Drastic times call for drastic measures and Microsoft has just made their move. Today via Xbox Wire, Phil Spencer announced that starting on June 9th, Microsoft will now start selling a cheaper Xbox One model, which will not come with Kinect. This model will retail for $399.99. Spencer was quick to point out that Kinect is still a huge part of the Xbox One and they will continue to sell the premium bundle at $499.99. For those who want to purchase a Kinect for the Xbox One at a later date, Microsoft will start selling them in the Fall.
So where is this decision coming from? Is it a reaction to the PS4 outselling them because the console is $100 less or is this the first step in Microsoft acknowledging the Kinect has been a colossal failure?
Other noteworthy items included in Phil Spencer’s post on Xbox Wire included announcements around Games with Gold. In June for Xbox 360, the free games are Dark Souls, Charlie Murder, and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. Games with Gold comes to the Xbox One in June as gamers will get a chance to play Max: A Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault. A single Gold membership will get you access to the free games for both Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Deals with Gold launches for Xbox One in June, which will offer 50 – 75 percent deals on certain titles. The first titles to receive these deals are Forza Motorsport 5 and Ryse: Son of Rome. For Xbox One Gold members, Microsoft is also launching a virtual VIP room where members will enjoy free games, monthly deals and other unannounced benefits.
Lastly, Microsoft is removing the pay wall for certain apps like Twitch, Netflix, HBO GO, and more. Check out the image below for more details.
via Xbox Wire