Perhaps hoping to allay criticisms that their latest console is a bit overpriced, Microsoft announced today that the Xbox One will come with a handful of neat bonuses to justify its $500 price.
While Microsoft previously announced that the Xbox One wouldn’t come with a headset (nor would it be compatible with old 360 microphones,) it turns out that the new console will indeed be bundled with a wired mono chat headset, the company revealed today via the console’s official unboxing video.
The console will also come with a Category 2 HDMI cable, which will let the system output video in 4k resolution for those of you lucky (and rich) enough to have a 4K TV; before you get too excited, it’s worth noting that Microsoft has stated that Xbox One games will have a resolution of 1080p, only certain video content will be compatible with the new 4K resolution.
Customers who preordered the Day One bundle will get a special edition controller (which has a chrome D-Pad instead of the usual glossy black ones,) and a voucher that they can redeem for an exclusive Day One achievement. Microsoft has revealed that while the Xbox One controller will still require 2 AA batteries (just like the 360 pad,) for wireless play, players can connect the controller to the system via its micro USB port and use it as a wired pad, even without the battery pack connected.
I really, really loved the Xbox One controller when I got to play a few games with it a few months ago, so while I still don’t plan to buy an Xbox One myself, I will be picking up one of those controllers so that I can play PC games with it. The lack of built-in rechargeable batteries (like the PS3,PS4, or Wii U controllers) is a bit disappointing, but that controller is just so comfortable in your hands that I suppose it’s worth the hassle of having to keep spare batteries around.
Both the Day One and Standard bundles available at launch will come with the Xbox One console, a controller, a Kinect sensor, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and all the usual manuals and paperwork. Microsoft still hasn’t announced a specific launch day for the Xbox One, but the system should come out sometime in November.
