Microsoft Say Xbox One’s Kinect Doesn’t Need to be Powered On

This week, the debuting IGN-hosted Ask Me Anything was used as a forum for readers to quiz Microsoft chaps like Xbox One platform architect Mark Whitten some choice queries about the new system, and while there was nothing earth-shattering about the first instalment, there was another example of Microsoft having something of an about-turn over the way Kinect and Xbox will interact.

We have previously been led to believe that Kinect is necessary in order for the console to function, however when asked what would occur if the Kinect accessory broke, Whitten confirmed that this is not the case:

“…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.”

This could of course mean a number of things – however another question questioned whether the sensor could be turned off, and if so, just how “off” we are talking. Whitten had all the answers:

“You have the ability to completely turn the sensor off in your settings. When in this mode, the sensor is not collecting any information. Any functionality that relies on voice, video, gesture or more won’t work.

We still support using it for IR blasting in this mode. You can turn the sensor back on at any time through settings, and if you enter into a required Kinect experience (like Kinect Sports Rivals for instance), you’ll get a message asking if you want to turn the sensor back on in order to continue.”