Microsoft Unveils 'Project Helix' as Next-Gen Xbox Console

New gaming chief Asha Sharma says the upcoming console will 'play your Xbox and PC games'

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a message posted on X, new Microsoft Gaming chief Asha Sharma announced the codename for the company's next-generation Xbox console - 'Project Helix'. Sharma stated that Project Helix will 'lead in performance' and be able to play both Xbox and PC games, hinting at a more open and versatile platform compared to previous Xbox consoles.

Why it matters

This announcement provides a glimpse into Microsoft's future gaming strategy under new leadership. The ability to play both Xbox and PC games on a single console blurs the line between traditional closed-system consoles and more open PC-like platforms, potentially appealing to a wider range of gamers. It also signals a shift away from the exclusivity model pursued by rival Sony, which has been walking back plans to release PlayStation titles on PC.

The details

According to Sharma, Project Helix is the codename for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console. She stated that the new console will 'lead in performance' and be able to play both Xbox and PC games, suggesting a more flexible and open platform compared to previous Xbox models. This aligns with recent comments from AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su, who said development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC is progressing well for a 2027 launch.

  • Asha Sharma announced Project Helix in a message posted on X on March 5, 2026.
  • AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su previously stated in February 2026 that development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox is progressing well for a 2027 launch.

The players

Asha Sharma

The new chief of Microsoft Gaming, who took over the role after the retirement of longtime CEO Phil Spencer and resignation of presumed heir apparent Sarah Bond.

Dr. Lisa Su

The CEO of AMD, who confirmed that development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC is progressing well for a 2027 launch.

Seamus Blackley

The original Xbox pioneer, who theorized that Sharma may have been brought in as a 'palliative care doctor who slides Xbox gently into the night' after taking the Xbox CEO job.

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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. 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!”

— Asha Sharma, Chief of Microsoft Gaming (X)

“Development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC is progressing well to support a launch in 2027.”

— Dr. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD (PC Gamer)

What’s next

Asha Sharma is set to discuss Project Helix and Microsoft's future gaming plans in more detail at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) next week, from March 9-13, 2026.

The takeaway

Microsoft's unveiling of 'Project Helix' as the codename for its next-generation Xbox console signals a shift towards a more open and versatile gaming platform that can play both Xbox and PC games. This move appears to distance Microsoft's strategy from Sony's focus on exclusive titles, potentially appealing to a wider range of gamers and blurring the lines between traditional consoles and PC-like systems.