Microsoft patent reveals design of the phantom cloud gaming Xbox 'Keystone'
A patent document discovered by Windows Central, a Windows-related news site, has revealed the design of a cloud gaming-only Xbox that Microsoft was developing under the codename 'Keystone.' However, it seems that the Keystone never made it to production due to cost issues.
D1009161 - D1009161
(PDF file)
The Xbox that never was: Our first detailed look at the 'Keystone' cloud streaming console design | Windows Central
https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/the-xbox-that-never-was-our-first-detailed-look-at-the-keystone-cloud-streaming-console-design
Microsoft has been offering the service ' Xbox Cloud Gaming ' since 2021, which allows you to play Xbox games via cloud streaming. This is a service that allows you to play games from the browser of your PC or Apple device, and is available by signing up for a monthly paid subscription.
Microsoft's cloud gaming service 'Xbox Cloud Gaming' now available from PC and Apple device browsers - GIGAZINE
In 2022, it was reported that Microsoft was developing a cloud gaming-only device that could play Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Microsoft to release cloud gaming device in 2023 - GIGAZINE
Since then, this cloud gaming dedicated machine has not been released until the time of writing. The patent document discovered this time shows the design of this cloud gaming dedicated machine, Keystone.
When laid flat, the Keystone is a thin, rectangular prism, with the Xbox controller pairing button located on the right side of the device.
On the back are an HDMI port, a LAN port, and a power port. There is also a circular 'Hello from Seattle' plate on the bottom.
This patent was filed in June 2022, when Keystone was first reported. The patent only shows the design, and it is unclear what kind of OS or firmware it would have.
According to Windows Central, a machine that appears to be the Keystone was seen in the background of a photo released by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer in April 2023.
Microsoft was planning to offer the Keystone at a fairly low price of $99 to $129, but Windows Central reports that it was not able to keep costs down enough to achieve this price, so the product was never released.
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