Microsoft announces ‘Project Helix’ – a next-gen Xbox that also plays PC games

Microsoft has quietly announced its next-generation Xbox console, teasing exactly what we've been hearing for months in rumours – that it will be a PC hybrid with the ability to play Windows games. 

Project Helix is the official codename for the next generation Xbox, following up from Project Scorpio (Xbox One X) and Project Scarlet (Xbox Series X/S). The new console will “lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games” according to Microsoft.

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a look at the console, its technical specs, or official details about the new custom AMD chip powering it. However, this does mark the first major Xbox announcement from Microsoft under new CEO, Asha Sharma, who took over from Phil Spencer in February.

The next Xbox console is still targeting a 2027 launch, amid a growing memory and storage shortage. This current shortage is believed to be behind a delay for Sony's next console, the PS6, so it looks like Microsoft is hoping to beat them to market by pushing ahead with new hardware anyway.

KitGuru Says: With the next Xbox becoming a PC and devices like the Steam Machine and Steam Deck gaining popularity, it is starting to make sense why Sony suddenly wants to stop shipping its single-player games on PC. 

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