Microsoft South Africa has confirmed that the Xbox One without Kinect will be available to local gamers.
This comes following the announcement by Xbox boss Phil Spencer that from 9 June 2014 all markets in which the Xbox is available will receive the new version of the Xbox One bundle which is sans Kinect.
The Kinect-less Xbox One is expected to retail for $399 (±R4,100), $100 less than its Kinect-bundled launch price of $499.
The Xbox One bundles are expected to arrive in SA in September 2014.
The new pricing brings the Xbox One console in line with its main competitor, the PS4, which also retails for $399 without its equivalent PS Eye camera.
“To be clear, as we introduce this new Xbox One console option, Kinect remains an important part of our vision. Many of you are using Kinect for Xbox One every day. In fact, more than 80% of you are actively using Kinect, with an average of 120 voice commands per month on each console. Some of the most popular voice commands include Xbox On, Xbox Broadcast, and Xbox Record That,” said Spencer.
Microsoft also announced that Games with Gold will be available for Xbox One owners from the start of June, and an Xbox Live Gold subscription will not required for various entertainment apps.
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Article is incorrect in saying July 9th including the linked article.
“First, beginning on June 9th, in all markets where Xbox One is sold, we will offer Xbox One starting at $399*.” from the news.xbox.com site
Am happy to see the price lowered but it would’ve also made sense if they could’ve lowered the price with kinect attached or atleast bundles like we have seen with Titanfall at UK retailers some 1-2 months ago.
I look forward to joining the Xbox family for the first time when it arrives in S.A. 🙂