Xbox One no longer requires Kinect to function

Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox One will no longer require Kinect to be plugged into the console for it to work.

The news follows previous U-turns by the company, including the decisions to remove the always-online DRM features and include a headset in the box.

However the Xbox One will still come packaged with the Kinect, and Microsoft encourages users to make the most of it.

"It makes gaming better in many ways," Microsoft's Marc Whitten told IGN, "from the ability to say 'Xbox On' and get right to your personalised homescreen, to the ability to control your TV through voice, Smartglass and more.

"Kinect allows you to search for your content, instantly move between games and your personalised dash and more with just your voice. Kinect helps you pick up and play by automatically knowing which controller you have in your hands.

"That said, like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn't plugged in, although you won't be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor."

Xbox One will still cost $499 USD when it launches later this year, but with the news that Kinect isn't needed for it to function, there could be a cheaper package released sometime next year.