Xbox One new marketing, a Kinectless version and a game for 400? CBOAT: Maybe

How are all the mouth pieces at MS gonna spin completely ditching their biggest talking point for the entire lead up to launch? Their entire navigation model is based around the kinect and every single press releases tries it's damdest to pump the kinects features down the throats of their fanbase?

You packed the damn thing in the box... to about face less than a year later for the sake of a price cut out of desperation would probably be smart financially but ... jesus.. what do you do about the people who already bit? So many salty Xbone fans that are gonna want a 100 rebate.

Harsh times yo...
 
Still in for the Kinect version in April when KS:R drops. But if this is true it's nice for those who want to jump in at a lower price and also don't want a Kinect.
 
Dabanton said:
Dropping Kinect would be a huge mistake imo. You may as hand the winners ribbon to Sony if MS do that. That would also mean a completely reworked dashboard if that was the case. As a lot of voice controls don't have controller variants.
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Really? I didn't think you absolutely needed Kinect to use the bone.
 
This has been the most interesting gen for me since I've gotten into gaming. As a kid, I wanted every game console once I realized how much I loved video games. Since then (basically the SNES/Genesis era), I've owned every console (except the PSX ironically), and this is the first gen where, so far, I don't want a particular console (the Xbox One, to be exact). Even the Wii U has its merits, as the Nintendo exclusives (Super Mario 3D World and the eventual Smash Bros, for example) that do come out for it are enough for me to want one. I know for a fact I will end up owning the Xbox One, but it is the first one that actually makes me say, "I can definitely wait."

I look forward to the cheaper, Kinect-less model. That may push me over the edge sooner than I thought.
 
Eppy Thatcher said:
How are all the mouth pieces at MS gonna spin completely ditching their biggest talking point for the entire lead up to launch? Their entire navigation model is based around the kinect and every single press releases tries it's damdest to pump the kinects features down the throats of their fanbase?

You packed the damn thing in the box... to about face less than a year later for the sake of a price cut out of desperation would probably be smart financially but ... jesus.. what do you do about the people who already bit? So many salty Xbone fans that are gonna want a 100 rebate.

Harsh times yo...
Click to expand...

Blame it on Mattrick. Talk about the new and improved Xbox One that listens to what the gamers want. It's not that hard. I still half expect them to screw it up though.
 
Wow, this is like 3DS -> 2DS lol

I can only assume Nintendo is already on their way with a Wii U without a screen pad (and hopefully a damn name change).

As for XBox One, I can see it named... XBox One Redux.
 
They not only need to drop the price they need to advertise those two free games per month with gold. I don't really hear about that and I'm not sure why. I guess their selling point was connect, then they did all that the back pedaling, and even now they keep pr-ing about those working mans graphics. just stop defending stuff and try to push your hardware and software. probably going to have to eat some costs too. I don't know in reality it seems like they are just going to have a slow turn around this gen, probably much harder climb than sony last gen.

$350 with kinetic and 2 free months of gold for me to consider it, even then... it's a maybe.
 
$400 kinectless TitanFall bundle by october.
They need to sale as many consoles as posibles before TF2 is announced multiplatform by 2015.
 
Synless said:
Nobody is saying the software isn't selling. What I am saying is at $400 with the only redeeming difference being Kinect taken away, they have no advantage at that price point. If they can get some great exclusives better than what the competition has, sure. That isn't likely though over the long term.
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The market, right now, is treating the Xbox One like a more expensive, less powerful PS4. All the market-speak in the world won't change that for the next 5 years. Kinect as an AV interface will not change that. MS bet on Kinect UI, not Kinect software, being a compelling reason for consumers to buy an Xbox over a Playstation at an inflated price. It was a bad bet. It was a wrong bet. These are gaming boxes, being sold for boxed software. If MS isn't willing to invest in interesting exclusives, they should just drop the One right now.

But an equally priced, less powerful PS4 can still carve out a decent niche with a compelling lineup. The Sega Genesis did its thing. The 360 continued to outsell the PS3 in America even after they reached price parity. And who's to say what will be the next casual hit?

If their "plan" is that Kinect Sports will sell 10 million consoles like Kinect Adventures/Kinect Sports/Dance Central/Your Shape did back in 2010, that's not a "plan", that's blind, drunken hope.
 
I've been saying this for months. They would wait out the numbers and most likely they will not be up to par and you could bank on a fall sku without Kinect. Just what I have been waiting for. Can't wait for the meltdowns.
 
I think for a lot of people Kinect is a selling point. They just have to cut price by 50$ and add a free game and everything will be fineeeee.
 
I don't see it happening. 2 years from now, Xbox Ones will still be sold with Kinect bundled. Friendly bet.

elite09 said:
I think for a lot of people Kinect is a selling point. They just have to cut price by 50$ and add a free game and everything will be fineeeee.
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Exactly. I think if they remove Kinect, it takes away a great deal of the appeal of the Xbox One, and what makes it so different from the PS4, even if there aren't a lot of amazing games taking advantage of Kinect. You get a console primarily for the games, but the other features and capabilities, especially ones like the Xbox One has, are almost certainly important selling points also. To sell the Xbox One without Kinect would be severely shortchanging their whole vision of the system, which is why I feel confident it will never happen.
 
x-Lundz-x said:
Of course they will, right along side the cheaper Kinectless version.
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Damn it lol. I wasn't clear enough. I bet there will never be a Kinectless version offered officially by Microsoft.

Sho_Nuff82 said:
149k in 4 weeks in your biggest market isn't a lot of people.
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But that can't credibly be viewed in isolation considering the already impressive start for a $500 system. I do think it's a growing concern if it keeps selling how it did in January, but I think it's way too early to say anything definitive. I want an Xbox One bad, and I still don't have one of my own, but it's surely not because I don't want one. It's just out of my price range at the moment.
 
SenjutsuSage said:
Damn it lol. I wasn't clear enough. I bet there will never be a Kinectless version offered officially by Microsoft.
Click to expand...

You will be wrong inside of 6 months.

But that can't credibly be viewed in isolation considering the already impressive start for a $500 system. I do think it's a growing concern if it keeps selling how it did in January, but I think it's way too early to say anything definitive. I want an Xbox One bad, and I still don't have one of my own, but it's surely not because I don't want one. It's just out of my price range at the moment.
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But at $399, it would be in your price range?

Problem, meet solution. It doesn't take an MBA to figure this shit out. Consoles do not magically alter baseline sales trends unless the value proposition changes significantly.

If the number of people willing to buy an Xbox at $399 is > than the number of people willing to buy an Xbox at $499, you push out the box at $399, especially if it doesn't involve touching the silicon.

The One had an impressive start which, now when viewed through the lens of January NPD, was MS blowing through their core gotta-have-it-no-matter-what-is-on-it fanbase. Now you have to sell to everyone else, which means offering a competitive product at a competitive price.
 
Ishan said:
well more like titanfall will be ms and destiny will be sony.
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Sony is not stupid, COD is the biggest seller. They probably already striked a marketing deal with Activision.

Sho_Nuff82 said:
149k in 4 weeks in your biggest market isn't a lot of people.
Click to expand...

MS has the financial capacity to sell One at a loss. Removing Kinect is not the solution specially if you designed your console around it.
 
elite09 said:
Sony is not stupid, COD is the biggest seller. They probably already striked a marketing deal with Activision.



MS has the financial capacity to sell One at a loss. Removing Kinect is not the solution specially if you designed your console around it.
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MS, the software company, would rather jettison the Xbox brand than eat the $1 billion plus dollars a raw price-cut would bring. If all they cared about was winning, the One would have launched at $299. The days of unchecked spending to gain a foothold ended almost a decade ago, the division is expected to pull its own weight now, which is why it was sold basically at cost.
 
Shadow2222 said:
This has been the most interesting gen for me since I've gotten into gaming. As a kid, I wanted every game console once I realized how much I loved video games. Since then (basically the SNES/Genesis era), I've owned every console (except the PSX ironically), and this is the first gen where, so far, I don't want a particular console (the Xbox One, to be exact). Even the Wii U has its merits, as the Nintendo exclusives (Super Mario 3D World and the eventual Smash Bros, for example) that do come out for it are enough for me to want one. I know for a fact I will end up owning the Xbox One, but it is the first one that actually makes me say, "I can definitely wait."

I look forward to the cheaper, Kinect-less model. That may push me over the edge sooner than I thought.
Click to expand...

I refrain from posting unless I have something original to say, but your post is exactly where I'm at this gen. I couldn't have said it better.
 
PS4 is like 40% more powerful, isn't it? (Trying to be conservative here for argument's sake.)

Given that PS4 is priced at $399.99, a Kinect-less Xbox One should be priced accordingly.

If my math skills still serve me well, that would be ( $399.99 / 1.4 = $285.71 ).

So yeah, $285.71 or bust. Your move, Microsoft.
 
Only $100 off the price?

I recall someone from MS saying the Kinect cost more to make than the console. Did I dream that?
 
DrSlek said:
Only $100 off the price?

I recall someone from MS saying the Kinect cost more to make than the console. Did I dream that?
Click to expand...

I recall that as well. I believe they were referring to R&D costs though, not the actual hardware itself. I could be wrong...
 
The problem I have with a Kinectless XO is that it pretty much would be an 'exclusives-only' console if you already have a PS4. Considering that I think having a Wii U as that 'exclusives-only' console is a far more appealing idea especially with the pricing and quality of the exclusives.

Id say minimum the XO needs to be $400/£350 with Kinect and a free game thrown in (or say something like a free Kinect Fitness sub) to contend with the PS4. Its stuck with Kinect so MS need to make it far more relevant than it is - its not like this is a new idea thought up for the XO, theyve had years to make it relevant...

ps3ud0 8)
 
elite09 said:
MS has the financial capacity to sell One at a loss. Removing Kinect is not the solution specially if you designed your console around it.
Click to expand...

If they were committed to kinect they would force people to have it plugged in.

There are tons and tons of people who are waiting for a kinectless sku just on principle.

I know people who would rather pay 500$ for a kinectless sku than a 400$ with kinect package just so they know they are not contributing to any false pro kinect sales.
 
ps3ud0 said:
The problem I have with a Kinectless XO is that it pretty much would be an 'exclusives-only' console if you already have a PS4. Considering that I think having a Wii U as that 'exclusives-only' console is a far more appealing idea especially with the pricing and quality of the exclusives.

Id say minimum the XO needs to be $400/£350 with Kinect and a free game thrown in to contend with the PS4. Its stuck with Kinect so MS need to make it far more relevant than it is - its not like this is a new idea thought up for the XO, theyve had years to make it relevant...

ps3ud0 8)
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PS4 has a camera too so how is kinect a difference maker?
 
Dragonborn said:
Make it cheaper than Ps4. Why in the world would we pay the same for an inferior device? $350 w/o Kinect, or $399 with Kinect.
Click to expand...

Not everyone considers it an inferior device. On paper the gpu/ram is weaker, there is no debating that. People who love Gears, Halo, the controller, xbox live, etc. might consider the x1 to be a superior console because of the services, games, and hardware choices it has.
 
ps3ud0 said:
The problem I have with a Kinectless XO is that it pretty much would be an 'exclusives-only' console if you already have a PS4. Considering that I think having a Wii U as that 'exclusives-only' console is a far more appealing idea especially with the pricing and quality of the exclusives.

Id say minimum the XO needs to be $400/£350 with Kinect and a free game thrown in (or say something like a free Kinect Fitness sub) to contend with the PS4. Its stuck with Kinect so MS need to make it far more relevant than it is - its not like this is a new idea thought up for the XO, theyve had years to make it relevant...

ps3ud0 8)
Click to expand...

They've had years to make the Kinect relevant and they've utterly failed. It's a cool piece of technology, but gamers just don't want it. They need to suck it up and realize it was a mistake at this point. Maybe bring it back when they come out with a VR device.

Sick sig btw :lol
 
Syphon Filter said:
PS4 has a camera too so how is kinect a difference maker?
Click to expand...
Sho_Nuff82 said:
How is that different from what it is right now? How many people here honestly bought an Xbox One to play Just Dance 2014 or Zoo Tycoon or Fighter Within?

Remember, the OPTIONAL Kinect features in every Xbox One game don't go away just because there is a Kinect free sku.
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Sorry you misunderstood me, Im actually comparing the XO to the Wii U as if Kinect was removed they would both be 'exclusives-only' consoles for me to partner my PS4. In that case its hard to make a case for the XO at all...

In general though the Kinect is capable of more, its just that MS just hasnt really attempted to make it a product thats really useful beyond the superficial. To me its not a value-add product at all...

ps3ud0 8)
 
ps3ud0 said:
The problem I have with a Kinectless XO is that it pretty much would be an 'exclusives-only' console if you already have a PS4. Considering that I think having a Wii U as that 'exclusives-only' console is a far more appealing idea especially with the pricing and quality of the exclusives.

Id say minimum the XO needs to be $400/£350 with Kinect and a free game thrown in (or say something like a free Kinect Fitness sub) to contend with the PS4. Its stuck with Kinect so MS need to make it far more relevant than it is - its not like this is a new idea thought up for the XO, theyve had years to make it relevant...

ps3ud0 8)
Click to expand...

How is that different from what it is right now? How many people here honestly bought an Xbox One to play Just Dance 2014 or Zoo Tycoon or Fighter Within? You either bought it as a secondary console for exclusives/LIVE features, or a primary console for exclusives/LIVE features/slightly worse multiplats.

Remember, the OPTIONAL Kinect features in every Xbox One game don't go away just because there is a Kinect free sku.
 
LuchaShaq said:
If they were committed to kinect they would force people to have it plugged in.

There are tons and tons of people who are waiting for a kinectless sku just on principle.

I know people who would rather pay 500$ for a kinectless sku than a 400$ with kinect package just so they know they are not contributing to any false pro kinect sales.
Click to expand...

You know dumb people.
 
yea, 400 is interesting, but needs to be at least 350 or 299 to actually make it worth it over the more powerful ps4.

I just dont know how MS is going to survive if they do that though.
 
ps3ud0 said:
Sorry you misunderstood me, Im actually comparing the XO to the Wii U as if Kinect was removed they would both be 'exclusives-only' consoles for me to partner my PS4. In that case its hard to make a case for the XO at all...

In general though the Kinect is capable of more, its just that MS just hasnt really attempted to make it a product thats really useful beyond the superficial.

ps3ud0 8)
Click to expand...

I see but xbox one will get more multiplats than wiiu at least. I know kinect is capable of more but so is sonys camera. They can update it will things that MS has and they dont yet.
 
ps3ud0 said:
The problem I have with a Kinectless XO is that it pretty much would be an 'exclusives-only' console if you already have a PS4.
Click to expand...
If you already have a PS4 the idea of paying for a Gold subscription to get just about any use out of the Xbone could also be a barrier to picking one up as second console.

Last gen the 360 was primary and the PS3 was my exclusives box. That was easy with free online, and if anything the value of the PS3 has gone up since then because of PS+ instant library. The idea of replacing my PS3 with an Xbone that'll require Gold for all practical purposes just isn't an appealing thought. Not for one killer app, or two, or even three. And not at anywhere near its current price. Its just in a rough position overall.
 
Syphon Filter said:
I see but xbox one will get more multiplats than wiiu at least. I know kinect is capable of more but so is sonys camera. They can update it will things that MS has and they dont yet.
Click to expand...
But Id get my mult-plats on the PS4 wouldnt I? It may seem sweeping already but it seems likely its always going to match or beat the XO version.

Thats really the crux of it for me, remove Kinect and as soon as I start to consider the XO to partner the PS4, Id have to consider the Wii U - Nintendos exclusives just are far more interesting to me...
NullPointer said:
If you already have a PS4 the idea of paying for a Gold subscription to get just about any use out of the Xbone could also be a barrier to picking one up as second console.

Last gen the 360 was primary and the PS3 was my exclusives box. That was easy with free online, and if anything the value of the PS3 has gone up since then because of PS+ instant library. The idea of replacing my PS3 with an Xbone that'll require Gold for all practical purposes just isn't an appealing thought. Not for one killer app, or two, or even three. And not at anywhere near its current price. Its just in a rough position overall.
Click to expand...
Agreed, another good reason to consider the Wii U then ;)

ps3ud0 8)
 
OmahaG8 said:
You know dumb people.
Click to expand...

To each their own, some people like voting with their wallets.

It's a big reason why I didn't buy a tv until some of the biggest/best models had non 3d options again. Same reason why I never bought a 3ds until the 2ds was a thing. Wouldn't see movies I wanted to see unless there was a 2d showing.

If people like me were fine supporting 3d but not using it, maybe they would still be trying to force 3d on people instead of taking it behind the shed to shoot it like they should.
 
Sho_Nuff82 said:
MS, the software company, would rather jettison the Xbox brand than eat the $1 billion plus dollars a raw price-cut would bring. If all they cared about was winning, the One would have launched at $299. The days of unchecked spending to gain a foothold ended almost a decade ago, the division is expected to pull its own weight now, which is why it was sold basically at cost.
Click to expand...

IMO In the long run it would be better to take a loss now and keep kinect, grow your userbase and take the reward later, and maybe convert Kinect in a huge selling point by investing in it and making AAA games taking advantage of its unique features. Kinect 1 sold a lot and it was a piece of shit, but people got really excited about it, last time i checked MS had sold over 20 million and they were making around 90-100$ in profit with each unit, that's quite a huge margin.

Right now is obvious One needs a pricecut before Live Gold members begin to move to PSN.
 
$350 with Dead Rising and I'm in. Kinect is worthless so I really don't care about its "added value". The system is far too underpowered to be priced at what it is priced at.
 
One of two things needs to happen.

Keep Kinect, price parity with PS4.
Get rid of Kinect COMPLETELY (sucks for early adopters) and be $100 less than PS4

Any middle ground is pointless. Has to be one of those two options because the second you offer a Kinectless SKU, you're as good as ending Kinect anyway. So if you're going to cut it, CUT IT.
 
Eppy Thatcher said:
How are all the mouth pieces at MS gonna spin completely ditching their biggest talking point for the entire lead up to launch?
Click to expand...

Easily.

'You know, Xbox has always been all about the games. We've always been all about the community and what gamers want. We heard them loud and clear about some of our pre-launch policies and we hear them now when they say 'you know, I really don't care so much about the whole media experience, I just want to play the best games around.' So we still love Kinect, we still believe in the Kinect, Kinect isn't going anywhere. It'll still be there for consumers who want the all-in-one ultimate living room experience, this is just another option for the hardcore gamers.'
 
$399 with a game is nice, but I still want Kinect included. Give me all that for $399 and ya got me MS. Assuming the bundled game would be Titanfall.
 
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