Keystone is a new Xbox console in development that focuses on streaming and cloud services over native gameplay and powerful hardware. Using the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud service, players will be able to access and play Xbox games over the internet, on a console that will be significantly cheaper than an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, or a comparable gaming PC or laptop.
It may be a long way from Keystone, but here’s what we know about it so far.
What is Keystone?
Keystone is the codename for Microsoft’s next Xbox console, which will be another companion in the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S line. its smallest Xbox console ever.
Size, specifications and features
As a console exclusively for streaming, the Keystone will be the smallest console. In a recent statement, Microsoft revealed that the development of the current iteration of the device has been delayed; instead, they are working on a new version, focusing on developing the OS and other key features that the company believes are necessary to position the console in relation to devices like Stadia.
The current iteration of the Keystone is about an inch (2.5 cm) thick and has a boxy form factor similar to the top of the Xbox Series X. The final version released to consumers may look completely different, but that’s the small size and sleek design the company is aiming for. Microsoft.
It is understood that Keystone will use the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud as a platform, but Microsoft is aiming to have a set of core video streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+ and so on. If the device runs on Windows, then we can assume that Microsoft services will appear on it, since the company has licenses to distribute content only on devices based on this OS.
In terms of ports and connectivity, we can assume that the console will have standard ports such as USB for headsets and controllers, as well as Ethernet for optional wired connectivity. Hopefully, it will also come with Wi-Fi 6 support in the future, though Microsoft has previously used the more mainstream Wi-Fi 5 standard in its existing consoles. Wi-Fi 6 can drive up the price, though more and more devices are getting the feature over time.
Indeed, much of the expectation for Keystone depends on the implementation by the time it is released. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently capable of up to 1080p@60 FPS on PC and 720p@60 FPS on smartphones. In a cloud-centric device, it’s worth considering whether Microsoft will end up aiming for 4K@60 FPS quality.
What games will be available?
We know that Xbox Keystone will work primarily with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which will give it access to the full range of games offered by the service. These are hundreds of different AAA projects and small fun indie games, as well as all the Xbox exclusives from Microsoft and Bethesda (and possibly Activision Blizzard in the future), along with EA Play.
Licensing games is a tricky business. Considering that Keystone will technically be an Xbox console, there’s a good chance that Microsoft will be able to afford to buy any digital copy in store from its store and have it set up to run on that console. This will allow you to buy and play projects outside of the Xbox Game Pass subscription. While Xbox Cloud Gaming itself requires a subscription due to server and bandwidth costs, it’s possible that Keystone has a larger library than what’s available for smartphones and PCs, although that’s purely speculation at this point.
In any case, hundreds of games will be available on Keystone, and over time, more projects will appear on the service, and exclusive titles from Microsoft’s internal studios will remain available for a fairly long time. It’s likely that even if Microsoft can’t put the full Xbox library available for purchase there, they can at least create a separate content library with their partners that will give players the option to buy games outside of the Game Pass library.
How much is it?
It’s possible that Keystone will target a price similar to the Google Stadia Premiere Edition Chromecast bundle, which includes an HDMI device for the TV, a month of Stadia Pro, and a controller. That means the price will be around $99, along with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud subscription, which costs an additional $15 per month.
Stadia Pro is cheaper than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but doesn’t have such a large library of high-quality titles. Instead, users are encouraged to buy games for between $20 and $60 each. However, by the time Keystone itself is released, Microsoft may consider offering a cheaper Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Naturally, Keystone will only be available in those territories where the Xbox Cloud Gaming service is active: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA. Although other countries may be available by the time of launch (and it is unlikely that Russia will be among them).
When will the console hit the market?
Microsoft said that the first iteration of Keystone was delayed as it decided to develop a more advanced version before bringing it to market. The console itself in its current form works well and is almost ready to go, but Microsoft wanted to develop a few more features and capabilities before bringing the device to market. This may be due to support for media apps and possibly wider support for digital sales that are not included in Xbox Game Pass.
Keystone was originally set to release in 2022, but the release could now be pushed back to 2023. Actually, there is no specifics at the moment.
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