It's no secret that Microsoft is betting on widespread game streaming, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will take place on Xbox. That's why we're interested in this new, but rather subtle rumor that hints at an Xbox "Stream Box."

This rendered image of a supposed Xbox game streaming box prototype was posted on Twitter by Post Up and appears to have originated from 4chan or a similar image board site.

Although skeptical about its legitimacy, the rendered image suggests that such a streaming-focused console could be inspired by the compact Xbox Series S.

Judging from what Post Up tweeted, this A very small device (slightly larger than a deck of playing cards), used only to play games streamed from Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service (also known as xCloud). As such, it cannot access local titles as the Xbox Series S does.

However, it could also be a regular streaming box with access to online streaming content, with HBO Max and Disney Plus being two mentioned.

The images also show a variety of ports, including Ethernet, HDMI, USB-C, and a front USB-A port. The box is said to have Wi-Fi and be compatible with any Xbox controller, and support for a wireless keyboard and mouse is also planned; like the Xbox Series X and Series S, the rendered image is also said to function as an IR receiver A pairing button (next to the USB port) can be seen.

So how likely is it that all of this information is accurate? Microsoft has confirmed that it is working on its own Xbox streaming device. Therefore, a dedicated Xbox streaming box that is considerably less expensive than an Xbox console makes total sense. Furthermore, Microsoft has also confirmed that it is working with TV manufacturers to bring Xbox streaming to smart TVs.

However, no matter how much sense it makes, this information is not necessarily legitimate. Nor does the fact that it was published on an anonymous image board have any real merit.

And if this information is correct, it may be some time before we hear anything anyway. Perhaps the Xbox Stream Box was supposed to appear by the end of the year, but the worldwide chip shortage may have put a damper on that.

So we may have to stick with one of the many other devices that can stream Xbox games, like the Samsung Galaxy S2, or see if we can get a console when the Xbox Series X restocks.