Recently leaked internal documents suggest that Microsoft is exploring the possibility of adding crypto wallet support to its Xbox gaming console.
The confidential documents, initially appearing on the ResetEra gaming forum, indicate that as of May 2022, Microsoft’s Xbox roadmap included plans for incorporating crypto wallet support. However, these documents did not provide further details on how this feature would be implemented.
The Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, confirmed the leaked documents’ authenticity, attributing their public unveiling to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ongoing legal case against Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Due to the legal proceedings, these confidential plans inadvertently became part of Microsoft’s official legal submissions.
In addition to the disclosure about planned crypto wallet support, the documents revealed plans for an Xbox Series X version without a disc drive, a gyro controller, and a next-gen hybrid Xbox model slated for release in 2028. Spencer mentioned, however, that some of the unveiled plans may be outdated and should not be taken as a definitive reflection of Microsoft’s current strategies.
The news has sparked enthusiasm in the crypto community. Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of the Gemini exchange, emphasized the sheer scale of the gaming industry, saying, “Crypto is gamer money, and gaming is a bigger industry than Hollywood and the music industry combined.” If confirmed, this integration could be a game-changer for gamers, developers, and investors alike, enabling in-game purchases and direct peer-to-peer trades. It could also serve as a significant catalyst for mainstream crypto adoption.Despite the leak and public speculation, Microsoft has not officially confirmed any plans for integrating a crypto wallet into the Xbox. However, the company has previously shown an openness to venture into blockchain technologies: in August, Microsoft partnered with Aptos Labs, a layer-1 blockchain Aptos developer, aiming to bolster the web3 environment capabilities.