Microsoft has discontinued Kinect for Windows at retail level but has launched a special adapter to make the Xbox One version PC compatible, according to Digital Spy.

The computing giant made the decision to consolidate the motion accessories after struggling to keep up with developer demand for the two models.

Customers who purchased the Kinect for Windows v2 sensor will continue to receive support, even though the peripheral will no longer be sold in stores.

"The Kinect Adapter enables you to connect a Kinect for Xbox One sensor to Windows 8.0 and 8.1 PCs and tablets in the same way as you would a Kinect for Windows v2 sensor," said Microsoft's Michael Fry in a blog post.

"And because both Kinect for Xbox One and Kinect for Windows v2 sensors are functionally identical, our Kinect for Windows SDK 2.0 works exactly the same with either."