Microsoft’s Canceled Xbox Cloud Console Detailed in New Patent

A few years ago, Microsoft planned to release a dedicated Xbox cloud console, codenamed Keystone. The device looked like a miniature Xbox Series S, a small white box dedicated to accessing Xbox games through the company’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Microsoft ended up canceling its plans to launch Keystone, but a new patent gives us a better look at what the Xbox cloud console would look like.

Spotted by Windows CenterO patent reveals that the Keystone would have shipped with an HDMI port, Ethernet, and a power connector. On the front was an Xbox button, a controller pairing button, and a USB-A port. Underneath, Microsoft had a circular “Hello from Seattle” sign where the console sat, similar to what it uses on the larger Xbox Series X.

The patent, registered in 2022, is attributed to Chris Kujawski, principal designer at Microsoft. Kujawski led the design of the Xbox Series S/X consoles.

Microsoft first announced it was planning an Xbox streaming device in 2021, but ended up canceling its Keystone device because it couldn’t get the price down to around $100. Xbox boss Phil Spencer revealed Keystone on his shelf office in 2022, with the official Xbox on X account claiming it was an “early prototype.”

“It was more expensive than we wanted when we built it with the hardware we had inside,” Spencer said in an interview with On the edge in late 2022. “We decided to focus this team’s efforts on delivering the smart TV streaming app.”

Microsoft has released an Xbox TV app. Available on 2022 and newer Samsung TVs and monitors, the Xbox TV app launches Xbox Cloud Gaming games and supports 1080p game streaming at up to 60fps.