Command your Xbox and TV with your voice (examples include "Xbox On", "Xbox Watch TV", "Xbox Go to Instant Video", and more)

The Xbox One Kinect Sensor transforms how you interact with your console by letting you control everything with your voice and gestures. Say “Xbox On” to power up your system, switch to live TV, or jump into apps without touching a controller. It’s hands-free gaming and entertainment that feels surprisingly natural once you get used to it.

Beyond voice commands, the Kinect opens up motion-controlled gaming where your body becomes the controller. Xbox Fitness uses the sensor to track your form during workouts, giving you real-time feedback on your movements. The HD camera also enables crisp Skype video calls on your TV and lets you broadcast your gameplay on Twitch with picture-in-picture so viewers can see your reactions. The sensor tracks multiple people simultaneously, making it great for party games and family-friendly titles that get everyone off the couch.

Who Is This For?

This sensor works best for Xbox One owners who want voice control convenience or enjoy motion-based games and fitness apps. Families with kids will appreciate the interactive gaming experiences, while streamers can use it for face-cam broadcasting. If you have an Xbox One S or newer model, you’ll need the Kinect Adapter for USB, which is sold separately. The voice commands are genuinely useful for navigating menus and controlling media playback, though some users find the motion gaming library more limited compared to the Xbox 360 Kinect era.

Bottom Line

The Xbox One Kinect Sensor delivers solid voice control and motion tracking when it works as intended. Voice commands genuinely speed up navigation, and the fitness tracking is surprisingly accurate. The main drawbacks are the need for a separate adapter on newer consoles and a somewhat limited library of motion-controlled games. If you already own compatible Kinect games or want hands-free control of your entertainment system, it’s worth considering at the right price.

  • Command your Xbox and TV with your voice (examples include “Xbox On”, “Xbox Watch TV”, “Xbox Go to Instant Video”, and more)
  • Broadcast gameplay live with picture in picture using the Twitch Xbox 1 app; Make Skype calls in HD on your TV using the Kinect
  • Play games where you are the controller and work out smarter with Xbox Fitness
  • Compatible with Xbox 1 S with Adapter: Kinect for Xbox 1 is compatible with Xbox 1 S via the Xbox Kinect Adapter for USB
  • Xbox Kinect Adapter required for use with Xbox 1 S consoles; Sold separately