After officially confirming the existence of the Xbox One S, Microsoft reveals that the new model of the console requires an adapter to use the Kinect device.

Microsoft decided to kick off its E3 2016 conference with a bang, by officially announcing the Xbox One S through a reveal trailer. This new version of the platform is thinner and sleeker, coming in at only 40% of the size of the original model. However, it seems as though the updated console is not going to have all the compatibility of the original, since it will require an adapter to use a Kinect device.

The news was revealed by Matt Lapsen, general manager of Xbox devices marketing, in a post over at Xbox Wire. Although the Xbox One S will still have the same ability to use the Kinect as the original Xbox One, those using the motion control device for the Xbox One S will need to get an additional adapter for the Kinect. Thankfully, fans that already own a Kinect for Xbox One and are planning to purchase the Xbox One S are going to be able to pick up one of these adapters for free. Alternatively, the adapter can be bought for $50.

Lapsen explained the reasoning behind the move in the Xbox Wire post. "In order to make the Xbox One S as compact as possible and make all of these updates, we removed the dedicated Kinect port from the back," said Lapsen in the post. The general manager reiterated that "Kinect for Xbox One will still be compatible with Xbox One S," and that the newer model will still offer "the same great experiences as the current console."

The Xbox One S was originally revealed via a leaked image of the model, before being officially announced and discussed by Microsoft at E3 proper. Alongside the benefits of a smaller size, the Xbox One S is also compatible with both HDR and 4K video. The console also comes packaged with one of the new white Xbox One controllers, but extra controllers will need to be purchased separately.

Although the reasons for not including direct Kinect compatibility are understandable, given the need to address criticisms over the size of the original Xbox One model, this may be worrying news for those banking on further support for Kinect. The motion control device was once seen as a hugely important part of the Xbox One experience, and when the console was initially announced the Kinect played an integral role.

Since then, however, things have hardly gone to plan for Kinect development. The device lost its place as a necessary part of any Xbox One bundle, while Kinect gestures were removed from the Xbox Dashboard in a recent update. It seems as though suggestions that the device is a failed gimmick have turned out to have a ring of truth.

Source: Xbox Wire