Xbox's New Project Helix Console Promises PC Game Compatibility and Steam Access

Newly appointed head of Microsoft Gaming, Asha Sharma, officially announced the Xbox console and confirmed one of its main features.

What is known

The executive confirmed that the device, which will feature the latest chip from AMD, is being developed under the working title Project Helix.

As insiders, particularly Jez Corden, have repeatedly reported, the next Xbox will be more of a game-optimized PC, and now we know for sure that the platform will be able to run all games released on PC. This, in turn, confirms another insider report—Microsoft will allow third-party stores on Project Helix, primarily Steam and EGS. And this particular circumstance became one of the main reasons for Sony's refusal to port PlayStation exclusives to PC—they should not end up on a competitor's console.

The annual GDC conference will be held next week, where Microsoft will discuss Project Helix with its key partners.

Rumors say that the console will be released in 2027, though this seems unlikely, especially against the backdrop of the memory market crisis.

Source: @asha_shar