No Xbox Series X? Microsoft’s Keystone dongle could replace physical console

TechGamingGaming ConsolesNo Xbox Series X? Microsoft’s Keystone dongle could replace physical consoleMicrosoft’s xCloud gaming plans are changing, but the Xbox-maker is definitely doing a dongleWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Microsoft’s xCloud gaming plans are changing, but the Xbox-maker is definitely doing a dongle

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Xbox)

Xbox Cloud Gaming

(Image credit: Xbox)

If you’re using ourXbox Series X trackerto get hold ofMicrosoft’s best games console, theXbox Series X, you’ll know that like Sony with itsPS5, Microsoft has been struggling to meet demand. But it’s looking like that won’t be a problem with the next-generation of Xbox gaming, because you might not need a console at all.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be another Xbox: we’re expecting mid-life updates to both Microsoft’s andSony’s consoles, most likely next year. But Microsoft is investing heavily in cloud gaming and that includes a dongle that’ll turn any TV into an Xbox Series X, or something close to it.

According toWindows Central, Microsoft’s dongle is codenamed Keystone and is “a modernized HDMI streaming device that runsXbox Game Passand its cloud gaming service.” However, a Microsoft spokesperson told the site that while Keystone is very real and very much a priority for Microsoft, it needs a bit more time in the oven before it’s ready to sell.

What will Microsoft’s Xbox Keystone do?

According to Microsoft, the vision for cloud gaming is for people to be able to play the games they want when they want on whatever devices they want. And part of that is Keystone, which “could be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a console.”

The idea behind Keystone is solid, but it seems the hardware wasn’t doing what Microsoft wanted; the firm has “made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device” in favour of a new approach. That means it’s highly unlikely we’ll see it any time soon, let alone be able to buy it.

But given that Microsoft is still committed and may also be making smart TV apps for the Xbox service too, it’s clear that gaming maestro wants to reach many more gamers than theXbox Series Sand Xbox Series X have reached so far. More gaming for more people with less expense sounds like a pretty good plan to me.

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