Still proclaiming the Xbox One is better with the Kinect, Microsoft is debuting a standalone package of the motion sensor that will include a copy of the acclaimed Dance Central title.
Kinect-less Xbox Ones have spurred sales of Microsoft's latest console to double previous figures, but shipments of sensor-less units have brought with them an increased demand for standalone Kinects, says Microsoft.
"We believe Xbox One is better with Kinect, offering unlimited possibilities, and we're seeing our fans use Kinect for Xbox One every day, with billions of voice commands since launch," says Microsoft. "Only with Kinect can you quickly navigate by using popular voice commands such as 'Xbox On,' 'Xbox Broadcast' and 'Xbox Record That.' "
Back in June, Microsoft responded to user demand and released a Kinect-less version of the Xbox One for $399. The standalone Kinect kit will be priced at $149, maintaining incentive for gamers to pickup of the bundled version of the console for $499 -- Dance Central Spotlight could offset a bit of the pain associated with buying a standalone Kinect after initially opting for the core console and its cheaper price point.
"When we announced the new Xbox One option, we also shared that we would deliver a standalone Kinect sensor for people that chose to purchase the sensor at a later date," Microsoft says. "We've always believed in the magic Kinect brings to Xbox One and today we're excited to confirm that, beginning in Oct. 7, fans will be able to purchase a standalone Kinect sensor for Xbox One."
The version two of the standalone Kinect made its way onto desktops and laptops back in July, though it was priced $50 higher than the unit being offered for the Xbox One in October 2014. But for PC gaming fans thrilled about the incoming PC port of Ryse: Son of Rome, previously exclusive to Xbox One, a Kinect may seem a bit more worthy of a purchase.
Despite Microsoft's recent promises to step up gaming development for Windows, the Xbox line remains a higher priority. And slightly more affordable version of the Kinect is likely more bait to draw PC gamers to Microsoft's console than a pricey version of the equipment with much less developer support.
"We're excited to offer you more choices for purchasing Xbox One -- with Kinect, without Kinect for $399, bundled with games like Madden NFL 15 or Sunset Overdrive, or by adding the standalone Kinect sensor at a later date," says Microsoft. "It's a great time to choose which Xbox One option works best for you as we look toward the exciting new game launches coming in the months ahead."
