinect.

[Izzy408]

They've already sold about 4.5 millions consoles in only 13 countries and $100 more expensive than the competition. Too much Haterade?

[modesign]

so at most they will draw even with ps4 in weekly sales but they are still 3million behind ps4.

[tommygunzII]

So Xbox is less powerful than PS4 with less games, and what was unique is gone...

[unicron7]

Good. Should have launched like this.

[BX81]

If you mean with options then I completely agree. I have a day 1 xb1. I like my kinect but those who didn't want one should've had a choice. I just didn't see this happening now. Maybe at e3, just not before.

[iistuii]

In UK it's £349. Well with Kinect & a game it's £379 may as well have Kinect version with a game.. They need to make it £300 IMO.

[MasterCornholio]

I was expecting this kind of announcement to come out at E3.

I'm glad that Microsoft admits that Kinect isn't necessary.

:)

Great for those who want the system without the camera.

On the other hand this proves that Microsoft isn't happy with the way the console is selling which can be seen as bad news.

[Izzy408]

Interesting. This should lead to a boost in sales; not the mention the box will ship to another 40+ countries this September.

[JMyers]

Wow.. The way MS is talking is like they did this for us... They did this for the same reason the DRM and always online was removed... It wasn't selling. But they'll say that it was done for us, to give us choice, and that they're listening.

The way MS was talking I thought Kinect was the 2nd coming of Jesus.

#NotBetterWithKinectAgreesMS

[BX81]

They did do it for the gamers. Who else buys consoles? They don't make money unless someone buys it. That's called business 101. Any smart company would adjust to give their product the best chance of making the company money.

[JMyers]

MS did it because no one was buying it. Cudos to them for changing it.

But they did it for money and NOT to give us choice. They will sell it this way.. For the fans, for the people etc. Marketing 101.

MS is not just marketing the console to gamers. They want to make this the "all in one" device. This obviously is failing, hence the reversals, and the new face of the XBONE. A gamers device now, done for gamers right?

The many faces and functions of MS and what they've tried with the XBONE.

Hey don't get me wrong, this is a good thing for the market. The competition is now truly one. E3 will be very interesting.

[kris9512]

That's retarded, IMO.
Yet again, M$ have given in to the complainers; The Kinect is part of the Xbox's innovation, and the only real thing that differentiates itself from any other console. People who moan about it haven't even tried it. Pointless, considering the console is nearly as cheap as the ps4 now, anyway. Morons.

[GamingSinceThe80s]

They had to drop it wether us Xboxone owners like it or not.Sony was getting to much of a lead in sales.The only thing they have to worry about now is sony dropping it's to $350 but I don't know if they can or will due to their $ problems. I guess ether way this is very bad news sony who has had a free ride to the top up to this point due to MS refusal to change.

[GamingSinceThe80s]

And it still comes with a good $25 headset!Unlike that 10 cent piece of garbage earbud thing my PS4 had packed in.lol

[unicron7]

It's just a shame that the specs for the console aren't nearly as good as they are for the PS4. You're still getting a better deal with the PS4, hardware wise.

[HmongAmerican]

Correct me if I am wrong. Does this means that XB1 will see a boost of power without Kinect?

[unicron7]

I don't think so. I think the system architecture still reserves a spot for the Kinect, just in case you buy a Kinect later down the line.

[modesign]

smart move, let the consumers decide if they want the kinect.

[djplonker]

I still dont want one...

[kewlkat007]

Damn...ever since Don Mattricks left...What is going on? Besides Sony and the competition, Phil has been doing what the fans feel like should of been done with parts of theX box business...

[sameold]

LOL so the "main" selling point of the Xbone, the only thing that made it "unique" is gone. They have reversed every single thing that they praised so much. The only thing left is the power of the cloudz hahaha!

[Excalibur]

I've been saying this would happen for a while now and every time I did I would get massive thumbs down, called names and so on.

The only thing I can say now is......Told ya so. ;)

[kryteris]

If they changed the kinnect version w/ free game to 449.99, that would probably sell better. Curious to see what sony will do next, free camera bundle? Free game, or coupon..

[TEZ-RaViNlUnAtIk]

microshaft does another 180, hardly surprising lol, im getting so dizzy now eurghhhhh

[danny818]

How much can I get for my ps4 at gamestop?

[LakerGamerEnthusiast]

BRAVO MS, Bravo. :) I'm primarily PS4 right now, but I won't rule out the Xbone in the coming future. Things seem to be looking up for them with Phil at the top.

Here's to a competitive generation between the PS4 and Xbox One. And us Gamers will be the true beneficiaries in the clash :)

Ball's in your court Sony ;)

[chobit_A5HL3Y]

they should have just had an option from the start. they made that whole stupid statement about how this would never happen and that kinect WAS the xb1 a few months ago, and now look at them lolz had they released a $400 base console, i would prolly have an xb1 in my room now too~ will still get one eventually, just funny how things turned out in the end lolz

[ricochetmg]

Basically, we caved. #gamerswin

[DVAcme]

All hands on deck, brace for the shitstorm!

Yes, this will improve sales of the XB1, but unless they equal or go lower than the PS4, it is NOT gonna outsell it by any stretch of the imagination, and not even then. Sony's developed a lot of good faith by just being straight-up with players and not pulling fast ones on them, and all this backtracking by MS just makes them look weak and desparate. Plus, there'll be a LOT of fanboy rage from the people who already had to dish out for the Kinect-included XB1, not to mention the fans they already lost to Sony.

I'm not gonna say "too little too late", cause it'll definitely help sales, but this is not gonna be enough to take Sony's lead away.

[josephayal]

I'm going to buy two of these

[22CobraKing]

So its gonna be $400 without the kinect that doesn't make sense.
Xbox 1+ Kinect =500
Xbox 1(without kinect)= 400
So kinect was about $100
WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!!!
Microsoft is gonna have MONEY LOSS
Microsoft: We were going to use our extra money to secure the rights of titanfall series.
Sony: What a FAIL!!
PC guys: We get it anyways

[PR_FROM_OHIO]

Wait I thought Kinect was the Future??? LMFAO!!!

[Tedakin]

It was. Consumers ruined it, as they do with most things.

[PrinceOfAllSaiyans]

Welp PS4 looks you're getting a play mate. This is awesome news. Just in time for my birthday in a few weeks. I want to get the best of both worlds that's why I'm getting an XB1.

[BF4THEWIN]

BREAKING NEWS

Sony announces ps4 bundle with camera $399

[russo121]

The curious thing about all of this reversals is that MS is listening to Sony fan's and not their fans.

Sony fans had criticized always connected, always online, Kinect and some others and ms had listened and reacted to them.

I think the credit to all big and profound changes happening in xbone life must be attributed to sony fans - in the opposite xbone fans are always happy, nothing is subject of critics.

This move is the best move made by ms, but to me it feels like a short move - 399$ for an underpowered machine compared to ps4 is.... short. It's good but not enough.

BTW, Major Bone is a Major disgrace - see previous declarations of him in youtube (Major Nelson).

Phil Spencer was a good move from ms and it's giving fruits.

[Dfooster]

Being a fan of a console is lame. Being a fan of getting the best machine that plays the best games at the best price not so much.

[Psychotica]

That makes me a lot more interested, still be awhile before I get one though since there is hardly any new games out that I can't already play on my PC or PS4.

[wcas]

The price should be 350 or 375 not 399. The X1 is weaker for the same price. A smarter move would have been to just drop the price to 399 with Kinect still included. Will be interesting to see how this move effects sales.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Kinectless bundle and no Gold needed for Netflix? Although this is how it should of been from the start, I'm glad MS is making the change for the better. I know a lot of people waiting on a kinectless bundle, this should increase the sales.

[russo121]

Just to add, a good deal would be 399$ with Kinect included (reasonable price for the goods).

[Phoenix76]

I've got a great title for a promo vid that MS could work on. Its called XBox1 and the never ending 180's.
For months now MS have been stating that they have no intention of removing Kinect as it was part of MS bigger picture plan to have Dev's create software that would utilize it to it's full potential by making everyone have it through choice or not.
While in some aspects, I'm glad they are ditching it as I may consider buying an X1 now, on the other hand though, it strengthens my belief that the XB1 was poorly thought out by all those at the top. Those same people whom either 'DONT, WONT or CANT BE A*&ED' to listen to what either their customers or their loyal fans were saying/asking to them during development.

[Dfooster]

Microsoft got big headed and didn't factor competition from Sony into any of their plans. What Sony has done is build upon the feel good factor around PS+ and give us a console that can play cutting edge games at a reasonable price and once they have the install base they can introduce new peripherals like project Morpheus.

Microsoft just expected people to buy the One after the success of the 360 and they've had a major shock this last year or two with console restrictions, forced kinect, under spec'd machine compared to sony and a high price point.

[LostFlock]

What a way to alienate the audience though, thats the problem here. and another nail in the coffin for Kinect? Cant wait to see the sales though.

[dkgshiz]

So surprising said no one ever. They need to compete with the PS4's $399 price point or will forever continue to lag behind it in sales. Nobody cares about Kinect and this is for the best. I'd laugh if the price point is anything higher then $399.

[pop-voxuli]

Yea, a whole 2 people will do it!!!

[corroios]

Well, just need to wait a bit more time to another cut in the price to 299...

[Darkfist]

finaly, now all that left is reducing the price and sunset overdrive.

[iliimaster]

lmao i knew it man and now i gotta start saving up this is what ive been waiting for but first mario kart 8 then ps4 then the now affordable xboxone without the nsa cam

[Obamanationn]

Hell yeah just bought my 1st Nintendo system MK8 trailers give me DreamCast vibes

[RosweeSon]

Enjoy, great little side console and yeah mario karts gonna be a winner ;)

[RosweeSon]

Don't rush on xbox one really not worth it not until next month at least when you'll start getting some free games back for you money forked out on the console, ps4 all the way free games since day 1 and some great ones at that ;) besides think £349! Is still to pricey when for barely £80 more 6 months ago you were getting a kinect (valued around £80, and a free game worth £40ish) leave it til Christmas not only will it be £299 prob get a free game if not 2 with it and yeah be better off all around, E3 will confirm most of this but this price/bundle stinks of rip off the launch day buyers and people who normally get xbox/Microsoft products day one, sure most of those would have bought but sure some have waited for Microsoft to dump kinect now they have those early adopters are gonna get stung again. Glad I went ps4 and decided to wait out on xbox one, I did the same with vita bought one 6 months ago, bargain, free games galore consoles "vita" has practically paid for itself, games for gold on xbox one is a start but yeah that price STINKS!!!

[Errefus]

The real battle with same price has begun, lets wait and see those NPD results a month after it launches.

[BF4THEWIN]

Sony can always drop the price of the ps4 to 350 and add a bundle with camera for 399.
Not that they need to yet it's still the more powerful console of the two at the same price but I would make this move by microsoft redundant.

The war was over for microsoft before it began, all sony need to do is do the exact opposite to microsoft, microsoft remove the camera sony add the camera simple.

This won't slow sony down

[DoggyBiscuit]

Thank you M$ now I will buy a X1

[Alvia]

Nov 2013: "Why do they force me to buy Kinect?! Fail!" today: "Xbox One without Kinect?! Fail!"

[RosweeSon]

Yep too pricey when you consider for the same price in the uk barely 2-3 weeks ago I could have bought at the same price WITH TITANFALL AND A KINECT, now they've removed it and want me to pay the same price??? What! So the reduction from £429 in uk to around the £349 with kinect and game and now removing the kinect from the bundle has allowed Microsoft to lower the price down to... Oh £349!!!

£299 and it might have made some moves in this console generation as it stands, nope, £299 before Christmas you mark my words ;)

[Obamanationn]

the camera wont sell for $100 by its self , im curious why not drop the console down to 420-450 , because if Kinect was promised for Devs to be in the picture you just Back paddled on every promise you said you were never going to back away from , how can consumers trust anything you say

[RosweeSon]

Microsoft really don't want to sell these consoles, great they are gonna start selling them without a kinect for £349!!! In the U.K. at least, yet only a week or 2 ago could have bought it with Kinect and titanfall for.... £349! Even today it's priced at £389 with titanfall and kinect id rather pay £40 extra get the one game arguably worth getting on xbox one (one of the only ones at the moment in my opinion) and have essentially a free Kinect at least then if they do decide to start putting it to some good use you then don't have to go out and buy a kinect, £349 without kinect is too steep.
Should have been £299 as it's doesn't have any games or kinect think they'd have sold a few then, if people pay this price and moan in 6 months time when they drop it again at Christmas then I give up, over priced and if you leave it 3 months I'm sure the fact they are still not selling will prompt Microsoft to cut £50 off this new bundle just like they did with the original, sting the loyal supporters, nice one ;)

.... People looking forward to the sales figures I hope your not holding out for a miraculous turn around now that kinect is gone, still £50 overpriced, this won't stop ps4 games and general price reductions will this isn't a price reduction just a re-jog of existing bundles for practically the same price just minus games or kinect? Pass.

[Flames76]

Microsoft is doing all the right things now with the Xbox One.Might pick up a second Xbox One now for the bedroom at that price

[lunatic0001]

I just hope this means that rare stops making kibect crap and finally make some new games from their IPS like banjo and perfect dark...sequel to conkers bad fur day...I can dream right

[unicron7]

"But but but...we can't take out the Kinect. Everything revolves around it." The same way they couldn't take out DRM apparently. They were more than capable this whole time and then they finally broke down and did it. Fibbers fibbers.

[moomoo319]

Great their listening but what they said before about needing kinect was kind of true. It is the best way to navigate the interface, that menu becomes kind of cumbersome without a kinect.

[Skate-AK]

They should have done this at launch. Two SKUs.

[SoulSercher620]

It's about time! They FINALLY realized Kinect is NOT essential to XB1 and it took them several months to realize.

[LightDiego]

What happened with N4G today? Who is the responsible?
And finally Microsoft will release the device without Kinect.

[Platinum_k]

Microsoft has now taken away the only thing that's superior on the XboxOne! Sales will not differ.

Good luck!

[Tedakin]

They can't win either way then. With Kinect everyone screams to remove the Kinect. They remove it, now everyone says they just took out the best feature. Go figure.

[Platinum_k]

My point exactly.

Why would anyone pay for something with the same price but have the disadvantage in hardware?

What they should've done is lower the price to $450.00 with Kinect & Titanfall.

[Kingoftherodeo]

oh man this e3 is gonna be fun ms is lining up to relaunch its console the way it should have launched. with options and theres reason why they didn't keep this quiet till e3 meaning they must have too much shit already planned. shame ill miss it BONNAROO!!!!!

[larrysdirtydrawss]

creatchee + 13h ago | Well said
@xHeavYx

"I can think of a few people who said tp me "it will never happen"
I think the price should be around $350 though"

And I can think of a TON of Sony fanboys whose constantly repeated talking points (required Kinect, price, app paywall, Games With Gold inadequacy, etc.) just got doused in gasoline and burned to the ground this morning. What do you have left to harp on about - a couple of better looking multiplats and the name on the box? Or are you guys just going to say "I told you so" and yell "180" like you always do?

couple?you mean ALL? and it is a 180 yet again,they see the writing on the wall...they still have a very weak console and a worse 1st party,thats never changing,and the ps4 is the IT console to have,thats the perception until next gen 6 years from now.ms is in terrible desperation mode,and dont forget,ps3 was always the higher price,and still outsold the xone with one less year on the market. and,you have a nice amount of butt hurt going on,i love it
#1.1.14

[HollywoodLA]

PS4 is currently #4 on amazon.

Mind = BLOWN.

[dodgefate]

Y2K all over again lol

[Dfooster]

What will happen next is that in 12 months time when they have sold a few more Xbox's they will announce project VR and it will require the use of the kinect to work.

And then everyone will be running out to the shops to buy a kinect and Microsoft will be sat in their offices laughing at all them kinect haters queuing up to buy one.

[Mac420]

With how many flip an flops they have done, probably be a new Xbox out in 2 years, keep hoping for that VR support.

[tyler01durden77]

as a PS4 ower who has it in the bedroom just for games (great by the way), my xbox one is the living room machine due to it being superior for media and integration with the camera and i really like the kinect.

now the worry is the MS will just deliver basic updates to kinect rather than start to integrate it into most games. it's great for voice control and controlling netflix etc, but i really wanted to see voice control and gestures in most games. now it's just not going to happen as developers will know most people (going forward) will buy the camera less console due to the price.

but i suppose it'll sell loads now, so it's a business decision that needed to happen. i can't help buy think a lower price would have been better. rich MS could afford the loss on the consoles if it meant getting them into people's living rooms.

so long kinect... all that potential

[Qwagy UK]

The xbone is not the same price as the PS4 works out to be more expensive. Play and charge kit (another rip off).

[Mac420]

At least MS included wireless an didn't have a Wireless Adapter day 1 for $99 like the 360 did.

MS is turning into Apple, only problem is Apple gets away with things like that because there Apple. Can't pull there moves yet MS, your not slick enough.

[90Supra]

Sony forcing Microsoft's hand yet again...

[Bennibop]

Not sure if this will improve sales, Microsoft have pretty much copied Playstation business model (No camera, no paywall and free games.) Xbox ones unique selling point has now been lost (Kinect) and maybe a little confused in its future direction. I feel Sony knows where it is trying to get too and Microsoft is winging it based on bad press/ poorer sales. As an early adopter of X1 I am annoyed that the user base will be fragmented. Also concerned that pricing is the same as PS4 when it is not as powerful, have the same support from developers and a history of not seeing through the life cycle.

[steve30x]

If they reduce the pay wall on Xbox Live gold then I will be sold. Otherwise I wont be buying an Xbox one any time soon because the ammount of things you cant do without Xbox live gold is too much.

[FreakyFox]

So MS have a price drop model coming out in the summer with no exclusive games coming out until the end of the year (Sunset Overdrive).

Because i have a PS4 i have access to Multi-Platform games that are coming out anyway, so the rest 2014 is nothing to get excited for with Xbox One, and you can bet money on it that another price drop is coming at the end of the year.

[Tross]

I, for one, think this was a good decision. I know lots of people held off on getting the system, because they didn't want to pay $100 for an accessory they didn't want. It's good that MS finally gets the concept of an optional accessory. I mean, sure, Kinect should have always been optional, but at least it will be now.

[Ninver]

Oh the desperation! this company is a joke to gaming.

[clouds5]

Cool. But it's still a very limited and weak gaming PC and nothing more... And it just has become more limited.

[TomahawkX]

They must really have some e3 megatons, I can't wait.

[purp13m0nk3y]

Is this a new "slim" revised console? Or just the same giant brick just repackaged without a Kinect sensor?

It would make more sense IMO to wait till they have a "slim" version to re release. The entire console needs a redesign and re release.

[The_devils_chum]

Too little too late, do they really thing there going to start flying off the shelves now? Seriously i think it wasnt so much about the money and the kinect , it was about self respect and remembering the total bullshit they were going to implement. They really think they could have totally took a dump right on our face and forget about it the next day. There doing all this to create a buzz before E3 cause there getting destroyed in every front and they have left to say is we have better games when we all know thats subjective.they get a better buzz by sticking their finger in a electrical socket. Most people still smart enough not to buy one.

[Yomiro]

Third relaunch.

[Jag-T1000]

All these Sony fanboys trying to downplay this awesome news from Microsoft.

[mokkeyrg2]

now people have choice thats only a good thing.

[Nightmar3Demom]

Interesting that Microsoft didn't wait until E3 to make this announcement. That itself has me curious.

[Loggie]

This price drop is absolutely fine, if you are an American. Here in the United Kingdom, $100 at current exchange values is £60. So why is it then that on amazon.co.uk, that the xbox one without kinect is £30 cheaper than with the kinect and only £40 cheaper than with the kinect AND with Titanfall.

I wonder just how much they are losing in the UK with these prices as I am almost certain the technology in the kinect would cost a hell of a lot more than the £30 saving they are passing on.

[TrailerParkBoys]

Why would you even want to buy a console from a company that flip flops sooo much. Pathetic

[Obscure_Observer]

Why do you care?

Many gamers were asking for a Kinectless X1. Now, they got a choice.

The Matrick era is gone. Welcome to the Phil Spencer era.

[FoxTC]

I can't see people buying this over the bundles, so this isn't going to help boost sales in my opinion:

UK
===
Xbone without Kinect £349
Xbone with Kinect and Titanfall £389

No real benefit in getting it without kinect.

[LordDhampire]

So man, I should be getting all my bubbles back, People called it trolling when I said quote me within the year xbox will drop price and lose the kinect and bam here it is.