Project Helix may be a 'family of devices' that play PC and console games

Xbox's next-generation Project Helix may be an array of devices and not a singular console, and Microsoft is expected to announce more details soon.

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Microsoft's new console, codenamed Project Helix, represents a synergy between Windows and Xbox. Now we have more clues on how the future of Xbox hardware will manifest, and from the sound of things, it may include a range of devices. In a recent interview with the BBC at Gamescom 2026, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says that Microsoft is currently developing a "family of devices" for Helix.

"We've been hard at work at a great next generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we'll share more soon," Sharma said.

She also reiterates that Helix is still hybridized, so both Windows PC and Xbox console games can be played. How this will look, and whether or not Steam will be accessible, remain to be seen.

"We will continue to push the boundaries of performance, we've talked about not only being able to play your console games, but your PC games on your console..."

The Xbox CEO goes on to say that Microsoft is targeting three main points with Helix: Affordability, efficiency, and performance. A range of devices could hit all three points, perhaps a system for each, and it's possible that Xbox could even offer some sort of unique cloud-based storage in order to save costs on production.

Sharma has also said that Xbox "needs help" to launch Helix:

"...We need a new business model and partnerships for hardware as we remain committed to Helix," the Xbox CEO said in a memo from June.

It's unclear what this means for Helix's future, and whether or not the rumored Keystone cloud box could be a part of Project Helix's multi-device roadmap.

Back in 2024, I made predictions that the future of Xbox hardware was fragmented, outlining the potential for higher-powered Xbox/Windows PCs to live alongside more mid-range consoles, as well as handhelds and the Keystone cloud console also being a part of the plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

What does Xbox CEO Asha Sharma mean by a 'family of devices' for Project Helix?

She says Project Helix is not necessarily a single next-generation console but a "family of devices" being developed to deliver the Helix vision. That means multiple devices that still support the hybrid goal of playing both Windows PC and Xbox console games, and could allow Microsoft to hit Helix's targets of affordability, efficiency, and performance. The article also notes this approach could include things like different system tiers or cloud-based storage as part of the multi-device roadmap.

Question #2

Will Project Helix devices play both Xbox console and Windows PC games as stated in the article?

Yes. The article states Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reiterates that Project Helix is hybridized so both Windows PC and Xbox console games can be played. How this will look in practice and whether services like Steam will be accessible remains unclear.

Question #3

How might Microsoft use different Helix devices to target affordability, efficiency, and performance?

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Question #4

Is the rumored Keystone cloud box mentioned in this article likely to be part of the Helix multi-device lineup?

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