Don't blame him, blame DS. At least better than posting "news" from insiderp.

Exactly.

I've been thinking about this. Microsoft is trying to dig themselves out of a ditch like Sony did in 2006-2007, and they've been using some of Sony's tactics to do this.

But I also think they are using the MS tactics from 2005. Remember the 360 had two SKUs when it launched? One was $300 and the other $400. The $400 SKU sold more because of perceived value in the box, mainly the 20GB Hard Drive. I think releasing a SKU without Kinect adds to the perceived value of the box with Kinect, especially if it comes with a game.

I could be wrong, but I know if I bought the Xbox One without Kinect I would feel like I'm missing out on the best option. It's why I bought the more expensive SKU of the 360 in 2005.

I didn't even knew this sku existed until I stumbled on this thread... I'm in the UK

But I just got a wii U,  and including the 3DS which I have had for a few years now these are giving me enough gaming joy.  So the recent current gen consoles can wait a few more years before I part my cash for them.

I'd say give it some time before we push the panick button, this announcement came from left field so might take some time for hype to biuld, though adverting has started, when I walked into gamestop yesterday there was already an ad for the "kinectless" XB1, haven't seen any onTV though

I was watching this, as well. After it was announced, the $399 One rose to ~#65 on the Amazon Bestsellers for the hour, and then suddenly started dropping like a stone. Now, I see it is the same on pretty much every site. I think this shows that the people who want to buy a One are mostly interested in it for the Kinect, and the $100 isn't that big a deal for them. Unfortunately for MS, it seems like that group is very big.

And why are people talking about "not many people know about this, yet?" I'd agree if we were in the 90's. But, this is 2014, where internet news travels fast. This was all over sites, gaming and a few non-gaming ones. And anyone who went to look at video games on any online store is bombarded with large ads for the $399 One. People know.

best news of the week ^_^

It will be interesting to see the June sales split between two SKUs. Hopefully NPD will track it like that.
The more I read and think about it, the more it seems that it was a bad idea. But I guess we will all be much wiser in about 2 months

Ask a brick and mortar retailer.

Come on, jokes are supposed to be funny...

Question is, will MS be willing to subsidize it further, possibly in bundles like TF?
A bundle with game at $350 would certainly start to attract more attention.
I'm guessing MS corporate is not willing to go that far for what looks like limited returns.
Their current sales rate and market share can probably be profitable for them.