Sony’s PS4 will come bundled with a headset, which some have taken to be a one up over Microsoft whose Xbox One is not only more expensive, but will not come with the headset as well. Possibly hoping to avoid undoing whatever good they did when they backtracked on their always-on and used games DRM policy, Microsoft has since released a statement to the folks at Ars Technica, explaining why the Xbox One console will not come bundled with a headset unlike its competitor, the PS4. According to a Microsoft official:
“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.”
In a way this does make sense – after all with the Kinect featuring microphones already, why include more than necessary, right? However at the same time this removes options from players who might otherwise prefer a more intimate setup, not to mention headsets offer gamers the ability to play without having sounds blaring across their living room which could disturb family members, especially during the wee hours of the night. In any case what do you guys make of Microsoft’s reasoning? Fair?