Microsoft confirmed last month what some had suspected: the Xbox One will not be bundled with a headset like its predecessor. Instead, voice chat would be handled through the Kinect peripheral by default. Fortunately for those of you who would rather avoid hearing people scream obscenities through your speakers, there will be a solution.
Several, actually.
First, the most important bit: on Twitter, Microsoft product planning manager Albert Penello confirmed that current-generation headsets will be compatible with Xbox One controllers by way of an adapter, which presumably will be sold separately. Fortunately, the adapter also covers third-party gaming headsets.
In another tweet responding to a Twitter user asking about whether or not the Xbox One would come bundled with a headset, Penello said that Microsoft has heard all of the fan feedback, and that the firm is currently looking into it. Whether that would mean we could get a new headset or an adapter included with the system is anyone’s guess, but the chance of either happening seems slim based on Microsoft’s previous statements.
Polygon had the chance to speak with Microsoft Australia last month, and the site was told that the company is looking into allowing the Xbox One controller to support several gaming headsets, including those of the high-end sort, from several third-party manufacturers.
“The Wireless Controller has been redesigned to allow for higher data transfer speed between the controller and the console,” a Microsoft representative told the site.
“This also required creating a new expansion port design for headsets and future controller add-on devices which is different from a standard audio plug input. 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.”
Hopefully Microsoft will have more to say about the matter at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany next month.