In the battle for console gaming supremacy, companies are fighting to innovate more ways to make their ecosystems more accessible. But what if the future of console gaming doesn't actually include a console?For years, Microsoft fans have been waiting for its much-awaited game-streaming dongle, which could widen the world of Xbox gaming like never before. With Project Keystone, the Xbox lifestyle and exclusive titles will become even more accessible for more gamers.So, what do we know about Project Keystone and how it fits into the Xbox ecosystem?

What Is Project Keystone?

After years of speculation, Microsoft has confirmed the development of its cloud gaming dongle. Like the Google Chromecast, the dongle would be able to stream Xbox games through Wi-Fi.

While it's still unclear whether the stick will use a USB or HDMI connection, the dongle will let gamers stream on screens of every kind, such as smart TVs, monitors, and so on.

In a statement to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson officially confirms the Xbox streaming stick rumors:

“Our vision for Xbox Cloud Gaming is unwavering, our goal is to enable people to play the games they want, on the devices they want, anywhere they want. As announced last year, we’ve been working on a game-streaming device, codename Keystone, that could be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a console."

In March 2022, the name Keystone also appeared on the Xbox OS list. With this, it's likely that the dongle will include a lighter version of its existing Xbox OS and might even enable users to stream a variety of other content as well.

However, it's important to note that Microsoft will likely not release its much-awaited streaming stick within the year. According to the statement, Microsoft is still working on designing a device that could fulfill the needs of its community and has not yet arrived at an iteration that is ready for production.

"As part of any technical journey, we are constantly evaluating our efforts, reviewing our learnings, and ensuring we are bringing value to our customers. We have made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device. We will take our learnings and refocus our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future.”

As of writing, there are still no official details of project Keystone's final features and launch. In the meantime, there's a look at its short history and what it could mean for the Xbox ecosystem.

Microsoft's Game-Streaming Dongle Development History Through the Years

While it can be obvious why Microsoft is developing a dongle with the ubiquity of streaming sticks in the market today, the Xbox-powered dongle has been rumored to be in the works for years.

In 2016, YouTuber Brad Sams mentioned how Microsoft was set to release its Xbox streaming dongle during E3 2016. According to Windows Central, Microsoft was due to order 300,000 units of its rumored Xbox streaming stick before E3 2016. However, the tech giant decided last minute to cancel the launch.

Nicknamed project Hobart, the streaming stick would have retailed for $99 with enough power to stream Xbox games over Wi-Fi. While Microsoft mentioned no official reason for the gaming dongle's delay, there are plenty of possible reasons it didn't launch, such as the leaks of the PlayStation4 Pro or issues with Windows 10 IoT.

How Project Keystone Plays a Role in Cloud Gaming

Although no launch dates have been set, Project Keystone's confirmation has gamers excited about its possible cloud gaming integrations. With Xbox's Cloud Gaming, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access over 100 high-quality console games and get to know other members of the Xbox community.

Ultimately, the introduction of the streaming stick can remove the need for a console entirely. On the other hand, the dongle could supplement the experience of gamers who want to bring their Xbox exclusives with them while living life on the road.

Through a streaming dongle, Game Pass will definitely become more accessible for budget users, which could significantly increase the size of the Xbox community.

The Future of Xbox Gaming

With Microsoft confirming project Keystone, it's only a matter of time before dongles pave the way for Xbox cloud gaming in the future. By adding more affordable hardware options, streaming sticks can give existing gamers more options, make gaming more accessible, and help grow the Xbox community.

In tandem with its ever-growing library of content on the Game Pass, it's likely the eventual launch of project Keystone will set an exciting precedent for the future of the Xbox ecosystem.