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Microsoft prices Kinect at $150

Software giant confirms retailers' price point as it starts taking preorders through its own online storefront.

Kinect is being offered at $149.99 by Microsoft, which has started taking direct preorders for the Xbox 360's new motion-sensing accessory. This confirms listings noticed last week at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart that Microsoft had previously suggested were speculative.

Speaking to the Xbox will soon no longer be limited to expletives at RRODs.

Speaking to the Xbox will soon no longer be limited to expletives at RRODs.

As recently as yesterday, Microsoft representatives were insisting that all prices on retailer Web sites were "placeholders". Microsoft's retail listing for Kinect does note that preorders are covered by the site's "Pre-Order Price Guarantee" so if the price is changed before launch, those preordering would pay the lowest price at which it was available during the preorder period.

Kinect--pronounced "connect"-- allows gamers to interact with the Xbox without using a controller. Instead, the stereo cameras and microphones allow the use of voice- and gesture-based commands. This works both in-game and for the Xbox menu system, as well as for music and video playback, Microsoft claims.

The motion-sensing peripheral, formally named and dated at E3 last week was first shown off at E3 2009 under the codename Natal. So far, 15 titles have been confirmed for launch, among them first-party minigame collections, third-party fitness titles, and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game. Further support after launch is promised by Lucasarts, Q? Entertainment, THQ, and more.

Contacted by GameSpot UK, Microsoft did not comment on EU pricing, simply saying that "Kinect will launch in Europe, the Middle East and Africa in November 2010."

863 Comments

  • emoticedmar

    Posted Oct 29, 2010 5:54 pm GMT

    Money Whores!

  • balrog_z

    Posted Oct 29, 2010 12:57 pm GMT

    MS sucks!!! This will crash and burn!!!!!!!

  • fr3324nic8

    Posted Jul 2, 2010 4:56 pm GMT

    How do they think this will help sell xbox's, if Kinect is the same price as a basic Wii console? Think about it if a casual player can buy a Wii, Wii fit, and Wii balance board for $200 why would they spend $450 for an Xbox, Kinect, and EA's active game? This wont sell consoles but for those of us who already have an Xbox it will be interesting to see what kind things they do with it in the future.

  • KaizerJinn

    Posted Jun 29, 2010 1:37 pm GMT

    seems intriguing...

  • DarqKiller

    Posted Jun 29, 2010 10:15 am GMT

    I'm not complaining because it's not "hardcore", I'm complaining because it's been done before.

    I've had my issues with the Wii, but at least it brought something new to the table at a decent price with some decent games. I already have a Wii, I don't really see why I should waste $150 on this. Especially since it just has a bunch of dancing/random daily activity games that I usually get bored of within five minutes.

  • drokmore

    Posted Jun 29, 2010 7:00 am GMT

    I cant see sales being very good early on until some real games come out.

  • CrazedBishop

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 9:52 pm GMT

    I think the main appeal for this device is not just what they have shown thus far. It's what they COULD make with it. A sensor that accurately detects movement could be used in a ton of different ways. Hardcore games could definitely be implemented using this technology, if you think about it. And it would be a lot more immersive. No one ever said that the games they showed at e3 are the only ones that are going to be out at release.
    And for those complaining about price points, CNET said that Microsoft plans for bundles of the Xbox 360s and Kinect together, and in that bundle the Kinect would only add $100 to the price. So I think that Microsoft has figured in the price well.

  • chibi-acer

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 6:27 pm GMT

    I love core games, but I enjoy dance and fitness games too (beats going to the gym). Excited to play Dance Central, and the idea of playing with a controller has me intrigued.

  • Forlorn79

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 6:01 pm GMT

    Like Penny Arcade said, I wonder how many hardcore gamers are hating this as much as the Wii was hated before it came out, and look how good the Wii did. I guess I'm not just a hardcore gamer, because although I like classic games, I also like innovation, including new gaming experiences. I'll keep playing classic style games sometimes, but I also am excited for Dance Central and other new gaming experiences on the way for Kinect. We'll have to see how well it does, but I'm definitely getting it.

  • oneofthefall

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 4:21 pm GMT

    150 for a 1 second movement delay piece of technology that should have been made in the 90s, ill stick to my controller thanks! if M$ had said 50 then yes, but no way is this worth 150...

  • monson21502

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 1:00 pm GMT

    why keep putting this as top story. when ms hasnt anouced the price yet?

  • A18502

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 12:33 pm GMT

    OMG, this stupid comments thread is flooded with either pissed "hardcore" gamers or just PS3/Wii fanboys that hate Microsoft no matter what. Give it a rest with the whole (+) for anyone who hates it and (-) for anyone who likes it. Just cause someone thinks its interesting doesn't mean they're stupid =/

  • teknicz

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 12:27 pm GMT

    $150 doesn't seem like that much for what it's offering. Odd to see so many negative comments from people who aren't its target consumer base anyways, but I suppose mouthing off on a gaming website makes one cool. Good game, guys. Y'all rock.

  • coutcha__

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 12:15 pm GMT

    i wont buy this ever ever but i think it will work anyway juet the 360 owner kid or those who want to loose weight I personally think this suck but a loot of noob/casual will love that just like the wii balance board that keep selling A LOT every week for the same reason.

  • ColossalSevnty7

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 12:08 pm GMT

    Price point is the killer in this. The other killer is if you already have a Wii then why would you invest in it. The concept is cool. I would love to try it out when it finally gets in the stores. It will come down to the price of the device.

  • point-n-shoot31

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 11:34 am GMT

    @2bitSmOkEy

    No one said you had to buy it so quit whining and go back to playing call of doodie.

  • -HCMF-

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 5:02 am GMT

    For me this device is more about the ways one can interact with tech then the stupid games. And I do mean stupid. (although the wipeout tv show would make a good game with this tech) I think the interactivity that you could have will push us to that holl-a-deck tech everyone wants....

  • p2250

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 4:02 am GMT

    This has flop written all over it

  • dbzrulez77

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 2:23 am GMT

    this is a wait and see if i buy product.

  • White_wolf_eye

    Posted Jun 28, 2010 12:19 am GMT

    LOL what? This is redicules

  • Raephius

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 10:47 pm GMT

    1 PS3 > 2 Kinects.

  • freedomfight_19

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 8:49 pm GMT

    the price point is a bit much, however what about the lack of creativity in these games they are releasing for this so-called revolutionary product. i dont know anyone who would spend $150 to play with a lion cub named skittles

  • SithLordVenom

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 8:23 pm GMT

    @ gamebreakerz__ to you yea..don't speak for everyone.

  • mikeyvp87

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 4:38 pm GMT

    Based on everything I've read before and since the Microsoft Press conference Microsoft doesn't see this as a hardcore tool. This is strictly for casual gamers and people who honestly think that this tech will help them lose weight. The interface stuff is cool to. Anyway I'm trying to figure out how Microsoft is going to sell a casual device to a hardcore user base. Whether they realize it or not their base is mainly made up of hardcore users. Believe it or not Sony has more of a Wii like audience using their system than Microsoft does. New casual gamers would have to spend at least $400 just to use it and then would have to subscribe to live to really get the most out of their system. I don't know. Some of my friends want this but at the same token they admit it is a bit expensive. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how they're going to sell this to a hardcore base especially after their press conference made it painfully clear that it isn't for them.

  • gamebreakerz__

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 3:13 pm GMT

    Despite being a complete waste of time and money, it will sell like crazy.

  • swamptick

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 2:14 pm GMT

    Almost 1000 comments. It's awesome how much attention people are giving this!

  • mmpr7

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 2:09 pm GMT

    THE PRICE IS STILL NOT CONFIRMED. GAMESPOT - DO YOUR JOB AND SAY THAT THE $150 IS A PLACEHOLDER PRICE.

  • backlashasad

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 2:08 pm GMT

    DO NOT compare the kinect to the wii. the wii features motion sensing CONTROLLERS, not to mention it is cheap motion sensing. the kinect features entire voice and body motion sensing. If anything, compare the playstaion move with the wii. those are both motion sensing controllers, but the playstation move utilzies improved high quality technology motion sensing, not cheap like the wii. Sony (and microsoft) actually took their time making a high quality gaming hardware.

  • SithLordVenom

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 11:51 am GMT

    Why do people offer wii when an xbox is a totally different platform? I feel like you telling me, "Hey don't get kinect, get a wii and be stuck with a system you probably won't like, and you can't play your already bought xbox games on." If I like my xbox what makes you think i am going to get a wii if i want motion sensing? Why not buy a kinect, then i don't have to worry about wii, right?

    I mean besides mario, zelda, and metroid, what else do they really have? All you people suggesting wii really need to sit down and look at that. This kinect is just an addon. You are telling people to sacrifice getting an xbox system and kinect for a wii if you want motion controls. What if people want to turn off motion control and play a shooter online? Can wii do that? Nope your stuck on a fixed platform. The word of the day is ADDON!

  • zidan4000

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 7:06 am GMT

    add 50 bucks to that and you got yourself a brand new Wii which was actually designed specifically for motion sensing.

  • mundus

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 6:42 am GMT

    @Darqkiller Saying that this is the same tech as Playstation Eye is like saying that PS1 is the same tech as PS3. Hell it terms of hardware its even a bigger difference between the 2 than PS1 and PS3. And now I'm not even talking about the fact that it has voice recognition...

  • mundus

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 6:37 am GMT

    @MagicOneUp Except no 4 player game hasn't been announced yet, 2 is the maximum number so far. However i doesn't take a genius to understand that Kinect will do better than move though, since move is directly competing with the wii, where Kinect is its own thing.

  • MagicOneUp posted Jun 27, 2010 3:54 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    MagicOneUp

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 3:54 am GMT (hide)

    Can't wait! one Kinect for me or the whole family. where is the MOVE at E3??.... One Kinect equals up to four players, cost $150. Imagine getting four MOVE's.... I say MS is on a winner here

  • 2bitSmOkEy

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 3:23 am GMT

    Get off my damn lawn you little kiddies. Quit ruining gaming with this type of junk.

  • smcaul posted Jun 27, 2010 12:58 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    smcaul

    Posted Jun 27, 2010 12:58 am GMT (hide)

    Love all the comments from the kids on here about how "bad" MS is for releasing this!!!!

    It's a shrewd move by MS, takes the Xbox into direct Competition with the Wii, which is arguably the best selling "family" games console. Those with younger kids, like me, have both an Xbox and a Wii sat under the TV, the kids use the Wii and I use the Xbox, now with Kinect we can loose the Wii and just use the Xbox.

    Very good marketing by MS all round, this will sell, and it will sell well, party type games are very, very popular and this is the way MS will break into that market, which they have only briefly touched on with the likes of "scene it".

  • Lord_Foortwenti posted Jun 26, 2010 10:27 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Lord_Foortwenti

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 10:27 pm GMT (hide)

    @ Canofownage

    Kinect is a going to be a BIG fail, word, but Move is NOT more expensive. Yeah, that starter pack, and the extra Move-wands, etc....but the thing about all that is that you don't need the Wands. The existing Dual-Shock whatever number shipped w/ the PS3 have been confirmed to work w/ Move. So yeah, they may not be as form-functional as the Move-wand for motion-control games, but who the health cares? You can use hardware you already own...very smart move by Sony, very dumb move by M$.

    For the record I am not any kind of fanboi, I do not own a PS3. Rather I have a PC, 360 and a Wii. I'm just calling things as I seem em.

  • mattiberg

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 9:12 pm GMT

    all this kinect. its just for kids. I wanna sit in my chair and play a good game, and shoot soldiers, not balloons.

  • DarqKiller

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 9:08 pm GMT

    Wow, $150 for some barely functional gimmick that is already outdated? It's not even impressive, since it basically uses the same tech as the old Eye Toy on the PS2. That was what, 5 years ago?

    I don't think Microsoft will ever stop putting ridiculous price tags on their crap. Even though I like the Xbox 360, this is just getting out of hand.

  • CANOFOWNAGE

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 8:48 pm GMT

    @Nolidusk

    Kinect is a fail yes. But the move is more expensive. The starting pack comes with one set of controllers for $100. An additional set adds on $80. So most consumers will be paying atleast $180 before tax is even applied.

  • TC_Squared

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 8:31 pm GMT

    Hmmm...I'm curious to see how this turns out.

  • hakjie11 posted Jun 26, 2010 8:30 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    hakjie11

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 8:30 pm GMT (hide)

    even at 250 dollars I would still buy it. This technology is cool. First I wanted to buy the Move, but after the cool down of excitement, I did not find any games worth playing at launch. Kinect has Forza "-checking out the car-part" that got me hooked

  • Nolidusk posted Jun 26, 2010 8:19 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Nolidusk

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 8:19 pm GMT (hide)

    150 dollars for a camera and mic?
    150 dollars for dumb games?
    = FAIL
    move is way more cheaper and looks promising

  • DiablosJester

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 8:11 pm GMT

    as a 360 owner i think id get a Wii before buying a Kinect

  • dogpigfish

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 6:27 pm GMT

    What a joke. $150 for fling the ball at the screen. Xbox, give me a motion controller! Pat yourselves on the back for perfecting dance dance revolution.

  • pokemondude2012

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 5:53 pm GMT

    150 thats a bit much. well i guess i will be doing some thinkong on this one.

  • mike12431

    Posted Jun 26, 2010 5:42 pm GMT

    @Philly1UPer, I gotcha. Its just my guess that this motion sensing stuff is all coming from a different technology and lots of gamers love technology. This motion tech might be a complete failure and then again it just might work, but as for now people are excited by all of the possibilities.

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