A recently unearthed patent offers a glimpse into the design of the canceled Xbox Keystone console. While previously hinted at by Phil Spencer, the Keystone's release never materialized.
During the Xbox One era, Microsoft explored various strategies to recapture lapsed gamers. This included the launch of Xbox Game Pass, a service that has since expanded significantly and continues on the Xbox Series X/S. Prior to Game Pass, Games With Gold provided free games, a service discontinued in 2023 alongside the introduction of multiple Game Pass membership tiers. Following Game Pass's success, Xbox explored a dedicated console for cloud-streaming Game Pass content. A newly discovered patent reveals the device's intended design and functionality.
Windows Central recently uncovered the patent detailing the Xbox Keystone, envisioned as a streaming device akin to Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick. The patent includes images showcasing a circular top design reminiscent of the Xbox Series S. The front features an Xbox power button and a rectangular area, possibly a USB port. The rear panel would have housed an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and an oval port for the power cable. A pairing button for controllers is located on one side, with ventilation slots on the back and bottom. A circular base would elevate the device for optimal airflow.
The Keystone's Unreleased Status:
Microsoft has been conducting xCloud tests since 2019, a process that likely aimed to optimize the Keystone's performance. The projected price point for the Keystone was between $99 and $129, a target Microsoft couldn't achieve. This suggests that the technology needed to stream Xbox Game Pass games via xCloud exceeded the desired price range. Considering Xbox consoles are often sold at or near cost, producing the Keystone for under $129 proved infeasible. However, future technological advancements could potentially make such a device economically viable.
Phil Spencer's past comments about the Xbox Keystone mean the project wasn't entirely clandestine. While seemingly abandoned, the Keystone's core concept might influence future Xbox initiatives.
