MSFT: Xbox One Headset is a Must Have (But Not Included with Console)

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Who needs a headset when you've got Kinect?

Microsoft made big headlines last week with an about face on several features of the Xbox One. The company backtracked on a number of controversial points, including used games, the always-on connection, and regional locking. This week, there's yet more talk of the Xbox One and this time headlines are focused on the chat headset.

 

Microsoft has confirmed that those spending $500 on its brand new console won't be getting a chat headset for their troubles. If customers want that, they'll have to fork out extra cash to buy one separately, though Microsoft hasn't said how much, just yet. In a statement to Ars Technica, Microsoft praised the mics on the new Kinect sensor, which will be included with every Xbox One purchase.

"Xbox One does not include a pack-in headset accessory. Each Xbox One includes the new Kinect sensor, with a highly sensitive multi-array microphones designed to enable voice inputs and chat as a system-level capability, both in-game and with Skype and other experiences," said Microsoft. "For gamers who prefer a headset, we have a variety of offerings that you can find on the Xbox Wire."

That language is interesting, considering Microsoft previously described the Xbox One chat headset as 'a must have' on its website (opens in new tab). More specifically, Redmond says the headset is designed for long gaming sessions and clear voice chat.

"Gamers will love not having to take their hands off the controller to access the microphone mute and volume controls."

The Xbox One is due in November and will cost $499. For that price, customers will get the system, one controller, Kinect and a free 14-day trial for Xbox Live Gold (for new members only). Additional controllers will have to be purchased separately. Microsoft will also offer a limited-edition commemorative bundle for those that reserve their units ahead of time. This will guarantee you can get the Xbox One on launch day and will feature "premium" black packaging, a limited edition Xbox One Day One , and a commemorative Day One Achievement. There's also bonus content for those that reserve Ryse: Sons of Rome, Forza 5, Kinect Sports Rivals, or Dead Rising 3. No headset, though.

Jane McEntegart
35 Comments Comment from the forums
  • shahrooz
    Microsoft what are you doing exactly?
    Reply
  • Joshua M Below
    I wish Microsoft would bring back the old wireless headset. I still rock that thing. I have several friends that use newer types such as turtle beach or the newer garbage Microsoft one that I believes doubles as a bluetooth headset. Either way I'm curious if the old headsets will work with the new console, or is the same issue as the controllers, you have to buy a new one.
    Reply
  • cirdecus
    I honestly think the console is going to be fantastic, but for kids in college or kids at home who never watch TV or aren't responsible for a family, it will probably be overpriced with unused features.

    As a husband\father, the guide and set top box features are awesome and switching between games, movies and TV is going to be so much better.

    My guess is the Microsoft is trying to expand the XBox user base. Since a game console is going to sit in a living room anyway, they want it to be the center of the living room, which means it has to do more than just play kids games. It needs to absorb all of the functions of the devices in your living room, including TV, Music and Movies.

    Good direction, this is where things are going so you might as well get a head start on it. They tried to do this in 2005 but people weren't ready. A small niche of people still cling to the awesomeness of media center and have made some phenomenal living-room centric media centers using tuners from Ceton and UI mods like mediabrowser. Combine that with the bower of a PC running steam big picture mode and a PC XBox wireless controller and you've got an amazing system.

    Microsoft seems to be doing the same with the XBox One and I think its a fantastic idea. But for those kids out there who just want to sit in from of their TV alone playing games, the value may not be there. I still think Microsoft is going to sell a ton of these things if they market the other features correctly and to the right audience.
    Reply
  • mobrocket
    MSFT is doing great on their plan

    Trying to force kinect down our customers throat - CHECK
    Back track just days later after E3 on used games - CHECK
    Too cheap to include a $5 headset - CHECK
    Try to have the worst launch in console history - CHECK
    Let PS4 own this gen console war - CHECK
    Reply
  • ingtar33
    so... the headset will be a required feature in online games even though we have kinect with the xb1... it's not included, and old xb360 headsets won't work with the new system. Really M$? $500 and you can't even throw in a "required" piece of equipment? Next we'll find out the xb1 doesn't have hdmi or any other plug features, and that you need to buy M$ proprietary adapter plug to connect your xb1 to a tv. This crap might fly with isheep but i doubt there are enough rich and stupid gamers to make this a winning strategy. This self destruction is hard to watch now.

    Reply
  • ethanolson
    Any serious gamer knows that you need a high quality set to hear well enough to win, so this little chat headset is very sub-par for FPS games. There'll be cheap adapters for people to use their awesome gear they currently own, so don't flip out.
    Reply
  • ethanolson
    Any serious gamer knows that you need a high quality set to hear well enough to win, so this little chat headset is very sub-par for FPS games. There'll be cheap adapters for people to use their awesome gear they currently own, so don't flip out.
    Reply
  • ethanolson
    Any serious gamer knows that you need a high quality set to hear well enough to win, so this little chat headset is very sub-par for FPS games. There'll be cheap adapters for people to use their awesome gear they currently own, so don't flip out.
    Reply
  • ethanolson
    Any serious gamer knows that you need a high quality set to hear well enough to win, so this little chat headset is very sub-par for FPS games. There'll be cheap adapters for people to use their awesome gear they currently own, so don't flip out.
    Reply
  • antilycus
    CONSOLE gaming has pretty much died in the past year for me. I've been deep into EVERY system that has come out but with XBOX One and PS4, i have ZERO urge to own either one. My OUYA has me playing games that I enjoy playing (not just rehashes of the top 10 sellers) and my PC helps me with everything else.
    Reply