Microsoft’s ambitious plans for a cloud-based console, codenamed ‘Keystone’, have been revealed in a recently discovered patent filing.
The story started a few years back when Microsoft aimed to launch a dedicated Xbox cloud console, codenamed Keystone. It resembled a smaller version of the Xbox Series S, designed specifically for playing Xbox games through the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. However, the project was canceled due to concerns about its cost.
The goal was to create a streaming console that would rely completely on streaming games via Xbox Game Pass. And now the recently found patent filing reveals that Xbox Keystone’s design was quite attractive. So, what has been revealed in the patent filing? Let’s learn a little bit about it.
Patent Filing Reveals Xbox Keystone’s Design: A Canceled Xbox Cloud-Based Console
Keystone’s vision was to create a compact console that could easily fit under any TV or behind a monitor. It was rumored to cost between $100 and $130 and would come with a controller included. Unfortunately, it was canceled because they couldn’t keep the cost low enough.
In 2022, Xbox’s Phil Spencer revealed an old prototype on his shelf, explaining that its production costs exceeded their budget. As a result, they shifted their team’s focus to developing a smart TV streaming app instead.
Now the patent filing has revealed images that show blueprint-style drawings of the console, called Xbox Keystone. It was designed to look like the current Xbox Series X|S models, with a blocky style. Moreover, this console aimed to be an energy-efficient gaming device, needing only a controller and internet connection for game streaming.
The console was made to be straightforward. At the back, it had a power port, HDMI port, and ethernet port. On the front, there was a single USB port for accessories or charging controllers.
Despite the promising concept, the project fell flat and was eventually canceled. Moreover, in a big leak last year from the FTC, it was hinted that Microsoft might still be considering this console as it was listed as ‘Funded’ in their projects, but now most people think that information is old.
Well, even though the Keystone project was canceled, its creative design and vision for a simpler, resource-efficient gaming experience still fuel discussions about the future of cloud gaming.
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