Microsoft aims to push the boundaries of rendering and simulation with the next Xbox console, in partnership with AMD. The gap between PCs and consoles is also closing: starting in April, Xbox mode will begin rolling out to Windows 11 in select markets.
At the Xbox Developer Summit keynote at the 2026 Game Developer Conference, Microsoft spoke about their next-generation first-party console, which is known by the working title Project Helix. The console is designed to play Xbox and PC games, and will "delivering leading performance".
"Project Helix is powered by a custom AMD SoC and co-designed for the next generation of DirectX and FSR to unlock what comes next," says Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next Generation, Xbox. "It delivers an order of magnitude leap in ray tracing performance and capability, integrates intelligence directly into the graphics and compute pipeline, and drives meaningful gains in efficiency, scale, and visual ambition". The shipping of alpha versions of the hardware to developers is planned to begin in 2027.
FSR (AMD's AI upscaling technology) will be used in the 'Diamond' version in the new console. According to Jack Huynh, SVP & GM of Computing & Graphics at AMD, FSR is designed to be natively optimised for Project Helix and deeply integrated into the Game Development Kit. It is built for next-gen neural rendering, machine learning-based upscaling, new machine learning-based multi-frame generation, and next-gen ray regeneration for ray tracing and path tracing.
Microsoft is breaking down the barriers between console and PC games to enable more seamless cross-device play. The company also wants to ensure a consistent Xbox experience across screens. "This also gives developers a simpler, more unified path to reach more players while helping reduce development costs," says Ronald.
The Xbox mode for Windows 11 was also announced, and will begin rolling out in April, starting with select markets, after an early version was debuted with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. Xbox mode lets players switch between productivity and play with the familiar full-screen, controller-optimised Xbox experience, while offering the openness of Windows.
Last but not least, Ronald emphasised that the Xbox Play Anywhere game catalogue has grown to over 1,500 games, with 500 development teams having already shipped games with Xbox Play Anywhere. 'Players should be able to play these games and more across devices, whether through purchases or subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass, or from other leading storefronts. Xbox Play Anywhere allows your games to move seamlessly with you across screens." He also mentioned that Xbox first-party franchises Halo (Halo: Campaign Evolved) and Gears of War (Gears of War: E-Day) are returning this year.
