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At Xbox One’s November 2013 launch, Microsoft included Kinect with every announced console bundle and set the US price at $499.99. The company did not announce a Kinect-free option until May 13, 2014, when it said a console without the sensor would be available for $399. The two prices describe offers announced at different times—not simultaneous launch choices.

What came in the Xbox One launch box?

On June 10, 2013, Microsoft announced a November launch in 21 markets. Its US bundle included a 500GB Xbox One console, Kinect, one wireless controller and a 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial for new members. The announced US price was $499.99, often rounded to $500.

Microsoft also announced prices of £429 in the UK and €499 in European markets, while noting that some regional prices were estimated retail prices.

Why did Microsoft say Kinect was required?

In an Xbox FAQ published May 1, 2013, Microsoft described Kinect as “an essential and integrated part of the platform.” Its stated rationale was that including the sensor consistently would give creators a common basis for developing voice, gesture and natural-sensing features.

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#1 Best Overall
Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)
  • In the box:Microsoft 7UV-00077 Microsoft Xbox One Gaming Console with 500GB HDD,Kinect Sensor,Power Adapter,Controller and Xbox Chat Headset
  • 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet

The FAQ was later marked as updated June 19, 2013, with a warning that some earlier information was no longer accurate. That update matters because Microsoft changed more than one Xbox One policy during this period.

What changed in June 2013—and what did not?

On June 19, Don Mattrick announced changes to Xbox One’s online-connection and disc-based game-sharing policies, following community feedback. That announcement concerned those policies; it was not the announcement of a Kinect-free console.

Microsoft’s decision to offer a console without Kinect came later, in a separate announcement on May 13, 2014. Microsoft said the $399 option was being made in response to fan feedback.

How the announced offers compare

Offer Kinect included? Announced US price Announcement date
Xbox One launch bundle Yes $499.99 June 10, 2013
Kinect-free option No $399 May 13, 2014

These are Microsoft’s announced specifications and prices. They establish what the two offers included and cost when announced, but do not by themselves establish sales effects, consumer preferences or comparative value.

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Rank #3
Sale
Microsoft Xbox One Kinect Sensor Bar [Xbox One](Renewed)
  • Requires power adapter for Xbox One S and X models (sold separately)
  • Put down the controller and play Xbox One games using just your body, voice, and gestures. Command your TV and even make Skype calls in HD.
  • Play games where you are the controller, Be recognized and signed-in automatically
  • Be recognized and signed-in automatically you can also call friends and family with Skype in HD
  • Broadcast gameplay live with picture-in-picture
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Was Kinect still in the box?

For the launch bundle Microsoft announced in June 2013, yes: Kinect was included. But “it’ll still come in the box” does not describe every Xbox One offer indefinitely. By May 2014, Microsoft had announced a distinct $399 option without Kinect. The answer therefore depends on which offer and date you mean.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)
Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)
10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
$229.99
SaleBestseller No. 3
Microsoft Xbox One Kinect Sensor Bar [Xbox One](Renewed)
Microsoft Xbox One Kinect Sensor Bar [Xbox One](Renewed)
Requires power adapter for Xbox One S and X models (sold separately); Play games where you are the controller, Be recognized and signed-in automatically
$39.00
Bestseller No. 4
Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)
Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)
The product does not come with the converter.
$239.99
Rank #4
Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
  • The Day One console includes a commemorative controller, token code to unlock an exclusive Day One achievement, and premium packaging
  • Kinect is included with the Day One Edition. Completely reengineered to be more precise, responsive and intuitive with unparalleled voice, vision and motion technology
  • The console is driven by a powerful combination of CPU, GPU and 8GB of RAM, governed by an innovative OS architecture, to deliver power, speed and agility; Only Xbox One unleashes the vast and scalable power of the cloud for your games, entertainment and apps with Xbox Live
  • The product does not come with the converter.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.