If you don't own an Xbox One and are one of the few that actually deem the Kinect useful, you might want to take advantage of the just-announced price cut. For two weeks, starting Sunday, February 8 through Saturday, February 21, you will receive $50 off any Xbox One with Kinect in the United States at most major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, etc.).
When Microsoft first released the Xbox One, you could only get it bundled with the Kinect for $499. You still can, but it has become more of a second-option for consumers since Microsoft introduced the Kinect-less SKU for $399 back in June of last year. On top of that, Microsoft has also been offering a similar $50 discount on standalone Xbox One bundles. In fact, the price cut on the standalone Xbox One, which lowers the price to $349, has led to increased sales in the United States. For November and December, the Xbox One actually outsold the PS4 in the U.S.
When the Xbox One was first announced, the Kinect was a big focus for Microsoft which envisioned the system as an all-in-one entertainment hub for your living room. That vision of an all-in-one entertainment system still exists, but it's kind of taken a back seat since Phil Spencer took over and placed a heavier emphasis on gaming. As a result, the Kinect has become mostly an afterthought for many consumers — and even developers who have yet to really find a way to use the Kinect in a way that isn't gimmicky.
The Kinect has its uses, but was it worth the $150 more than the price-reduced standalone Xbox One? Probably not. So how about $449? Will the discounted price convince you to buy an Xbox One with Kinect?
