Xbox One headset adapter will enable compatibility with current-gen
Xbox One owners will be able to buy an adapter that enables use of current-gen headsets.
Microsoft was heavily criticized for not only refusing to include a headset with Xbox One, but removing compatibility with any current-gen headsets. Xbox One controllers use a proprietary port, which Microsoft argues offers "higher data transfer speed between the controller and the console." For online chat with Xbox One, Microsoft has given gamers two solutions: use Kinect's built-in microphone, or shell out $25 for a proprietary first-party headset.
If those options still aren't palpable, here's a third choice: buy an adapter that enables use of current-gen headsets.
When grilled about Xbox One's lack of support for 360 headsets, a Microsoft rep said "Xbox plans to develop solutions in the near future to allow consumers to connect many brands of wired gaming headsets to the Wireless Controller for gaming and chat audio." That solution is an accessory (sold separately) that will let you use legacy audio hardware.
Microsoft's Albert Penello confirmed (via CVG) that "we will have an adapter that allows current gaming headsets to work," although pointed out that it will not be included in the box.
Of course, the question remains: how much will it cost? If it's near the $25 asking price of the Xbox One headset, this solution doesn't seem like much of a fix at all.
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Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Xbox One headset adapter will enable compatibility with current-gen.
Xbox One owners will be able to buy an adapter that enables use of current-gen headsets.-
The amount of backpedaling, band-aid fixing, and seemingly major changes to this platform considering how soon it's releasing seems pretty surprising, almost concerning. We often hear stories of games coming together quickly in the final moments of development with major changes at the last minute, but it's strange seeing it happen to a console.
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of course not. MS has thousands of engineers. But like cars, the person at the top sets the tone and direction. and then a team does design and implementation. Don was the leader of the XBox One. He probably made the final decision to go all cloud and many other things. The buck has to stop somewhere.
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That's a rough spot to be in. Even when they're trying to smooth things over with their customer base and provide flexible alternatives to their next-gen agenda, Microsoft still manage to come off looking like their nickel-and-dime'ing folks.
They might want to take the hit on this one and just toss the adapter in the box.