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Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Will Play PC Games, As Sony Pauses PC Ports
The new Xbox boss reveals 'Project Helix' will allow playing both Xbox and PC games on the next-gen console.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Microsoft's new Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has announced 'Project Helix', the codename for the company's next-generation Xbox console. Sharma says Project Helix will 'play your Xbox and PC games' while offering industry-leading performance, hinting at a hybrid console that can run both Xbox and PC titles. This comes as Sony has reportedly decided to pause porting its major PlayStation 5 exclusives to PC, in contrast to its previous strategy of eventually bringing those games to the PC platform.
Why it matters
This move by Microsoft signals a shift towards a more open and flexible gaming ecosystem, allowing players to access a wider library of games across both Xbox and PC platforms. It stands in contrast to Sony's recent decision to limit PC ports of its major first-party titles, potentially creating a competitive divide between the two console giants. The ability to play PC games on a next-gen Xbox could appeal to a broader audience and provide more options for players.
The details
Project Helix, as described by Asha Sharma, will be a next-generation Xbox console that can play both Xbox and PC games. This suggests the new hardware will be more akin to a 'gaming PC' running Windows 11, rather than a traditional console. Sharma plans to discuss Project Helix further with game development partners and studios at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) Festival of Gaming. Meanwhile, recent reports indicate Sony has decided to pause porting its major PlayStation 5 exclusive titles to PC, a strategy it had previously embraced, in contrast to Microsoft's apparent plans to bridge the gap between its Xbox and PC ecosystems.
- Asha Sharma announced Project Helix on March 5, 2026.
- The GDC Festival of Gaming will take place from March 9-13, 2026, where Sharma plans to discuss Project Helix.
The players
Asha Sharma
The new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, who has announced the upcoming 'Project Helix' console that will play both Xbox and PC games.
Sony
The video game company that has reportedly decided to pause porting its major PlayStation 5 exclusive titles to PC, in contrast to its previous strategy.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Asha Sharma, CEO of Microsoft Gaming (Twitter)
What’s next
Asha Sharma is expected to provide more details about Project Helix and Microsoft's plans for the next-generation Xbox at the upcoming GDC Festival of Gaming from March 9-13, 2026.
The takeaway
Microsoft's announcement of Project Helix, a next-gen Xbox console that can play both Xbox and PC games, signals a shift towards a more open and flexible gaming ecosystem. This contrasts with Sony's recent decision to limit PC ports of its major first-party PlayStation 5 exclusives, potentially creating a competitive divide between the two console giants. The ability to access a wider library of games across platforms could appeal to a broader audience and provide more options for players.
