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.

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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.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    July 31, 2013 7:00 AM

    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.

    • reply
      July 31, 2013 7:06 AM

      as noted: probably 24.99!

    • reply
      July 31, 2013 7:36 AM

      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.

      • reply
        July 31, 2013 7:54 AM

        well they did get rid/lost the head of the Xbox team, so its time to fix stuff. Seems like the Xbox One was the vision of one person - and with him gone, they are making changes across the board.

        • reply
          July 31, 2013 12:24 PM

          Are you actually suggesting that Don Mattrick designed the XBox One hardware?

          • reply
            July 31, 2013 12:42 PM

            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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              July 31, 2013 3:13 PM

              So it was all his idea to go down that path and it's only reversed now that he's gone. Right.

      • reply
        July 31, 2013 10:31 AM

        On the other hand, there seems to be a functioning feedback loop between MS and consumers, which is something I never thought I would ever see. We'll see if the Xbox One ends up being better as a result, but I agree it is quite unusual.

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          July 31, 2013 10:55 AM

          Yup, we should be cheering Microsoft for this, not decrying them for actually listening.

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            July 31, 2013 11:29 AM

            Never should have made the mistake in the first place. To bundle mics with the 360 was genius. To not do it now and offer adapters and crap. Is a serious misstep. Just another indication that what M$ had in mind were not gamers, but Sports, TV and COD.

            • reply
              July 31, 2013 11:49 AM

              Yes, it is a misstep, and it seems like they have realized that. If you see it as some larger indication of Microsoft's thinking, fine, but they are doing something with the feedback.

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                July 31, 2013 8:47 PM

                I had completely forgotten about NGSCB -- and apparently so has Microsoft.

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                  August 1, 2013 11:06 AM

                  If rtricoche will forget about using a dollar-sign when abbreviating Microsoft, I will probably forget about it too.

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              July 31, 2013 5:33 PM

              I get it, you called them M$ because they are a company that wants to make money. Clever!

            • reply
              July 31, 2013 11:50 PM

              Okay, given that the mistake, as you see it, was made, and Microsoft (without the $) can't do anything to change that now, what would you have them do? Continue on their course, or listen to the customers and adjust accordingly?

      • reply
        July 31, 2013 10:45 AM

        I.. they should have stuck with their guns? Why would you want them to NOT give you stuff you want? Do you *ever* want one? Or are you "hoping it fails at any and all costs muahhahaha"

      • reply
        July 31, 2013 12:51 PM

        we just aren't privy to it usually. i bet this happens with every launch but they're being more upfront about it due to a bad PR start.

      • reply
        July 31, 2013 9:27 PM

        [deleted]

    • reply
      July 31, 2013 7:42 AM

      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.

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      July 31, 2013 10:20 AM

      I can't imagine the adapter being more than $5-$10, Microsoft would get crucified otherwise.

    • reply
      July 31, 2013 10:47 AM

      So, this proprietary port for higher data transfer speeds is somehow necessary for 44khz mono voice chat through an analog interconnect? Right... Yo, MS, gfys.


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