Xbox One Kinect Standalone Price Cut Announced

The Xbox One's Kinect camera and the newly announced Kinect console bundle are getting price cuts in time for the holidays. Microsoft has announced that the standalone Kinect for Xbox One has dropped to $99 in the United States, which is down from the $150 price it launched at last year.

Microsoft's Major Nelson writes on his blog that "nearly half" of all Xbox One owners are already using Kinect. This follows comments from Xbox executive Mike Nichols, who said the "vast majority" of people who already own Kinect use it on a regular basis--but for non-gaming purposes more than anything.

"Across the Xbox fan base, Kinect sensor owners are regularly among those reporting the highest level of customer satisfaction," Major Nelson wrote. "We are also continuing to invest in Kinect, and are looking forward to launching the Cortana personal assistant on Xbox One in 2016."

When the Xbox One launched in November 2013 at $499, Kinect was included with all systems because Microsoft said the Xbox One and Kinect were one in the same. However, less than a year later, Microsoft offered a $399 system that did not include a camera and sold the peripheral separately for $150. Microsoft's Phil Spencer said making Kinect optional will actually lead to greater Kinect sales in the long run.

The other piece of Kinect-related Xbox One news today is that the Xbox One Kinect bundle announced in September has dropped in price from $500 to $400 effective immediately. This bundle includes a 500 GB system and digital copies of Dance Central Spotlight, Kinect Sports Rivals, and Zoo Tycoon.

Both price cuts are good in North America only and are described as "limited-time promotional" offers.