Will it really be missed?
Microsoft today announced details of a Kinect-free version of the console that was released worldwide last November and included Kinect, the motion sensor software that was released for the Xbox 360 console in 2010.
Despite the fact that Kinect played a key part in Microsoft’s strategy and that they have remained fully behind the software from its release to the present day, feedback from gamers has forced their hand and a console without Kinect will be released worldwide next month (June 9).
Early reports suggest that the updated console will be reduced in price to bring it line with direct competitor, Sony’s PlayStation 4, so when it does come on the market in Ireland, consumers can expect it to cost approximately €400. The Kinect will be available to buy separately in the Autumn.
In a statement on xbox.com, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer made it pretty clear that the decision to separate Kinect from the Xbox console was motivated by user feedback, a point backed up Yusuf Mehdi, head of Xbox business strategy, when speaking to BBC News.
“This decision wasn’t made by ourselves,” Mehdi said.
“We spent a lot of time speaking to our gaming partners and entertainment partners to balance the right feedback to meet their needs and our customers’ needs.”
Will it be missed? Guess we’ll have to wait and see how many gamers buy Kinect when it is released as a separate entity a little later this year.
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