Microsoft has revealed its next-generation Xbox console is codenamed “Project Helix,” signaling the company’s continued commitment to gaming hardware despite recent speculation about a shift away from dedicated consoles.
The announcement came from Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming, who shared the codename on social media. This confirmation follows earlier reports and solidifies plans for a new Xbox platform.
Sharma confirmed that the next-gen Xbox will blur the lines between console and PC gaming, offering a unified experience for players. The platform is expected to play both Xbox and PC games.
Great start to the morning with Team Xbox, where we talked about our commitment to the return of Xbox including Project Helix, the code name for our next generation console.
Project 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!
Great start to the morning with Team Xbox, where we talked about our commitment to the return of Xbox including Project Helix, the code name for our next generation console.
Project Helix will lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games. Looking forward to chatting about… pic.twitter.com/Xx5rpVnAZI
— Asha (@asha_shar) March 5, 2026
According to reports, the next-generation Xbox is being developed as a hybrid “PC in a console enclosure,” leveraging AMD’s technology – specifically a system-on-a-chip (SoC) codenamed “Magnus.” This approach aims to create a platform that maintains compatibility with the existing Xbox game library while also opening up possibilities for PC-like features, including the installation of additional stores, programs, mods, and content creation tools.
Sharma stated that “Project Helix will lead in performance,” a claim that is particularly noteworthy given the current competitive landscape in the gaming industry. Early reports suggest the next-gen Xbox could arrive as early as next year, though Microsoft’s decision could mean a higher price point for the new hardware.
Further details about Project Helix are expected to be unveiled at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) next week, with a full presentation anticipated at The Game Awards later this year.
The announcement marks a significant moment for the future of Xbox, as the company navigates the evolving gaming market and seeks to deliver a compelling experience for players on both console and PC.
