Xbox fans are abuzz with fresh whispers about a new console allegedly in development under the working name Keystone, with a commercial name yet to be announced. The talk comes from a trusted industry insider who has built a reputation for accurate forecasting about Microsoft’s hardware ambitions. The central idea is clear: this device is being shaped as a dedicated cloud gaming gateway, effectively turning it into a specialized set-top box designed to optimize the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience. The anticipated price is set at around 100 USD, a figure that could position the device as an affordable entry point for households looking to access Xbox’s cloud library without needing a high-end gaming PC or console bundle.
What sets Keystone apart is its explicit focus on streaming. In practice, this means the hardware would prioritize lightweight, steady streaming performance over pushing raw local power. The goal is to deliver a seamless cloud gaming session on a television or dedicated display, with an interface that feels instantly familiar to Xbox users. Early impressions suggest that the device would come without a bundled Game Pass subscription, making the upfront price more transparent and allowing families to decide how they want to access games through their own subscriptions. The plan seems to be for a compact box that slots neatly into a living room setup, offering a plug-and-play experience that minimizes technical friction for new cloud gamers in North America.
As for performance, the current benchmarks indicate that the streaming pipeline is designed to maintain 60 frames per second at 1080p on PC, while mobile devices typically see 720p at the same frame rate. This balance aims to ensure consistent visuals whether players are on a TV, a tablet, or a handheld screen. Analysts expect Keystone to include pre-installed apps, potentially covering popular streaming services and entertainment platforms, so users can switch between gaming and media consumption with ease. Such a strategy would align with a broader push to turn cloud devices into versatile hubs for entertainment, not just game consoles.
The delay from the originally targeted release window has sparked questions about product design choices. It is said that early prototypes bore a strong resemblance to the Series X, but the approach shifted toward a look and build more akin to the Series S. That transition reportedly required a substantial redesign and a corresponding shift in schedule, ultimately influencing the anticipated launch timeline. The reasoning appears to be practical: a more compact, streamlined form factor could reduce manufacturing costs, improve heat management, and simplify integration with existing Xbox ecosystems. The careful recalibration suggests Microsoft wants Keystone to feel approachable for first-time cloud gamers while still delivering a credible and connected Xbox experience.