Microsoft wanted to build Kinect into the Xbox One

During the design phase of the Xbox One, Microsoft attempted to integrate the Kinect hardware into the console. The company has since announced an Xbox One without the Kinect accessory.

The Develop website reports that Microsoft has attempted to incorporate the Kinect controller into the console’s housing in prototype Xbox Ones. This would eliminate the need for a separate Kinect. However, Microsoft decided to release the Xbox One, just like the Xbox 360, with a separate Kinect. This decision would have been taken mainly for aesthetic reasons; the console would look less good with an integrated Kinect controller. The console would also be too big.

One of the drawbacks of the Kinect concept is that it makes the console more expensive. Microsoft has now decided, in its battle with the PlayStation 4, to bring a cheaper Xbox One without Kinect on the market. This will have a price of 399 dollars, which puts the game console on an equal price level with the PS4.