Xbox One value gets an overhaul; without Kinect, and with plenty of exclusives thrown in with the purchase. Microsoft's official website delivers the full details.
Microsoft previously intended to bundle every Xbox One purchase with Kinect, a move which wasn't received well by many fans. In an updated post, the company is offering the Xbox One as a standalone purchase starting June 9, at a more affordable price tag of $399.
The new Xbox One price doesn't affect other offerings bundled into the purchase, though. Access to flagship games like Titanfall, Watch_Dogs, Sunset Overdrive, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Destiny, and Forza Motorsport 5 are still available (DLC). Staple entertainment apps YouTube and Netflix are also available.
Interactive options that go beyond gameplay are part of the Xbox One experience: receive game invites while watching Live TV, toggle between games and apps, and upload to share snapshots of your favorite gaming moments.
Entertainment apps are also accessible at Xbox Live, even for subscribers without Gold memberships. A free game is bundled with every "Games with Gold" download. For example, a Dark Souls or Charlie Murder download comes with a free copy of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
A Gold membership comes with exclusive discounts, for Xbox 360 and Xbox One titles. Price slashes of up to 75% (on selected titles) will be offered in the coming months. An added Xbox One value is the virtual VIP room, with featured free games, as well as exclusive deals and other perks.
Microsoft is keeping the Kinect bundle option open, in consideration to almost 80% of users. The valuable functions of Kinect include voice and gesture control, biometric sign-in, QR code scanning, and personalization. Some titles are also dependent on the Kinect, namely Just Dance 2014, Project Spark, and Kinect Sports Rivals (xbox.com).
Microsoft aims to offer purchasers and subscribers more Xbox One value, in competition with the PS4's offerings.
