Microsoft Unveils Kinect Pricing Details

Microsoft announced today a brand new console bundle that will include Kinect as well as the pricing for Kinect itself. Beginning this holiday season gamers can purchase a new XBox360 4GB console, Kinect and the game “Kinect Adventures” packaged together for $299.99.  This bundle is essentially the new XBox 360 arcade unit that is packaged with Kinect.  In addition, existing XBox360 owners can purchase Kinect with “Kinect Adventures” for $149.99.  With “Kinect Adventures” players will make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations.

Microsoft has stated that there will be more than 15 games available at launch with games such as “Kinectimals,” “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Joy Ride,” and “Dance Central” from Harmonix.  In addition to games, Kinect changes the way you experience entertainment by putting your favorite movies, television shows, music and live sports from ESPN all in one place.  You will be able to begin a movie by simply saying, “XBox, play,” or browse through a music list with the wave of a hand.  With Video Kinect you can share a smile with friends and family, as you open a window into living rooms around the world.  It should be noted however that XBox Live Gold is required to use the video features.

“I think Kinect is a major leap forward in the gaming experience that will appeal to both mainstream and casual gamers,” said Michael Gartenberg, partner, Altimeter Group, and author of the Engadget Entelligence column.

Starting today, select retailers are taking pre-orders for the XBox360 Kinect Console Bundle at $299 and Kinect for XBox360 at $149.  If you pre-order Kinect today, at launch you will receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for “Kinect Adventures”.

Finally, the new XBox360 4GB console will begin shipping on August 3rd in the U.S. and will be available for $199.99. Obviously Kinect doesn’t come out until November so you won’t see the $299 XBox360 Kinect bundle until Kinect hits store shelves.