Official: Microsoft reveals more details of Project Helix, the next generation of Xbox at GDC

The future Microsoft console bets on graphic power, integration with PC and retrocompatibility.

More stories in the category News

• Xbox prepares the return of backwards compatibility for its 25th anniversary
• Microsoft explains the technology of the next Xbox: Helix will bet on FSR Next, path tracing and advanced graphics
• Project Helix will maintain backwards compatibility: Microsoft ensures support for four generations of Xbox

Microsoft has shared new details about Project Helix, the project that will shape the next generation of Xbox, during the Game Developer Conference 2026. Jason Ronald, vice president of Next Generation at Xbox, explained in a presentation for developers how the company is preparing the future of its platform along with technological partners like AMD.

Microsoft’s goal is clear: to create a console capable of running Xbox and PC games, reinforcing a unified ecosystem that allows playing on different devices without friction. The company has also highlighted that the project represents the next step after more than two decades of evolution of the brand.

Project Helix promises a huge leap in power and technology

According to Microsoft, Project Helix will be powered by a custom SoC developed with AMD, designed specifically for the next generation of DirectX and advanced graphics technologies like FSR Next. This hardware will allow for significant improvements in aspects like ray tracing, which, according to the company, will experience a performance leap of an order of magnitude compared to previous generations.

• The console will also integrate intelligent systems within the graphics and computing pipeline, with the goal of creating more dynamic, realistic, and complex worlds. Microsoft ensures that this will allow developers to build experiences with greater visual scale and simulation.

During the conference, it was also confirmed that the first alpha versions of the hardware will be sent to developers starting in 2027, a usual step before the commercial launch of a new console.

Xbox also brings its experience to Windows

• Another novelty announced is the arrival of Xbox Mode for Windows 11, a new interface optimized for playing with a controller that will begin to roll out starting in April in selected markets. This mode will offer an experience similar to that of an Xbox console, but maintaining the flexibility of the PC operating system.

Microsoft also highlighted the growth of Xbox Play Anywhere, which already exceeds 1,500 compatible games and has more than 500 development teams publishing titles with this feature. Thanks to this system, players can buy a game once and play it on both console and PC, keeping progress and achievements.

The most important things

• Project Helix is the next Xbox console, currently in internal development.

• The new console will be able to run Xbox and PC games, reinforcing the unified ecosystem.

• Microsoft is working in collaboration with AMD to design the next-generation hardware.

• The system will use a custom AMD SoC created specifically for Xbox.

• FSR Next will be used to improve graphics performance and visual quality.

• Major leap in ray tracing, with performance improvements far superior to current ones.

• Integration of intelligence within the graphics and computing pipeline to create more dynamic worlds.

• The first alpha units of the hardware will arrive at developers in 2027.

• Microsoft maintains its commitment to four generations of Xbox retrocompatibility.

• Xbox Mode will arrive on Windows 11 in April, offering a console-like experience within PC.

• The Xbox Play Anywhere catalog already exceeds 1,500 compatible games.

• More than 500 studios have already published games with Xbox Play Anywhere.

• Players will be able to buy a game once and play it on console and PC, keeping progress and achievements.

• Microsoft wants to break down the barriers between console and PC to facilitate development and reach more players.

• This project marks the beginning of the next stage of Xbox, coinciding with its 25th anniversary.

Additionally, the company reiterated its commitment to retrocompatibility, ensuring that games from four generations of Xbox will continue to be playable for many years, something that will be part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Xbox.

Microsoft ensures that this is just the beginning of the path towards the next generation of Xbox and has promised to share more details about Project Helix throughout this year.