According to one industry analyst, the Xbox hardware business at Microsoft could die off for good if the new console/PC system, Project Helix, doesn't work out.
Dr. Serkan Toto of the research group Kantan Games told GamesRadar, "This might be Microsoft's last attempt to make their hardware business work."
He went on to say no one in gaming realistically believes there will another Xbox "if this next machine fails."
Toto added: "Project Helix must absolutely give Xbox fans a reason to buy it over the Steam Machine, and better and broader native support of Xbox games is the only way."
The analyst also mentioned that Xbox has been "walking on thin ice for a long time now" due in part to its "everything is an Xbox" approach where people can play Xbox games without needing an Xbox console. "So the onus is now on them to come up with a fresh approach to selling its hardware," he said.
Project Helix is the codename for Microsoft's new console, which will play both console and PC games. Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma made the announcement recently, saying it was part of the company's "commitment to the return of Xbox."
It's still very early days for Project Helix, and there is no word yet on any specifics about its hardware infrastructure beyond knowing it will run on AMD components. AMD CEO Lisa Su said the system could launch in 2027, but no official announcements have been made as of yet.
Project Helix's ability to play PC games seemingly pits it against Valve's Steam Machine, which is still expected to be released this year, despite the RAM crisis.
The announcement of Project Helix was one of the first big reveals from Sharma after taking over for Phil Spencer as Microsoft Gaming CEO. Plans for Project Helix were no doubt underway under Spencer's tenure, however.
At the Game Developers Conference, Jason Ronald, the VP of next-generation platforms for Xbox, will give a talk about the future of Xbox. The event promises to inform attendees about Microsoft's plans for a "more flexible, connected future" for gaming, but whether or not Ronald shares any details about Project Helix is unknown for now. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 11, so keep checking back with GameSpot for more.
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Dr. Serkan Toto of the research group Kantan Games told GamesRadar, "This might be Microsoft's last attempt to make their hardware business work."
He went on to say no one in gaming realistically believes there will another Xbox "if this next machine fails."
Toto added: "Project Helix must absolutely give Xbox fans a reason to buy it over the Steam Machine, and better and broader native support of Xbox games is the only way."
The analyst also mentioned that Xbox has been "walking on thin ice for a long time now" due in part to its "everything is an Xbox" approach where people can play Xbox games without needing an Xbox console. "So the onus is now on them to come up with a fresh approach to selling its hardware," he said.
Project Helix is the codename for Microsoft's new console, which will play both console and PC games. Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma made the announcement recently, saying it was part of the company's "commitment to the return of Xbox."
It's still very early days for Project Helix, and there is no word yet on any specifics about its hardware infrastructure beyond knowing it will run on AMD components. AMD CEO Lisa Su said the system could launch in 2027, but no official announcements have been made as of yet.
Project Helix's ability to play PC games seemingly pits it against Valve's Steam Machine, which is still expected to be released this year, despite the RAM crisis.
The announcement of Project Helix was one of the first big reveals from Sharma after taking over for Phil Spencer as Microsoft Gaming CEO. Plans for Project Helix were no doubt underway under Spencer's tenure, however.
At the Game Developers Conference, Jason Ronald, the VP of next-generation platforms for Xbox, will give a talk about the future of Xbox. The event promises to inform attendees about Microsoft's plans for a "more flexible, connected future" for gaming, but whether or not Ronald shares any details about Project Helix is unknown for now. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 11, so keep checking back with GameSpot for more.
Source