The design for “Keystone,” an Xbox cloud streaming console that had been in development at Microsoft before it was ultimately canceled by the Windows maker due to the company’s inability to meet price targets, has been revealed as part of a new patent document that can be found on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website. According to Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, the device, which appears to draw inspiration from not only the Xbox Series S, but older consoles like the Sega Dreamcast, was supposed to cost no more than $129.
From a report:
- “…a streaming box that would sit under your TV, cost a fraction of the price of a normal Xbox, and enable the ability to play Xbox games via the cloud.”
- “…the patent reveals that the console took the form of an even square with a circle shape on top, similar to the black circular vent on an Xbox Series S. The front of the box had the Xbox power button, and a USB-A port.”
- “Around the back, there were three additional ports; HDMI, ethernet, and power. On the right side of the console there was appears to be an Xbox controller pairing button, and the underside featured a circular ‘Hello from Seattle’ plate that the console sat on, similar to the Xbox Series X.”
- “…Microsoft was unable to get the price down. People would expect a device that can only play streaming games to cost around $99, and that was the target for Keystone, but the demand for components (boosted by the AI gold rush) has kept prices of computing components irregularly high.”
A look at the canceled device:
Microsoft on its all-digital Xbox Series X, which is coming this holiday:
…all-digital Xbox Series X, now in Robot White with a 1TB SSD. This is a perfect option for digital-first players to experience the speed and performance of Xbox Series X for only $449.99/€499.99 ERP​. Enjoy visually stunning and immersive worlds with up to 4K resolution, while bringing popular franchises like Call of Duty, Halo, Forza, Diablo and more to life with the power and speed of Xbox Series X. Xbox Series X – 1TB Digital Edition will be available in select markets.