Xbox Keystone: Scrapped Console's Design Unveiled

A recently unearthed patent offers a glimpse into the design of the cancelled Xbox Keystone console, a project previously alluded to by Phil Spencer. While its release remains uncertain, the patent reveals details about its intended functionality and appearance.

Microsoft, during the Xbox One era, explored various strategies to re-engage lapsed fans. This included the launch of Xbox Game Pass, a service that continues to thrive on Xbox Series X/S. Prior to Game Pass, Games With Gold provided free games; however, this program concluded in 2023, coinciding with the introduction of Game Pass's tiered subscription model. Following Game Pass's success, Xbox hinted at a dedicated streaming console leveraging cloud-based Game Pass content. This newly discovered patent sheds light on this device's envisioned design and performance.

Windows Central's recent discovery of the patent showcases the Xbox Keystone, a streaming device comparable to Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick. The patent includes several images depicting a circular top, reminiscent of the Xbox Series S. The front features a power button and a likely USB port. The rear panel shows an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and an oval-shaped power connector. A sync button for controller pairing is located on the side, with ventilation holes on the back and bottom. A circular base elevates the device to optimize airflow.

The Keystone's Unreleased Status: Why the Delay?

Microsoft's xCloud testing, ongoing since 2019, likely aimed to optimize the Keystone's performance. However, the projected price point of $99-$129 proved unfeasible. This suggests that the technology needed to stream Xbox Game Pass games via xCloud exceeded the targeted cost. Considering Xbox consoles are often sold at cost or at a loss, achieving a sub-$129 price point for the Keystone proved insurmountable. However, future technological advancements may eventually make the project viable.

Despite Phil Spencer's past comments, the Keystone's existence wasn't entirely clandestine. Although seemingly shelved, the project's underlying concept could potentially inform future Xbox initiatives.