We posted last week about Project Helix – the next gen console announced by Asha Sharma over on X – and what it’s capabilities will really be. We speculated a PC/console hybrid and the implications of such a device. While Sony are planning to stop porting exclusives to PC to help drive Playstation sales.
We also reported that the console wars were heating up for phase two, but it looks like Microsoft may have delivered a round one knockout.
Microsoft are over at GDC this week with their Xbox booth, so reveals and announcements have been trickling out of there as the week progresses, and yesterday it was time for Jason Ronald to take the stage.
So what do we know about Project Helix so far?
Project Helix is the codename for Xbox’s Next Gen Console. It is designed to play your Xbox console games and native PC games all-in-one – breaking down those barriers between devices when it comes to playing games.
Microsoft might be calling it a ‘Next-Gen Console’ but let’s call it what it really is: The first true Console-PC Hybrid. It uses a Custom AMD SoC (like a console) but runs on a Modular Windows 11 foundation (like a PC). The software boots directly into Xbox Mode, but because it’s built on Windows, it should be able to natively run PC storefronts like Steam and GOG.
Microsoft are being cautious about what they call Project Helix, so they don’t scare away more casual console gamers by referring to it as a Hybrid.
As part of their Play Anywhere systems, Microsoft will be rolling out Xbox mode, available to install on your Windows PC from April 2026 starting with select markets! Now I don’t know what select markets means exactly, and we’ll have to wait to find out who gets their hands on Xbox mode first, but this will enable players to turn their PC into a console simply by opening a program, switching into the Xbox Hub. This will put your games front and centre, including games from other store fronts.
At present, Xbox Anywhere is host to over 1500 games, with many more planned for future release including re-releasing many iconic games from the past. Play anywhere will continue to support cross progression, blurring the lines between the debate of Console vs PC gaming.
What Does This Mean For Developers?
This may well be welcome news for developers, especially smaller indie studios. They will be able to develop with PC in mind, knowing that they will be able to also list their games up on Xbox Play Anywhere and Steam and pick up console players too.
We believe Project Helix will set a new precedent in console gaming and set the standards for what is acceptible in the future – and sources close to Asha Sharma are claiming the new Xbox will be priced at $799, creating value in gaming that I just can’t see Playstation keeping up with.
What Does This Mean For Playstation?
Well that’s the next big question, no doubt there have been plenty of board room meetings and whispers among colleagues in corridors, and I hope Sony have something in the works that can compete, time will tell if Playstation will stay down, or get back up and fight for round 2.