Project Helix alpha development kits to ship in 2027; Xbox mode coming to Windows 11 in April

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At the Game Developer Conference 2026, Microsoft Gaming revealed more details about Project Helix, its next-generation hardware. They announced plans to start sending early test versions of the hardware to developers in 2027.

According to Xbox VP Jason Ronald, Project Helix will allow you to play games from your Xbox and PC with top-notch performance, marking a leap forward for console gaming.

Project Helix uses a specially made AMD processor and was built alongside the newest versions of DirectX and FSR technologies, paving the way for future advancements.

This technology significantly boosts ray tracing performance and features, adds smart capabilities directly into how graphics and processing work, and improves efficiency, scalability, and the level of detail possible in games. Ultimately, this creates more lifelike, engaging, and vibrant game worlds for players.

To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026, Ronald announced plans to release updated versions of some classic games, though specific details weren’t shared.

In April, Microsoft plans to introduce an “Xbox mode” to Windows 11, initially in a few select countries. This mode will allow gamers to easily switch between work and play, providing a full-screen, controller-friendly Xbox experience while still taking advantage of everything Windows has to offer. A first look at this feature was available on the ROG Ally handheld gaming device.

Ronald said this is only the beginning of a new era for Xbox, with exciting plans for the next 25 years. They’re looking forward to sharing more details later in the year and appreciate the support of the gaming community, promising to continue listening and improving alongside them. They expressed gratitude for everyone being a part of what makes gaming so special and long-lasting.

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2026-03-11 21:31