Microsoft’s Xbox Keystone, a prototype for an affordable game streaming device, has been shrouded in mystery for years. The device, envisioned as a plug-and-play solution for accessing Xbox Game Pass and Cloud Streaming on TVs or monitors, was never officially released. However, a recently surfaced patent has shed light on its potential design and capabilities.
The patent, first discovered by Windows Central, provides a more comprehensive view of the Keystone than previously available. While glimpses of the device had already been seen in the background of Phil Spencer’s office photos, this patent offers a detailed 360-degree perspective.
From the front, the Keystone resembled a miniature Xbox Series S, sporting the iconic Xbox power button and a USB-A port. The rear featured HDMI, Ethernet, and power ports, alongside a pairing button. The overall design was a compact square with a circular top and a stand on the underside, fitting its intended purpose as a portable streaming device.
Microsoft’s investment in its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, particularly the Ultimate tier with its Cloud Streaming capabilities, highlighted the potential of the Keystone. The device aimed to provide a dedicated, portable option for accessing the extensive Game Pass library on any compatible screen. This would have complemented the discless Xbox Series S, which allowed for game purchases and downloads, by offering a purely streaming-focused experience.
However, the Keystone project was ultimately abandoned due to pricing concerns. Spencer, in an interview with The Verge, revealed that the final hardware configuration proved more expensive than desired. As a result, Microsoft decided to redirect the team’s efforts toward developing the Xbox Smart TV streaming app.
Despite the cancellation, the surfacing of the Keystone patent offers a fascinating glimpse into a potential path Microsoft could have taken in the game streaming market. With the increasing popularity of cloud gaming and the growing accessibility of streaming devices, it’s possible that a device like Keystone could still be a viable option in the future. However, given Microsoft’s focus on expanding the Xbox app to platforms like Fire TV, the immediate prospect of a dedicated Xbox streaming device seems unlikely.
