Xbox One does not include headset

Gamers who buy an Xbox One this holiday will not find the redesigned headset in the box, Microsoft has confirmed with Ars Technica. Players will have voice options from day-one, though, in the form of the system's built in Kinect unit.

"Xbox One does not include a pack-in headset accessory," a Microsoft representative said.

"Each Xbox One includes the new Kinect sensor, with a highly sensitive multi-array microphones designed to enable voice inputs and chat as a system-level capability, both in-game and with Skype and other experiences. For gamers who prefer a headset, we have a variety of offerings that you can find on the Xbox Wire."

Some of these offerings include headsets and sound systems from Turtle Beach and Polk Audio.

The new Xbox One headset is similar in appearance to the existing product for the Xbox 360. It is wired to the controller and is designed for "long gaming sessions and clear voice chat," Microsoft said.

The mono chat headset sports wideband digital audio and a unidirectional microphone. In addition, players will be able to access mute and volume controls without taking their hands off the controller.

A price for the Xbox One headset was not divulged.

The Xbox One launches in November for $500. This price is $100 above Sony's PlayStation 4 and is "too high" according to one pricing expert.