Xbox One current-gen peripheral adaptor in the works, says Microsoft
Microsoft has said it is working on an adaptor to make current-generation and third party peripherals to work with the Xbox One.
The Xbox One should be able to support third-party and current-generation peripherals like headsets and even Xbox 360 controllers via an adaptor that Microsoft is currently working on.
When the Xbox One was unveiled on May 21, Microsoft revealed that the new Xbox One Wireless Controller would not be compatible with any existing kit due to its redesigned native connection.
“The Wireless Controller has been redesigned to allow for higher data transfer and speed between the controller and the console,” explained Microsoft Australia in a statement. “This also required creating a new expansion port design for headsets and future controller add-on device which is different form a standard audio plug input.”
However, in the statement made to Polygon, Microsoft confirmed that it is working on solutions to make current-gen and existing third-party peripherals compatible with the Xbox One controller.
Microsoft is offering an official Xbox One headset that it is calling “a must-have for fans of online gaming”, specially “designed for long gaming sessions and clear voice chat.”
However, it also revealed that the Xbox One won’t ship with that official headset. Gamers will instead have to purchase it separately, on top of that £429 Xbox One and Kinect bundle price.
This is due to Microsoft’s claim that the Kinect will provide ample support for online gaming chat and other communication apps without the need for an additional headset.
A cheaper adaptor to make existing headsets compatible with the new Xbox One Wireless Controller may be an attractive option to gamers who have already spent good money on Xbox 360 headsets.
The Xbox One headset adaptor may also pave the way to making Xbox 360 controllers compatible with the next-generation console.
Next, read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.