GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Xbox One will function without Kinect

Every system will ship with camera, but it won't need to be plugged in for console to function, Microsoft confirms.

7475 Comments

Microsoft chief product officer Marc Whitten has confirmed that though every Xbox One will ship with a new version of Kinect, the camera will not need to be plugged in for the next-generation console to function.

No Caption Provided

"Like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn't plugged in, although you won't be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor," Whitten told IGN.

He added that users will have the ability to "completely" turn off the Kinect through system settings. When toggled "off," the Kinect is not collecting any information at all, Whitten said.

"You can turn the sensor back on at any time through settings, and if you enter into a required Kinect experience (like Kinect Sports Rivals for instance), you'll get a message asking if you want to turn the sensor back on in order to continue," he said

Whitten also confirmed that there will be no cross-platform voice chat between Xbox 360 and Xbox One, though players will be able to send text messages between the consoles. He also revealed that an Xbox One user will be able to see what their Xbox 360 friends are playing and vice versa.

The Xbox One launches in November for $500.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 7475 comments about this story