Dis-Kinect-ion: Kinect Free Bundle Confirmed

May 14, 2014

As of now it is well and truly clear that Microsoft have huge plans for the Xbox One this year. Just a month before one of the biggest video gaming conventions in the world begins, Microsoft have hit the ground running making several announcements concerning their latest bid in the escalating video game console race as part of the Xbox Wire service.

Just overnight it was confirmed that Microsoft will be offering a Kinect-free Xbox One bundle to consumers; reported to be $100USD less than the current SKU. Despite looming suspicion that the Kinect sensor isn’t as inclusive to the core Xbox One experience as initially claimed, this allows Microsoft’s console to sell at a far more attractive price point, especially when lined up against their direct competitor, Sony’s PlayStation 4. The newly announced bundle is scheduled for release around June.

Not only that, but Microsoft also announced the removal of specific services from their Xbox Live Gold paywall and making them free-to-use by June. This means applications such as Netflix and Hulu will no longer require an active Xbox Live Gold subscription in order to be used. Of course, this is subject to one’s geographical location but is still an important step in proving the cost-effectiveness and entertainment value of the Xbox One outside of video games.

Other announcements included more discounts as part of Deals with Gold, Standalone Kinect Sensor SKU and the awaited release of Games with Gold for Xbox One (beginning with Halo: Spartan Assault and Max: The Curse of Brotherhood).

Given the above, it is quite evident that June will be a huge month for Microsoft, even with the inclusion of of E3. Xbox One owners have much to look forward to within just weeks, and if you haven’t picked one up yet, Microsoft looks to have a few investment-friendly aces up their sleeve.

Sources: Xbox.com