Microsoft’s original Xbox One launch offer included Kinect and cost $499.99 in the US. In May 2014, Microsoft announced a separate Xbox One option without Kinect for $399. The Kinect-free model was a later change—not part of the June 2013 launch bundle, and not the online and game-sharing policy reversal Microsoft announced that June.
What came with the original Xbox One?
On June 10, 2013, Microsoft announced that every Xbox One system at launch would include a 500GB console, Kinect, one wireless controller and a 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial for new members. The announced US price was $499.99, often rounded to $500.
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Microsoft also announced launch prices of £429 in the UK and €499 in European markets, noting that some regional prices were estimated retail prices. Those figures refer to the announced launch bundle, not a later Kinect-free offer.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Why did Microsoft initially require Kinect?
In its May 1, 2013 FAQ, Xbox described the new sensor as “an essential and integrated part of the platform.” The stated reasoning was that Kinect’s consistent presence would give creators a common platform for voice, gesture and natural-sensing features.
#1 Best Overall
- Xbox One brings together games, live TV and your favorite entertainment apps, including Amazon Instant Video, ESPN, Netflix, and Xbox Music
- Join forces with up to three friends on the most advanced multiplayer network
- Content: Xbox One Console, Kinect Sensor for Xbox One, Assassin’s Creed: Unity Download Token, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Download Token, Dance Central Spotlight Download Token, Wireless Controller, Chat Headset, HDMI cable, Power Supply
The FAQ was later marked as updated June 19, 2013, with a warning that some earlier information was no longer accurate. That update note matters: the FAQ records Microsoft’s original position, not an unchanging requirement throughout the console’s life.
What changed in June 2013—and what did not?
On June 19, Don Mattrick announced changes to Xbox One’s online connection and disc-based game-sharing policies after customer feedback. His announcement addressed those policies; it did not announce that Kinect would be removed from the bundle or made optional.
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- In the box:Microsoft 7UV-00077 Microsoft Xbox One Gaming Console with 500GB HDD,Kinect Sensor,Power Adapter,Controller and Xbox Chat Headset
- 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
The Kinect-free console option came later. Keeping these dates separate avoids conflating two distinct responses to feedback: policy revisions in June 2013 and a different hardware bundle announced in May 2014.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhen did Microsoft offer Xbox One without Kinect?
On May 13, 2014, Microsoft announced that Xbox One would also be available without Kinect for $399 in the US. Microsoft characterized the move as a choice made in response to fan feedback. It changed the available configuration; it did not alter what Microsoft had announced for the original $499.99 launch bundle.
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- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- The Day One console includes a commemorative controller, token code to unlock an exclusive Day One achievement, and premium packaging
- Kinect is included with the Day One Edition. Completely reengineered to be more precise, responsive and intuitive with unparalleled voice, vision and motion technology
- The console is driven by a powerful combination of CPU, GPU and 8GB of RAM, governed by an innovative OS architecture, to deliver power, speed and agility; Only Xbox One unleashes the vast and scalable power of the cloud for your games, entertainment and apps with Xbox Live
- The product does not come with the converter.
How the two announced offers compare
| Offer | Kinect included? | Announced US price | Announcement date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Xbox One launch bundle | Yes | $499.99 | June 10, 2013 |
| Kinect-free Xbox One option | No | $399 | May 13, 2014 |
These were offers announced at different times, not simultaneous launch configurations. The announced prices and hardware establish the difference between them; they do not by themselves establish a sales effect or prove which configuration offered better value to individual buyers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience the convenience and versatility of the Xbox One Kinect Sensor on your Xbox One S/Xbox OneX or Windows PC.
- Take advantage of the sensor's advanced skeletal tracking, enhanced noise isolation, wider field of view, 1080p HD camera, precise gesture recognition and low-light capabilities.
- EASY TO USE:Unpack everything, wire it up, and you're good to go. Just remember to plug it into the correct USB port (it'll tell you which port is the correct one, when you go to the Kinect Settings menu). If you still can't link, you can refer to the manual link or contact our customer service email for consultation.
- Input: 100-240V 50/60 Hz. Output:12V-3.0A. Connect to a Windows PC via USB 3.0, faster and more reliable power supply.
- What you get: 1* Power adapter, 1* KABCON Windows HUB, 1* AC power cable and 1* USB A to USB BM cable.
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- Requires power adapter for Xbox One S and X models (sold separately)
- Put down the controller and play Xbox One games using just your body, voice, and gestures. Command your TV and even make Skype calls in HD.
- Play games where you are the controller, Be recognized and signed-in automatically
- Be recognized and signed-in automatically you can also call friends and family with Skype in HD
- Broadcast gameplay live with picture-in-picture
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
