Microsoft Gaming's new CEO, Asha Sharma, has only been on the job for a short period of time, but she's already made a big announcement. The next Xbox console is codenamed Project Helix, and it's going to play both Xbox and PC games.
Sharma shared the news on social media, and added that Project Helix is a part of Team Xbox's "commitment to the return of Xbox"
Late last year, former Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that the next-generation Xbox is in development, and she also touted Microsoft's partnership with AMD to make it a reality. This was shortly after Microsoft denied it was exiting the gaming hardware business. Bond went on to describe the new console as a "high-end" machine with a "curated experience."
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also previously hinted that the new Xbox would function more like a PC.
"We built a console because we wanted to build a better PC, which could then perform for gaming," said Nadella. "So I kind of want to revisit some of that conventional wisdom. But at the end of the day, console has an experience that is unparalleled."
Given the stated capabilities of Project Helix, it potentially adds another layer to Sony's reported decision to pull back from releasing single-player PlayStation exclusive titles on PC. Project Helix's ability to play PC games also pits it directly against Valve's Steam Machine, which is still expected to be released this year. The ongoing memory shortage crisis may complicate Microsoft's next-gen system, as not even Valve has been immune from production delays related to that.
This announcement comes at a critical moment for Xbox, following the surprising departure of Bond and the retirement of former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. With several of Xbox's top franchises already heading to PlayStation 5, it may be an uphill battle to convince players to buy a new Xbox console. However, Sharma has hinted at a willingness to focus on Xbox-exclusive games.
Source
Sharma shared the news on social media, and added that Project Helix is a part of Team Xbox's "commitment to the return of Xbox"
The next generation of Xbox console: Project Helix pic.twitter.com/YQUrCgCb9J
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 5, 2026
Late last year, former Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that the next-generation Xbox is in development, and she also touted Microsoft's partnership with AMD to make it a reality. This was shortly after Microsoft denied it was exiting the gaming hardware business. Bond went on to describe the new console as a "high-end" machine with a "curated experience."
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also previously hinted that the new Xbox would function more like a PC.
"We built a console because we wanted to build a better PC, which could then perform for gaming," said Nadella. "So I kind of want to revisit some of that conventional wisdom. But at the end of the day, console has an experience that is unparalleled."
Given the stated capabilities of Project Helix, it potentially adds another layer to Sony's reported decision to pull back from releasing single-player PlayStation exclusive titles on PC. Project Helix's ability to play PC games also pits it directly against Valve's Steam Machine, which is still expected to be released this year. The ongoing memory shortage crisis may complicate Microsoft's next-gen system, as not even Valve has been immune from production delays related to that.
This announcement comes at a critical moment for Xbox, following the surprising departure of Bond and the retirement of former Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. With several of Xbox's top franchises already heading to PlayStation 5, it may be an uphill battle to convince players to buy a new Xbox console. However, Sharma has hinted at a willingness to focus on Xbox-exclusive games.
Source