It’s official: Microsoft will release a new console, the Xbox Keystone. A low-cost model that works only in streaming, to play via Xbox Game Pass and access video platforms.
Almost two years after the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, Microsoft is preparing to market a new game console, the Xbox Keystone. Particularity: this model will be dedicated exclusively to use in streaming, via the Internet, to play in Cloud Gaming and to access video services. Devoid of a storage system, like the Xbox Serie S, the Xbox Keystone will not require a powerful processor either, all the calculations and graphics processing being carried out by Microsoft’s powerful dedicated servers which will be responsible for sending the images in real time. , like simple videos. An ingenious and daring solution, which will allow the manufacturer to offer a console at a low price. And which to further expand its clientele, addressing audiences with different needs. With a smaller, cheaper console dedicated to Cloud Gaming, it is a new segment of players that Microsoft is clearly trying to conquer.
Xbox Keystone: a cheaper console dedicated to Cloud Gaming
The Xbox Keystone is first and foremost a device that’s easy to plug in and accessible at a modest price. Indeed, its features and price range were revealed today by the sources of windowscentral. It is the smallest Xbox with a square shape and a thickness of about 3 cm. It is equipped with USB and Ethernet ports as well as a Wi-Fi 5 connection. Cloud Gaming and the video streaming service – for platforms like Netflix and Disney+ – are at the heart of the principle of the console.
Players subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to access a rich toy library via the Cloud without having to spend an astronomical sum in the various computer components. Today, a few hundred games are available in the Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, this requires a quality connection in order to play in optimal conditions. Microsoft wants to integrate applications that are now basic to its new console, such as Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Prime Video. However, the manufacturer is still considering whether to include the possibility of buying games directly from the Xbox Store.
Currently, the Xbox Cloud Gaming offering runs at 1080p 60 FPS (frames per second) on PC, and 720p 60 FPS on mobile. Microsoft hopes to be able to go up to 4K 60 FPS streaming with the Xbox Keystone. But it is above all the price that could seduce players. Indeed, if the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are marketed at prices of €499 and €299, the Xbox Keystone would be offered for around €100, a very low price to which would be added the mandatory monthly subscription. to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is €13 per month. A much more attractive price for players who only want to use Cloud Gaming.
If the release of the console is normally scheduled for 2022, it could however be postponed to 2023 so that Microsoft teams can improve the product and its functions. Additionally, as Windows Central points out, the Xbox Keystone will initially only be available in territories served by Xbox Cloud Gaming. France is fortunately one of them, as is most of Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia. We may have more information on this during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, which will be held on Sunday, June 12.