Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller Reportedly Canceled

Did you hear about the Xbox controller that was supposedly built just for cloud gaming? Well, it might never see the light of day. According to The New York Times, Microsoft canceled plans for a dedicated cloud gaming controller. A Microsoft spokesperson denied that the decision was tied to the regulatory review of its Activision Blizzard deal, but didn't say why it was scrapped. Microsoft never officially announced the controller, but an image leaked earlier this year, and its unique design definitely raised some eyebrows.

This all goes back to Microsoft's massive $75.4 billion bid to buy Activision Blizzard. To get regulators on board, Microsoft made several concessions, including tweaks to its cloud gaming plans. The UK's Competition & Markets Authority was worried Microsoft might favor its own cloud gaming service. So Microsoft cut deals with Ubisoft, Nware, EE, Boosteroid, Ubitus, and Nvidia to ease those concerns. Former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said these deals addressed the CMA's worries and helped bring more games to more people.

But cloud gaming hasn't been smooth sailing for Xbox lately. The service showed some initial growth, but recently Microsoft announced it will limit how much people can use it and then charge more if they want to keep playing. On top of that, Windows Central found that the dedicated cloud gaming app for older Samsung TVs will soon be discontinued due to a compatibility issue. Cloud gaming is one of the perks of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, letting you stream games without a console.

Later this year, you'll be able to buy game time for cloud gaming on Xbox without a Game Pass membership. That could be a big deal, because one of the main draws of cloud gaming is that you don't need expensive hardware like an Xbox or PC. With the AI boom driving up the cost of memory and components, those machines are pricier than ever. Of course, you'll still need a fast and stable internet connection for the best experience.

In other Xbox news, CEO Asha Sharma recently stressed that Xbox is "not for sale," following rumors that Microsoft might unload the struggling division. So while the cloud gaming controller may be dead, Xbox itself is apparently staying put. What do you think about the canceled controller? Would you have bought one? Let us know in the comments!