Xbox One Won't Come With Headset, Because it Has Kinect

'Headsets? Where we're going, we won't need headsets.' That's the stance Microsoft is taking with regards to its Xbox One console, confirming that the next-gen system won't come with a personal microphone included in the box for online multiplayer chat. It has Kinect to do that job.

"Xbox One does not include a pack-in headset accessory," said a Microsoft rep to Ars Technica. "Each Xbox One includes the new Kinect sensor, with a highly sensitive multi-array microphones designed to enable voice inputs and chat as a system-level capability, both in-game and with Skype and other experiences.

"For gamers who prefer a headset, we have a variety of offerings that you can find on the Xbox Wire."

Anyone who's gamed online with someone using a Kinect will probably tell you that it's far from a pleasant chat experience. Maybe the next-gen peripheral will do a much better job of things, but that still means that any chat you hear in a game will be pushed through the speakers.

Eurogamer points out that the Xbox One uses proprietary headphone jacks, meaning you can't just use any old microphone. Microsoft has yet to set a price on its Xbox One headsets. The PlayStation 4 will come with a headphone mic as standard in the box, but no PlayStation Eye peripheral.