Out of nowhere, Microsoft has provided a name for its next generation of Xbox consoles – Project Helix. Yes, it’s just a logo reveal, and if you squint enough, the brand’s telltale green hue is visible.
Thankfully, new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma revealed a bit more in her tweet, confirming that this is the “code name” for the company’s next-generation console. She promises that Helix will “lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games. Looking forward to chatting about this more with partners and studios at my first GDC next week!”
Of course, there have been plenty of rumors about what the next generation of Xbox has to offer. Its SoC is allegedly codenamed Magnus and relies significantly on integrating Windows 11. According to rumors, Microsoft wants to incorporate the operating system’s Full Screen Experience into the console and allow players to still play Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles.
However, it’s also apparently leaning into supporting multiple storefronts, including Battle.net and Steam. While this announcement could mean a reveal later this year and potentially a release in 2027, there could be delays considering global RAM shortages. And while the Windows and Xbox teams are reportedly “collaborating harder than ever,” a launch next year would allegedly be “best case scenario” rather than a hard lock.
As always, time will tell, but it does reflect Sharma’s “return to Xbox” commitment since taking over the role from Phil Spencer.
