Xbox One Requires Kinect To Function
This week as the Xbox One is introduced to the world, the company opposing Sony and their PlayStation 4 have taken an entirely different approach to its first reveal: console, Kinect, and controller included. If you decided that you weren't about to connect a motion-tracking device to your gaming console no matter what the trends in the industry, Microsoft and the Xbox One might have you thinking twice. In a close-up chat with an Xbox UK marketing director it's been revealed that the Xbox requires that its new Kinect device be attached at all times.
While you'll notice that the Kinect for this Xbox One machine isn't physically attached to the console – though that might change – it will need to be synced up. These two devices will need to be chatting with one another at all times in order for either to function, this per a confirmation given to IGN, there's no getting away from Kinect.
"Kinect does require to be connected to Xbox One in all cases, yes. We use the living room almost as a moniker – that's where we assume the best screen is in the house. But if you like to play in any other room in the house, the Xbox One will deliver the same quality of experience whatever the environment." – Xbox UK marketing director Harvey Eagle
According to Microsoft's own Xbox Wire, the Kinect accessory is no longer just that. It's part of the Xbox One – it'll come in every Xbox One box and it'll be assumed that you'll be using it. Game developers will be encouraged to use Kinect on the regular.
"The all new Kinect is now an essential and integrated part of the platform. By having it as a consistent part of every Xbox One, game and entertainment creators can build experiences that assume the availability of voice, gesture and natural sensing, leading to unrivaled ease of use, premium experiences and interactivity for you." – Microsoft
While this will be one point on the plus side for those gamers wishing to stay with their Xbox 360 – or pick up a new one now that the Xbox One will likely drive down prices of past generations – it's also likely that much game functionality will be based on this system for future gamers in the Xbox Live universe as well. The Xbox One vs Xbox 360 battle may very well be a war you're going to want to follow from here on in.
