Xbone will make you buy a headset separately

The $499 Xbox One will not include a headset for online gaming when it arrives this November, according to recent reports.  This is bad news for those already squirming at the higher price point for the new console.  While in the past, Microsoft has offered microphones in Xbox Live bundles and console bundles to soften the blow, seeing as you’re already lining their coffers with cash when you pony up for Xbox Live.

And while the Xbox One does not include a pack-in headset accessory,  each Xbox One does  include 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.”

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

For those that are already entrenched in the online gaming world, many use solutions from third party headsets designed to work on multiple devices.  Hopefully, we’ll have some of these expensive devices carry forward with adapters that work in the new consoles.  Earlier this month, we spoke with Astro Gaming about compatibility of their popular (and expensive) Astro A50 with the Xbone, and the company said they are working on a solution to use the headset for voice chat on the new console.