During the Xbox Developer Summit keynote address at GDC 2026, Microsoft Gaming revealed that it plans to ship alpha version development kits of the next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in 2027. Xbox is also planning on “rolling out new ways to play some of the most iconic games from our past” to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2026, and Xbox mode will be releasing on Windows 11 for desktop PCs and handhelds in April in select markets. Windows 11’s Xbox mode previously made its debut on ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices.
“We’re continuing to push innovation for our next 25 years with our team hard at work on our next-generation first-party console: Project Helix is designed to play your Xbox console and PC games, delivering leading performance and ushering in the next generation of console gaming,” said Xbox vice president of next generation Jason Ronald on Xbox Wire.
Ronald continued, “As part of our multi-year partnership with AMD, we are shaping the future of rendering and simulation. 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.”
Asha Sharma took the reins as Microsoft Gaming CEO when Phil Spencer retired on February 23. Xbox president Sarah Bond also resigned from her position, with Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty taking over the position as Chief Content Officer of Microsoft Gaming. The leadership changes come during the company’s 25th anniversary, which will feature games such as Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Gears of War: E-Day.
