Beginning on June 9th, which just happens to be the first day of E3 2014, Microsoft will sell a $399.99 Xbox One that does not include the Kinect sensor.
In their blog post explaining the Kinect-less Xbox One, Microsoft says, “We’ve heard that you want more choices from Xbox One.” However, they are quick to point out that 80% of Xbox One owners are actively using Kinect, with an average of 120 voice commands used per month on each console.
For people who do buy the Kinect-less Xbox One next month, Microsoft says the standalone Kinect sensor will be sold this fall for an unrevealed price.
As for Xbox Live, Microsoft’s monthly free game service Games with Gold will see a huge expansion in June. Not only will Xbox 360 Gold members receive three games (Dark Souls, Charlie Murder, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition) instead of two, but the Xbox One will also be joining the program with Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault.
Past that, Microsoft will offer the use of apps like Machinima, Twitch and Upload, Netflix, Univision Deportes, GoPro, Red Bull TV, HBO GO, and more without having a Gold membership.
With this new $399 Xbox One SKU, how do you think it will impact the race between PS4 and Xbox One? Let us know in the comments below.
