Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma Confirms ‘Project Helix’ Next-Gen Hybrid Xbox That Plays PC Console Games

The announcement comes after Microsoft finally announced its plans for next-generation gaming ambitions. Tech giant Redmond-based tech giant said Thursday that its next Xbox console is codenamed “Project Helix” after it was released on the upcoming Xbox. The current generation of Xbox systems is likely to be a successor to “It will probably succeed the next generation,” . In the future, Microsoft says its best feature of the new hardware is that it can natively play both Xbox and PC games (and possibly combining Microsoft’s two massive gaming ecosystems into one “hybrid” device).

Microsoft’s Next-Gen Xbox is Codenamed ‘Project Helix’

This comes from the new Microsoft Gaming Executive Vice President and CEO Asha Sharma, who attended X to announce the next-generation Xbox. The project Helix aims to provide support for games designed for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, which are built using Project Hex. Hypothetically, this means that the next-generation console could allow players to play PC titles alongside games developed exclusively for the Xbox platform.

This move toward “hybrid” console PC experience directly echoes the statements made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s predecessor, Sony. Nadella said in late 2025 that the company was attempting to “revisit” the old wisdom of consoles and PCs, which are distinct entities. He also stressed that the next Xbox would be a Windows-centric device, away from the “walled garden” nature of traditional consoles.

The approach of Project Helix appears to be a model for this strategy. It is reported to be able to play PC games across several storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store “from day one” according to reports. It should be a successor to Microsoft’s current console generation, including the Xbox Series X and Xbox series S.

However, recent reports suggest that the next-generation Xbox console could be around 2027 (although development timelines may still evolve). Microsoft considers 2026 or 227 as a “best-case scenario” in internal documents, which it says is not fully internally committed to an agreed date.

At the next Game Developers Conference (GDC), where the tech giant is expected to reveal more details about Project Helix, which usually reveals new development tools and platforms features.

In a statement, Sharma said she will attend the Game Developers Conference — held next week in San Francisco — to discuss the project more with partners. from 9 to 13 March, a that runs between March 9 and 13. GDC, short for Game Developers Conference, is a week-long event where video game professionals meet to discuss design, programming and industry trends.