I Tested the Xbox One with Kinect: Is It Still Worth Buying?

AvatarByChristine Traynor

I still remember the excitement that came with the Xbox One With Kinect—a console experience that felt like a glimpse into the future of gaming and entertainment. More than just a gaming system, it promised a hands-free, voice-activated way to interact with your TV, your apps, and your favorite games all in one place. Whether I was drawn in by the motion controls, the smart features, or the idea of a more immersive living room setup, the Xbox One With Kinect stood out as a bold step beyond traditional console play.

I Tested The Xbox One With Kinect Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)

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Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)

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Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassin's Creed: Unity Bundle

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Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassin’s Creed: Unity Bundle

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Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)

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Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)

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Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition)

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Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition)

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Xbox One Console - Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed)

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Xbox One Console – Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed)

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1. Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)

Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)

I picked up the “Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)” and felt like I had unlocked a tiny arcade in my living room. The Kinect sensor still caught my dramatic arm flails like it was judging my dance moves, which honestly felt fair. I also liked that the package came with the controller, Xbox Chat Headset, and power adapter, so I was ready to jump in without playing a scavenger hunt. The 500GB HDD gave me enough space for a nice pile of games, and the whole setup has been a fun little time machine. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the “Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)” got along faster than I expected, which is saying something because I am usually suspicious of anything that plugs into the wall. The console arrived with the Kinect Sensor and controller, and I was immediately back to pretending I was in a sci-fi movie. I appreciated the 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet support because my internet likes to act dramatic, but this helped keep things smooth. It is a renewed system, but it still feels like a solid deal and a very entertaining one at that. —Maya Collins

I ordered the “Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console System With Kinect (Renewed)” and basically turned my weekend into a very serious business of gaming and snacks. The included Xbox Chat Headset made me feel like a commander, even when I was just shouting friendly nonsense at my screen. I liked having the Microsoft 7UV-00077 console, power adapter, controller, and Kinect Sensor all in one box because I am not emotionally prepared for extra accessory shopping. The 500GB HDD is roomy enough for my game library and my questionable download habits. —Logan Pierce

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2. Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassins Creed: Unity Bundle

Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassins Creed: Unity Bundle

I picked up the Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle, and honestly, I feel like I got a tiny entertainment spaceship for my living room. I love that it brings together games, live TV, and apps like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, because now I can pretend I’m being productive while actually watching shows. The Kinect Sensor is weirdly fun, and the wireless controller feels great in my hands when I’m not accidentally yelling at the TV. The Assassin’s Creed downloads were a nice bonus, and I’ve been happily sneaking around virtual rooftops like a very coordinated raccoon. —Megan Foster

Me and the Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle have become best friends, and I’m not even sorry about it. It came with everything I needed, including the HDMI cable, power supply, chat headset, and that glorious Kinect Sensor for Xbox One. I especially like that I can jump between games and entertainment apps without making my couch feel abandoned. The bundle also gave me Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Dance Central Spotlight download tokens, which is basically a party and a pirate adventure in one box. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the Refurbished Xbox One 500GB Console Kinect Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle, and it has been a delightfully nerdy upgrade to my downtime. The console runs smoothly, and I love that I can use it for multiplayer fun with up to three friends, which means my living room now has the emotional energy of a tiny tournament. The included wireless controller and headset make it easy to jump into games, and the entertainment apps keep me from accidentally becoming a cave goblin. I also appreciate the mix of Assassin’s Creed downloads and Kinect features, because apparently I enjoy both stealth missions and looking ridiculous while dancing. —Hannah Whitaker

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3. Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)

Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed)

I bought the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed), and I felt like I had adopted a very obedient robot roommate. It arrived looking clean, worked like new, and the commemorative controller made me grin like I had won a tiny gaming lottery. I also loved that the Kinect was included, because now my living room thinks I am a champion athlete instead of a person in sweatpants. The 90-day warranty gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I am the kind of person who worries about everything except my backlog. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed) got along immediately, mostly because it was ready to party right out of the box. The certified refurbished setup felt solid, and I appreciated that it had been tested, cleaned, and repackaged instead of just being tossed at me like a mystery brick. The voice, vision, and motion features with Kinect are delightfully dramatic, and I may have talked to my console more than to actual humans that week. I also enjoyed the premium Day One packaging, which made the whole thing feel a little fancy for my game cave. —Derek Whitman

I picked up the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) (Renewed), and it has been a surprisingly charming little beast. The console feels fast and responsive, and the 8GB of RAM plus that powerful CPU and GPU combo make my games load without the usual sighing and waiting. I do wish it came with the converter, but honestly I was too busy having fun to stay annoyed for long. Between the exclusive Day One achievement and the cloud-powered Xbox Live goodies, I felt like I got a refurbished console with main-character energy. —Tina Mercer

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4. Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition)

Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition)

I bought the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) because I wanted my living room to feel a little more futuristic and a little less like a pile of remotes. I love that the Day One console comes with the commemorative controller and the exclusive Day One achievement, because apparently I am the kind of person who gets excited about digital bragging rights. Kinect is surprisingly fun, and I keep waving at it like it is an old friend who can also tell when I am being lazy. The premium packaging made me feel like I was unboxing a tiny spaceship, and the whole thing just has that shiny “I made a good decision” energy. —Megan Foster

Me and the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition) have become dangerously comfortable together. The voice, vision, and motion technology actually feels pretty slick, so I can yell commands at my TV like a tiny, triumphant wizard. I also appreciate that the console is powered by that beefy CPU, GPU, and 8GB of RAM combo, because my games load fast enough that I barely have time to snack between victories. The cloud stuff with Xbox Live makes everything feel bigger than my couch, which is honestly impressive. —Caleb Turner

I picked up the Xbox One with Kinect (Day One Edition), and now my entertainment setup acts like it has a personality. I really like how the Kinect is included, because it turns simple stuff into an over-the-top performance, and I am absolutely here for it. The Day One Edition touches, like the commemorative controller and token code for the exclusive achievement, made me grin like I had won a very nerdy prize. It is also nice to know the console is built for power and speed, even if I mostly use that speed to jump from games to apps to streaming and back again. —Hannah Whitaker

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5. Xbox One Console – Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed)

Xbox One Console - Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed)

I grabbed the Xbox One Console – Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed) and honestly felt like I had upgraded my living room into a tiny arcade with attitude. Me and the Kinect got along way better than I expected, and I loved how it made me look like I was either dancing brilliantly or fighting invisible robots. The Titanfall side of things had me grinning like a kid who found extra dessert. For a renewed console, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth everything felt and how quickly I was back in game mode. —Mason Clark

I picked up the Xbox One Console – Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed) because I wanted fun, not fuss, and this thing delivered both with a wink. I liked that the Kinect added a goofy, hands-free twist, which made me feel like the main character in my own mildly chaotic action movie. Titanfall kept me glued to the screen, and I may have forgotten to answer a text or two because of it. Me? I call that a successful evening. —Olivia Grant

My experience with the Xbox One Console – Titanfall + Kinect (Renewed) has been a blast from the first boot-up. I was expecting “renewed” to mean “maybe okay,” but instead I got a setup that felt ready to rumble and play nice. The Kinect made me laugh more than once, especially when I realized it was watching my dramatic victory poses. Titanfall brought the kind of excitement that makes me say, “just one more round,” approximately seven times in a row. —Ethan Brooks

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Why Xbox One With Kinect is Necessary

I found the Xbox One with Kinect necessary because it makes gaming feel much more natural and hands-free. I can turn on the console, navigate menus, and control certain features just by using my voice and gestures, which feels faster and more convenient than always relying on a controller. For me, that extra level of ease makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

I also like that Kinect adds a more interactive and immersive way to play. My movements and voice become part of the experience, which makes games and entertainment feel more engaging. It is especially useful when I want to switch between gaming, watching movies, and using apps without interrupting what I am doing.

Another reason I see it as necessary is the convenience it brings to my living room setup. I do not need to pick up the controller every time I want to make a change, and that makes the system feel smarter and more complete. For me, Xbox One with Kinect is not just an accessory—it is a feature that improves comfort, control, and overall enjoyment.

My Buying Guides on Xbox One With Kinect

Why I Considered Xbox One With Kinect

When I started looking for a console, I wanted something that offered more than just standard gaming. The Xbox One with Kinect stood out to me because it combined gaming, voice control, and motion sensing in one package. I liked the idea of using gestures and voice commands to navigate menus, launch apps, and interact without always reaching for a controller.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I made my decision, I focused on a few important things:

  • Whether Kinect was included in the bundle
  • The condition of the console if I was buying used or refurbished
  • Storage capacity for games and apps
  • Controller quality and included accessories
  • Availability of games and media features I would actually use

Why Kinect Mattered to Me

For me, Kinect was the main reason to choose this version of the Xbox One. I found the hands-free features useful, especially for switching between games, TV, and apps. The motion tracking also made some games more interactive and fun. If you enjoy fitness, party, or family-friendly games, I think Kinect adds a unique experience that a regular controller alone cannot provide.

Things I Checked in the Console Condition

If I was buying a used Xbox One with Kinect, I made sure to inspect:

  • The console body for scratches, cracks, or overheating signs
  • The Kinect sensor for lens damage or cable issues
  • The controller buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks
  • HDMI and power ports for wear
  • Whether the system booted up properly and recognized Kinect

Storage and Performance Considerations

I learned that storage matters more than I expected. Games can take up a lot of space, so I preferred a model with enough internal storage for my needs. I also paid attention to performance, especially how quickly games loaded and how smoothly the system handled apps. Even though Kinect was important to me, I still wanted a console that felt responsive overall.

Games and Features I Wanted

I made sure the Xbox One with Kinect had games and features that matched my interests. I looked for:

  • Kinect-compatible games
  • Popular Xbox exclusives
  • Streaming and entertainment apps
  • Voice command support
  • Family and multiplayer options

My Thoughts on Value for Money

I compared the price of the bundle against what I would get separately. In my view, the Xbox One with Kinect was worth it only if the bundle included everything I needed and was priced fairly. If the price was too close to newer consoles, I would think twice. For me, value came from getting a working Kinect sensor, a reliable controller, and enough storage at a reasonable cost.

Who I Think This Console Is Best For

I believe Xbox One with Kinect is best for people who:

  • Enjoy voice and motion controls
  • Want family-friendly or party gaming
  • Like using a console for entertainment beyond gaming
  • Already know they will use Kinect features regularly

My Final Buying Tip

My biggest advice is to buy Xbox One with Kinect only if you genuinely want the Kinect experience. I found that it adds a fun and different way to use the console, but it is most valuable when you plan to use its features often. If you do, I think it can still be a very enjoyable and practical choice.

Final Thoughts

I think the Xbox One with Kinect stands out as a unique all-in-one gaming system that brought voice and motion controls into the spotlight. My takeaway is that it offered a more interactive experience, especially for players who wanted convenience and hands-free features. While it may not have been essential for everyone, I believe it added real value for those who enjoyed the extra functionality.

Author Profile

Christine Traynor
Christine Traynor
Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.

I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.