Kinect for Windows Lands Feb. 1 For $249, And This Is Why It Costs So Much

Microsoft execs hit the stage last night for their pre-CES keynote address and CEO Steve Ballmer announced that Kinect will officially be coming to Windows PCs on February 1.

Ballmer mentioned they’ve partnered with 200 companies to develop Windows apps specifically for Kinect, but there were no details on how users might be able to control the operating system itself. Over on the Kinect for Windows Blog, the team announced that existing Kinect for Xbox 360 devices will not be compatible with Windows, requiring you to purchase a new unit for $249.

It’s understandable the $249 price tag might be steep for some, especially those who have already spent close to that much on Kinect for Xbox. However, the team explains exactly why the cost is so high:

We are proud to bring technology priced in the tens of thousands of dollars just a few years ago to the mainstream at extremely low consumer prices. And although Kinect for Windows is still value-priced for the technology, some will ask us why it isn’t the same price as Kinect for Xbox. The ability to sell Kinect for Xbox 360 at its current price point is in large part subsidized by consumers buying a number of Kinect games, subscribing to Xbox LIVE, and making other transactions associated with the Xbox 360 ecosystem.  

Windows for Kinect will be available in limited quantities starting February 1 in 12 countries including: United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom. Microsoft will also be making the Kinect for Windows SDK available to developers free of charge.

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