It has been a little over a year since the launch of the Xbox One and in that time the console has gained a lot more steam than it once had. After the debacle that was the console announcement, complete with DRM, Microsoft has been fighting from behind against Sony’s PlayStation 4. However, after a temporary price cut this holiday season that came after the initial unbundling and a slew of exclusives, the Xbox One managed to take control and win November.
With a lot of hype around the Xbox One, we thought we’d help out for those looking to buy a console or just looking to buy accessories or games for it with Christmas just a little over a week away. Just like with the PlayStation 4 gift guide, there will be a little overlap on some of the multi-platform games, but for the most part we have tried to separate the games onto which console they run best on, has the best features, or has timed exclusivity on certain DLC.
Throughout this gift guide, we will take a look at the console itself, controller, accessories, as well as the exclusive games, multi-platform games, and digital only games. As with the other guide, the price listed in the parentheses is the regular retail price, but if we know of any sales this week on any of them, we will mention it in the detailed description below each for this Xbox One Gift Guide.
Xbox One Console ($349.99)
Once launching as a bundle with the Kinect for $499.99 last year, the Xbox One has since been unbundled for $100 less, as well as a special holiday discount to put the console at only $349.99. Many sales have even made this better, by knocking down the price further or offering other stuff with it. This includes both the Assassin’s Creed Unity bundle and Sunset Overdrive bundles, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them at that price, especially considering the former comes with two games. There is also the 1 TB HDD version with Call of Duty that runs for $449.99 currently, that is always an option for gamers.
Xbox One Controller ($59.99-$64.99)
Unlike the PlayStation 4 that has released four official color variations on their controller, the Xbox One has for the most part had just version of their controller over the last year, which retails for $59.99. That somewhat changed in recent months, as a special Armed Forces Camouflage controller launched in October for a little more at $64.99. This was followed by a special Best Buy exclusive Midnight Forces Camouflage, which has more of a blue color scheme, last month. However, the one you will find most places is the regular controller. As the console only comes with one controller, it is always a necessity to pick up a second controller for local play as soon as possible. There is technically one other option as well, but that is for the next item.
Xbox One Play & Charge Kit For Xbox One ($24.99)
Just like the Xbox 360, the Xbox One controller runs on AA batteries instead of being natively chargeable like Sony and Nintendo’s most recent consoles. As a result, Microsoft has an official Play & Charge Kit available once again that is definitely worth picking up. Having one of these will save you tons of money in the long run that would be spent on batteries. Even better, for those looking to get that second controller, you can get a combined Xbox One Controller with Play & Charge Kit combined for only $74.99, which will save you $10 overall.
Xbox Live Gold Subscription (59.99 per year)
Xbox Live was almost a requirement for the most serious of gamers on the Xbox 360 and that is certainly no different on the Xbox One. While the membership isn’t required to use the online features of apps like Netflix and YouTube anymore, it is still a requirement to play any sort of games online. With the improvement of their Games With Gold service as well, it is hard to go wrong with an Xbox Live Gold Subscription.
Xbox One Kinect ($149.99)
Differing from the PlayStation Camera that was sold separately from the PS4, the Kinect was packaged with all Xbox One consoles until June of this year. However, for those looking to get a Kinect this holiday season and do not have an Xbox One yet, you would be better served to find a bundle that comes with it. In fact, the Assassin’s Creed Unity bundle that retails for $349.99 also has a counterpart that has the Kinect for only $100 more, rather than the $149.99 price of buying the accessory alone.
Xbox One Headset ($59.99-$159.99)
While Turtle Beach and Sony have had their own partnership since last year, Microsoft and the headset maker were a very strong tandem in the last generation of consoles, and that continues to be the case today. Microsoft has their own Stereo headset available for $59.99, but it is nowhere near the quality of Turtle Beach’s XOSeven headset, which to this day is the most comfortable headset I’ve ever used. However, the price point of $159.99 may be a little steep, so if you are on more of a budget, the official Xbox One headset can be a solid purchase as well.
Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter ($24.99)
For those that may already have a headset that you don’t want to upgrade from, you may be able to just pick up the Stereo Headset Adapter. Especially on the variety of Turtle Beach headsets offered, you can use the headset on your Xbox One with minimal cords compared to Xbox 360. Make sure to read more into each headset in this case before purchasing though, to make sure it will be compatible.
The next page will cover the number of Xbox exclusives that can be found on the Xbox One.
Published: Dec 17, 2014 09:00 am