NYT: Microsoft Scrapped Cloud Gaming Xbox Controller

The New York Times reported that Microsoft canceled plans for a new Xbox controller dedicated to cloud gaming. A Microsoft spokesperson denied that the controller concept was abandoned due to the regulatory process but did not provide a reason.

Microsoft never formally announced or unveiled any controller for cloud gaming, but an image of it leaked this year.

The reported decision follows Microsoft's efforts to win approval for its $75.4 billion Activision Blizzard deal. The company agreed to changes to appease regulators, including tweaks to cloud-gaming projects. It cut deals with Ubisoft, Nware, EE, Boosteroid, Ubitus, and Nvidia to address CMA concerns about preferential treatment to its own cloud gaming networks. Former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said such deals freed up one of the CMA's concerns and helped bring more games to more people.

Microsoft announced it will soon put limits on how much people can use the Xbox cloud-gaming service and then charge them more to keep playing. Later this year, people will be able to buy game time for cloud gaming on Xbox without a Game Pass membership.

Windows Central recently discovered that the dedicated cloud gaming app for older Samsung TVs will go away soon due to a compatibility issue. CEO Asha Sharma recently stressed that Xbox is "not for sale" following rumors that Microsoft could unload the company.