Project Helix
News, coverage and analysis tracking Project Helix across the outlets.
"This is going to be a niche device" – Analysts react to the $1,000+ Steam Machine price revealIndustry analysts are reacting to Valve's Steam Machine pricing, which starts at $1,049, significantly higher than initially anticipated. This increase is attributed to global component shortages, particularly memory and storage, exacerbated by the generative AI boom. Experts believe this high price point positions the Steam Machine as a niche product and raises questions about the future pricing of upcoming consoles from Sony and Microsoft, with some predicting they will also exceed $1,000.
A New Xbox Memo Points to a Tough Reset and a Possible 2027 Launch for HelixA leaked internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlines a significant "Xbox Reset" initiative, addressing a severe hardware component crisis and declining revenue. The memo suggests Project Helix could launch in Holiday 2027, with potential layoffs also indicated. The reset may have also strained relationships with PlayStation due to last-minute exclusivity decisions for titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Asha Sharma Says Xbox Has to Think Differently About Helix PricingXbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the gaming industry is facing a crisis in hardware pricing due to shortages and exponential cost increases for memory and storage. She indicated that Xbox will explore innovative and flexible pricing and storage options for its upcoming Project Helix console to ensure affordability and broader consumer access, moving away from a purely 'premium' experience.
XBOX CEO Says New Business Model is Needed “Rather Than Premium, High-Performance” ConsolesXbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is exploring new business models for consoles, moving away from solely focusing on premium, high-performance hardware due to rising costs. This approach contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond about a "very premium" next-gen console. Industry analysts suggest cloud gaming subscriptions as a potential alternative for budget-conscious gamers.
Games Inbox: Will Summer Game Fest 2026 be worth staying up for?Readers discuss their anticipation for Summer Game Fest, with hopes for announcements like Resident Evil Code: Veronica and Alien: Isolation 2. There's also commentary on Marvel's Wolverine, God of War Laufey, and the ongoing debate about game sales, digital vs. physical releases, and the importance of exclusives.- Gears of War E-Day, Fable, and Project Helix: What to Expect From Xbox's Games Showcase 2026Xbox is preparing for its Games Showcase on June 7, where it is expected to reveal new details about Gears of War E-Day, Fable, and Project Helix. The event will cover all upcoming game reveals and surprises from the company.
Apple CEO doesn't expect the RAM memory crisis to go away any time soonApple CEO Tim Cook anticipates that the current crisis of expensive RAM memory will persist, impacting the company's business. He noted that while Apple managed minimal impact in the last quarter, significant effects are expected on Mac models due to high demand and continued high memory costs. This situation is exacerbated by the increasing demand for AI data centers, contributing to a wider industry-wide supply crunch.
Project Helix Will Receive a “Closer Look” on May 7th in First Xbox Game Dev UpdateMicrosoft's Xbox division will provide a closer look at Project Helix during its first Xbox Game Dev Update on May 7th, hosted by Chris Charla and Jason Ronald. While not a full reveal, the update is expected to discuss details from GDC, including development kits shipping in 2027, and potential new opportunities for game development. Rumors suggest Project Helix is targeting a 2027 holiday season launch to compete with Sony's PlayStation 6.
Xbox CEO Confirms Memory Shortage Will Impact The Next Xbox ConsoleXbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ongoing memory shortages will impact the pricing and availability of the upcoming "Project Helix" console. While a release window has not been set, Sharma emphasized focusing on building a great console for playing both console and PC games. The console is expected to feature custom AMD hardware and advanced ray tracing capabilities.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma hints memory costs "will impact" pricing and availability of next-gen Project Helix consoleXbox boss Asha Sharma has indicated that ongoing memory cost increases will likely impact the pricing and availability of the company's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. Sharma stated that these factors are being considered as the company plans for future hardware releases, with no specific timeline currently available. The global RAM crisis is expected to continue impacting console production until late 2027 or early 2028.- Project Helix Pricing, Availability Will be Impacted by Memory Shortages, Says Xbox CEOXbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that ongoing memory shortages will impact the pricing and availability of the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix. Development kits for Project Helix will be distributed next year, with Microsoft aiming for a unified development approach across console, PC, and cloud platforms. The company recently rebranded its Microsoft Gaming division to Xbox.
Xbox Controllers Have Been Shipping Without Batteries For Months, But Microsoft Is Finally Compensating PeopleMicrosoft has acknowledged that some Xbox controllers were shipped without batteries since December 2025 and is now offering a free rechargeable battery and USB-C cable as compensation. This issue affected a limited number of newer Xbox wireless and Xbox Design Lab controllers. Microsoft stated that future controllers will include batteries and that they offer various charging options to provide players with choices.
"It didn't feel like Xbox" - Microsoft confirms new Xbox boss scrapped controversial This is an Xbox ad campaign as part of brand "reset"Microsoft has confirmed the discontinuation of its 'This is an Xbox' advertising campaign, with new gaming boss Asha Sharma leading a brand reset. The campaign, which reportedly de-emphasized hardware and was controversial internally, has been retired as Sharma focuses on celebrating Xbox's console roots. Development kits for the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, are expected next year.
PS6, Project Helix “Delivery to Market” Won’t be Affected by Memory Shortages, Says Take-Two CEOTake-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes ongoing global memory shortages will not affect the market delivery of next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Microsoft's Project Helix, with a rumored Holiday 2027 launch window still likely. Despite potential challenges and rumors of delays, companies are expected to proceed with launches to avoid greater costs, with memory prices anticipated to improve by late 2026. Both consoles are rumored to feature AMD chips, with Project Helix potentially being more powerful on paper.
Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAGMicrosoft has revealed that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will not be released until 2027, featuring custom AMD chips with advanced ray tracing and upscaling capabilities. Separately, a surprise public playtest for Secret Door and Dreamhaven's Shadowstone has launched, Nintendo is preparing an update for Pokémon Pokopia, and Square Enix has surprise-launched Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD on Xbox Series X/S and PC. Additionally, Jeff Kaplan explained his departure from Blizzard, and deals for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles and games are available.
Microsoft’s Next Xbox, Project Helix, Won’t Reach Alpha Until 2027Microsoft revealed details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, at GDC 2026. The console will feature a custom AMD chip with significant improvements in ray tracing and a new machine learning-based FSR upscaling technology. Alpha development kits are slated for release to developers in 2027, with a focus on closer integration between Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems.- Project Helix dev kits not going out until 2027 | TAGMicrosoft's next-gen console, Project Helix, will not have developer kits available until 2027, featuring a custom AMD chip with advanced ray tracing and upscaling. Separately, Pokémon Pokopia launched strongly on the Nintendo Switch 2, selling 2.2 million copies in three days, while Xbox is teasing "new ways to play" classic games for its 25th anniversary, emphasizing game preservation.
Project Helix Alpha Dev Kits Will Ship in 2027, Xbox Mode Coming To Windows 11Microsoft Gaming has announced that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will ship in 2027. The console will feature custom AMD hardware with enhanced ray tracing capabilities and will integrate an 'Xbox Mode' into Windows 11 in April 2026, offering a controller-optimized experience. Additionally, Xbox plans to introduce new ways to play iconic past titles as part of its 25th anniversary.
Microsoft confirm their PC game-running Project Helix should be in devs' hands by 2027, and packs next-gen AMD innardsMicrosoft has revealed that its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will feature AMD hardware with support for FSR upscaling, advanced frame generation, and significantly improved ray tracing capabilities. Developers are expected to receive alpha versions by 2027, suggesting a potential release in 2028. Additionally, an 'Xbox Mode' interface will be integrated into Windows 11 in April.
Project Helix Alpha Dev Kits Shipping in 2027, Xbox Mode Coming to Windows 11 Next MonthMicrosoft announced that dev kits for the next-generation Project Helix console will ship in 2027, featuring custom AMD hardware with advanced ray tracing capabilities. Additionally, an Xbox mode, previously exclusive to the ASUS ROG Ally X, will be integrated into Windows 11 next month, allowing for a seamless switch between productivity and gaming with controller support.