Update: It sounds like this could be an "old prototype", as hinted by the official Xbox Twitter account:
"Now what did we say about putting old prototypes on your shelf boss?"
Original story: It's that time again, folks! Xbox boss Phil Spencer has just posted a new shelf pic, and as you'd expect, we've already analysed it in depth for any potential secrets. While we haven't spotted any new game hints in here yet, there does appear to be a unique-looking device sat right atop the man's shelving.
To the right of the Halo Elite Series 2 Controller sits a lovely Xbox Series S system... right?! Well, to us (and some other keen eyes) the device looks smaller, and the ratios seem off. This 'Series S' looks no wider than the Xbox controller it's sat next to!
As The Verge's Tom Warren has already pointed out, there's a chance this could be 'Project Keystone'. The Xbox codename appeared back in March, in and amongst a bunch of other previous console codenames, like 'Scorpio' (Xbox One X) and 'Durango' (Original Xbox One). Microsoft later confirmed its existence, describing it as an upcoming "game-streaming device".
Whatever this little device is, Phil knows what he's doing. When the shelf pic appears, we're all on it, scouring Phil's proudest ornaments for even the slightest hint at anything new in Xbox land.
What do you think this could be? Is it a new console? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Comments 26
It will do better than stadia but ultimately fail, overall. At least in the US. Data caps (which are outright thievery) and lack of proper internet infrastructure make streaming a TERRIBLE option at least for next 5-10 years or very least data caps not exist.
@GuyinPA75 Yeah, I would be very surprised if this ends up on shop shelves in the US, internet quality is way too scattered, it'll probably end up being a MS store exclusive or something. In like western Europe and Japan, sure it makes perfect sense to get them in every store than handles electronics, bundle them up with ISP offers and the like.
Removed - inappropriate
@Kaloudz If it's just a streaming device it doesnt' need to be large. See Amazon Fire TV (about the size of a large USB stick) or the Chromecast (about the size of an ice hockey puck). This would actually be quite large for a streaming device.
Looks to be of a similar size to the Nvidia Shield Pro, although a litter fatter.
If they get the streaming apps available as they are on the Xbox consoles, could be a nice option if priced realistically.
Would do well here in the UK if priced at £50 w/o controller and £100 with.
hopefully it's xbox series s slim edition
we don't need a 3rd box (xbox series cloud)
I'd rather they follow Sony's lead and sell an optional disc drive that'll work with the Series S.
I don't need 4K, but I also don't want digital only. Give me a third option, MS!
@Tasuki best comment ever!! Wish I could like it more!!
@Tasuki the 18+ Xbox crotch held
Dedicated streaming device for sure.
@Dr_Luigi Not excatly... It would still requires a decent processor/gpu to handle the decoding of stream especially if they wanna push for 4k streams soon
Could this be the first sighting of the legendary Kinect 3.0?
Personally I'd rather see an xbox hand held, the steam deck has proven what can be done by quite modest hardware, especially when you don't need a high resolution on a big screen.
Streaming just doesn't work for many of us due to poor Internet connections.
@Dr_Luigi The only TV that support xCloud are brand new Samsung that cost upwards of $4k. Just cause a device can stream Netflix/youtube ≠ it stream games from the cloud effectively. Actual cloud gamers have learnt this the hard way. It definitely not gonna be Firestick TV cheap which at that point... Buy a Series S.
That thing behind a Halo Infinite book(?), at the right side of the picture. Is that a series S?
@robe The big issue with that is Microsoft would have to convince developers to jump on board with an Xbox handheld. Steam Deck works well cause it integrates the already massive Steam library of games, and requires very little work from actual developers... An Xbox handheld would be using the Xbox store (Microsoft Store) which lack many of the very popular titles.
@Dr_Luigi I said upwards of... Not that only $4k can do it. So of course your new $800 tv can do cause it has a processor/gpu that can handle it.
@Kaloudz Yes, the 4K streaming sticks are usually slightly bigger.
Also Chromecast, Fire etc. all have their own usb power supply for full use.
I wouldn’t mind if it’s a streaming stick. Seems like a logical place to go with xCloud to me. Xbox has already learned from the mistakes Stadia made by having Gamepass be a better service. I think it’s a great idea with a lot of business sense. Xbox could legitimately catch up to Switch and PS by virtue of easy accessibility with casuals.
@Tasuki
xCocks
@Dr_Luigi oh, thanks, did not realized it. Never saw one in real life.
Data caps in the US makes streaming games a real problem until they get that sorted in xboxs biggest market its growth will be limited
just put the xbox app on tvs no need for a box then
Old prototype of the streaming device educated guess would be the final version in the shops before Christmas.
Ya cos Phil totally forgot that the internet analyzes the crap out of everything on his shelf.
@Tasuki That's why you are not Phil))))
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