Microsoft recently announced that it would begin selling the Xbox One without Kinect from June 9th onwards at $399. This was a significant U-turn from the company’s earlier stance of Kinect being essential to the Xbox One experience, but Head of Xbox believes this will lead to more consoles with Kinect in the long run. This is because consumers will be spurred towards the Xbox One quicker and then purchase Kinect when they see how much value it offers.
In conversation with CNET, Spencer said, “In the long run, I think we’ll actually end up with more Xbox Ones with Kinect out there with this strategy.
“If consumers choose that they don’t want Kinect, or they want to add it later, we’re going to make that available. But this is about a continuum and in the end, I hope everyone sees that the experience with Kinect is the best Xbox One experience.”
Kinect will be available separately this Autumn for the Xbox One, though a price has yet to be indicated. Stay tuned for more information.