Good news for those of you planning on getting an Xbox One, Lead Planner Alberto Penello has confirmed (via twitter… ugh) that all current gen and third-party gaming headsets will be compatible with the next gen console via an adapter.
“Yes,” wrote Penello in response to a question on the website. “We will have an adapter that allows current gaming headsets to work.”
The adapter will not be bundled with the console by default, so players will have to specifically purchase this auxiliary piece of hardware. This is following a statement that the new console will not contain a headset when purchased, so buyers will have to be shelling out some extra cash either way, and the adapter may be a way to save some money. In addition to this, Microsoft Australia told Polygon last month that the company is working on seeking solutions to allow for non-Microsoft branded gaming headsets to connect to the controller.
“The Wireless Controller has been redesigned to allow for higher data transfer speed between the controller and the console,” said a Microsoft representative. “This also required creating a new expansion port design for headsets and future controller add-on devices which is different from a standard audio plug input. 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.”
Xbox One headsets can be pre-ordered right now for $24.99. Controllers and charge kits are also available. For more info on all of that, check out our last article: https://thegamefanatics.com/2013/07/29/xbox-one-controllers-and-headset-prices-announced/