Plans for integrating a crypto wallet into Xbox leaked online

Microsoft inadvertently disclosed plans to integrate a cryptocurrency wallet into the popular gaming console Xbox. The report from Kitco, citing documents published on the gaming forum Resetera.

According to available information, the leak occurred during the FTC’s ongoing investigation into Microsoft regarding the purchase of Activision Blizzard. The tech giant posted an unedited Xbox roadmap from May 2022 among other documents.

It описана a new version of the console with an integrated crypto wallet and a gyroscopic controller, as well as a hybrid cloud gaming platform, whose release is planned for 2028.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, sent an email to Microsoft staff.

«I know this is disappointing, even though many of the documents are already more than a year old and our plans have changed. We take the confidentiality of our plans and our partners’ information very seriously,» — wrote him.

Spencer added that Xbox would share the real plans when they are ready.

We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) September 19, 2023

The information was also commented on by Michael Silberberg, head of investor relations at the crypto fund Alt Tab Capital:

«Adding cross-chain wallets to Microsoft on Xbox will enable users to preserve real value in gaming worlds, fostering true ownership of digital assets, decentralization, and reduced fraud».

According to his estimates, the integration could add 2.5 billion people to the crypto market, drive up transaction volumes, and strengthen the role of digital assets in the global economy.

As a reminder, in March an integrated non-custodial wallet was discovered in the Microsoft Edge browser. It was fully functional, except for user access.