New Port on Xbox One Controller Makes it Incompatible with Current Gaming Headsets
Moving from one console generation to the next is hardly pain free. Backwards compatibility often goes out the window, and peripherals that cost a pretty penny are left behind.
According to IGN, current-gen gaming headsets may be useless for the Xbox One. Voice chat through headsets is dependent on connection through the controller, and since the port will be different on Xbox One controllers, gaming headset microphones will be useless. While there is the possibility of Microsoft manufacturing some sort of adapter, IGN was told that the new port on Xbox One controllers is to gain more control over the peripheral market.
"Manufacturers will not only need to develop entirely new products for the new connection standard," wrote IGN's Scott Lowe, "but use licensing and authentication protocols from Microsoft, potentially driving up costs for consumers. The licensing program could also limit the variety and competitive nature of the accessory market since all manufacturers would be required to adhere to Microsoft's terms."
When asked for comment, a Microsoft spokesperson only offered up vague details. "We are working with 3rd party headset manufacturers to create new headsets that will take full advantage of the Xbox One technology.
"We will share more details in the future."
It may be time to say your goodbyes to your high-end gaming headset, at least if you're primarily an Xbox gamer.

Though, I will say, those of you putting your trust in Sony are likely going to be in for a big letdown as well.
Voice Comms, 5.1 and Undisclosed video stream coming through eh WiFi Direct Connection to the controller.
Though, I will say, those of you putting your trust in Sony are likely going to be in for a big letdown as well.
I know. I wouldn't expect Sony to offer anything better. Their answer to the Wii controllers and Kinect? Two ice cream cone shaped dildos. Wtf is that? They will offer the greatest potential with regard to the hardware this time around though. The hardware has historically determined who will rise to the top of the console ladder.
I just hope they won't shut off the Xbox live functionality on our 360s, though? I pretty much quit gaming on a console once I experienced the glory that is BFBC2 on PC with a GTX 580. I use my 360 for it's streaming functions now. That's about it. Browsing the web and streaming.
This is so true. Apple has the patent on screwing people out of their peripherals by changing the connector.
Everyone hates on Apple, but I tell you, they don't try to gouge you around every corner!
Everyone hates on Apple, but I tell you, they don't try to gouge you around every corner!
Right, this is nothing like redesigning the iPod housing shape every generation, changing the connector, or anything like that.
Though, I will say, those of you putting your trust in Sony are likely going to be in for a big letdown as well.
I know. I wouldn't expect Sony to offer anything better. Their answer to the Wii controllers and Kinect? Two ice cream cone shaped dildos. Wtf is that? They will offer the greatest potential with regard to the hardware this time around though. The hardware has historically determined who will rise to the top of the console ladder.
I just hope they won't shut off the Xbox live functionality on our 360s, though? I pretty much quit gaming on a console once I experienced the glory that is BFBC2 on PC with a GTX 580. I use my 360 for it's streaming functions now. That's about it. Browsing the web and streaming.
More or less. Sony's performance last gen made me very wary of them, after the relatively hitch free PS2. First off, very expensive console out the gate and the moment they drop the price they get rid of backwards compatibility. After stripping the ability of the console to play old games, they re-release old games in HD - with few to no other updates, so you get to see muddy PS2 textures in HD - at a high cost. Now this gen Sony announces they are breaking the practice of selling the console at a loss in order to provide superior hardware...
Both Sony and MS did a number of things right that the other did wrong last gen. This gen, MS seems to be heading more in the direction of tremendous control and Sony I simply don't trust. I'll probably buy both consoles eventually but, the last gen I waited six years to buy a PS3 after the gong show it turned out to be, and there's a good chance I'll wait that long for both consoles this gen - assuming I'm even interested in consoles that far in the future. The idea of having one as a fairly cohesive media center appeals to me, and the level of integration of MS's console with Windows, the Windows phone, and Windows 8 tablets intrigues me, but simply put, I know my PC is a good focal point for all my devices right now. Do I really need an XBOX, with that being the case? I'm getting too old to really care if I miss a game or two, even ones I do find intriguing.