Microsoft had been rumored to be developing a cloud streaming device internally codenamed Keystone. This speculation gained traction with the recent discovery of a new patent.
The patent provides insights into what Microsoft aimed to achieve with their Xbox streaming device. Initially announced in 2021, the device was intended to stream Xbox games to TVs and other devices without the need for a traditional console, offering a more affordable and hassle-free alternative. The project was designed to be budget-friendly, targeting a price point of around $99 or $129. However, due to design challenges, achieving this price point was not feasible at the time, leading to the shelving of the project.
The newly discovered patent (via) reveals the first look at this streaming device. It features a square form with a circular top, reminiscent of the vent design on the Xbox Series S. The front of the device includes the Xbox power button and a USB-A port, while the back houses HDMI, Ethernet, and power ports. Additionally, the right side has a controller pairing button, and the underside features a circular plate similar to the design of the Xbox Series X.
Microsoft has been a significant player in the cloud gaming arena, initially integrating cloud games into the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Although currently limited to a select number of countries, Microsoft aims to expand this offering globally. They have also made cloud streaming natively available on the new generation of Samsung Smart TVs, aligning with their broader vision for the Xbox Keystone project.
Despite the current shelving of the project, there is potential for Microsoft to revisit and resurrect it in the future, especially as advancements in technology and reductions in component costs make such a device more feasible.