Microsoft has officially announced that the Xbox One, the highly anticipated next Xbox gaming and entertainment system, will be launching in November for $499.99 in the U.S., £429 (GBP) in the U.K. and €499 (EUR) in European markets. A reserve program, special commemorative bundle, accessories, game licensing, connectivity requirements, and Kinect privacy for Xbox One have also been detailed.
Every Xbox One system sold will include the new Xbox One console — which features a 500GB hard drive,1 Blu-ray player and built-in Wi-Fi — the new Kinect, one Xbox One Wireless Controller and a free 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold for new members. The Xbox One launch bundle will be available for $499.99 in the U.S., £429 (GBP) in the U.K. and €499 (EUR) in European markets.2
To celebrate the launch of Xbox One, Microsoft is also introducing a limited-edition commemorative bundle to fans who reserve the system at major retailers, available in limited quantities, while supplies last, for $499.99, £429 (GBP) or €499 (EUR).2 Reserving the commemorative bundle will guarantee that you’ll be able to purchase the new system on day one. Each commemorative bundle will include an Xbox One system that comes in premium black packaging with a limited edition Xbox One Day One wireless controller, as well as a unique commemorative Day One Achievement.Gamers who reserve the following exclusive Xbox One Day One edition launch titles, available in limited quantities at major retailers while supplies last, will receive special bonus
content:
“Ryse: Son of Rome.” Exclusive multiplayer map and sword with bonus attributes.
“Forza Motorsport 5.” Access to four cars tuned to the top of their class.
“Kinect Sports Rivals.” Exclusive sporting equipment that separates your Champion from the rest of the world.
“Dead Rising 3.” Exclusive Frank West and Chuck Greene Tribute Packs with bonus attributes.
In addition, as a message of thanks to the millions of Xbox fans around the world for their passion and loyalty, Microsoft announced that every qualifying Xbox Live Gold member — new or existing — will receive two free Xbox 360 game downloads per month starting July 1 until Dec. 31, 2013, including popular titles such as “Halo 3” and “Assassin’s Creed II.” And to celebrate E3 in the month of June, Xbox Live Gold members will receive a free download of “Fable III.”3
For a limited time gamers can also get a Day One 12-month Xbox Live Gold membership and play “Killer Instinct: Round One,” with the exclusive Shadow Jago character, on Xbox One. Players will also receive a commemorative Day One membership card. To reserve your Xbox One system today, and for a list of additional launch countries and
prices, visit http://www.xbox.com/reserve for participating retailers.
All-new accessories to fuel the new generation of gamingLaunching alongside Xbox One this November, a new lineup of best-in-class accessories will make your new-generation gaming experiences more immersive, precise and accessible:
Xbox One Wireless Controller. The Xbox controller is refreshed with more than 40 technical and design innovations. Updated directional pad, thumb sticks and contours deliver greater precision and control, while new vibrating impulse triggers offer precise fingertip feedback, bringing an unprecedented level of gameplay immersion.
The Xbox One Wireless Controller is designed to work in concert with the new Kinect, allowing the two to be paired automatically to create seamless player syncing.
Xbox One Play & Charge Kit. This kit includes a lithium ion rechargeable battery pack that fits inside the Wireless Controller as well as a charging cable that onnects from the Controller to the console. Gamers can play on and on without having to buy a single disposable battery. The new Play & Charge Kit charges twice as fast as its Xbox 360 counterpart and charges during gameplay or when the console is in standby mode. The Kit is available for standalone purchase or as part of the Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit bundle.
Xbox One Chat Headset. A must-have for fans of online gaming, the new Xbox One Chat Headset, wired to the controller, is designed for long gaming sessions and clear voice chat. With a lightweight and comfortable new design, the mono chat headset features wideband digital audio and a unidirectional microphone. Gamers will love not having to take their hands off the controller to access the microphone mute and volume controls.
Microsoft has also released information on game licensing, connectivity requirements, and Kinect privacy.
Game Licensing
Buy any game via digital (Xbox Live) or disc on the day of release.
No disc required to play any game – everything is stored in the cloud and accessed through your login (ie play your games at your friends house on his console with your login – hourly internet check-in required for this though).
Anyone can play games on your console (regardless of who they are logged in as).
Up to ten members of your household can access your “shared games library” from any console at any time using their login.
Renting and loaning of games is not possible at launch, but Microsoft is looking at introducing this later.
You will be able to trade-in games, but this will be entirely up to the publisher and only at “participating retailers”. There are no fees charged by Microsoft for this (but publishers could).
Internet Connectivity Requirements
Your console will “check-in” with Microsoft every 24 hours over the internet. If you can’t or don’t do this, you can’t play offline or online games.
If you are playing on a friend’s console with your login (ie to access your games library) then the X1 must check-in over the internet every one hour.
Kinect and Privacy
If your X1 is turned on and you are having a conversation with someone, the conversation is not being recorded or uploaded.
When your X1 is turned off, the Kinect is only listening for the command “Xbox on” to turn the console back on. This feature can be disabled.
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