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Microsoft confirms Project Helix hybrid gaming hardware

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2026-09-25 08:14 UTC → 2026-09-25 10:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Microsoft has officially confirmed its next-generation gaming hardware, codenamed ‘Project Helix’. Described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a ‘family of devices’, the hybrid system is designed to bridge the gap between consoles and PCs by supporting Windows applications and storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Developed through a multi-year partnership with AMD, the hardware is expected to feature a modular design using custom AMD System on a Chip (SoC) technology. Specifications suggest an architecture including 11 CPU cores, 68 RDNA 5 compute units, and up to 48GB of GDDR7 memory. This high-specification hardware is intended to support local AI features, such as a ‘Game Assist’ system. Developers are expected to receive hardware kits as early as 2027. Project Helix aims for backward compatibility across five generations: original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and Helix titles. To address the transition toward digital ecosystems, Microsoft is testing a ‘Disc to Digital’ program for Xbox Insiders. Recent ~~industry leaks~~ reports from industry insider Kepler_L2 ~~suggest~~ indicate that Project Helix, alongside Sony’s PlayStation 6, has reached the chip tape-out phase, ~~indicating~~ signaling that core hardware designs are finalized for mass production. This development points toward a potential launch window in late 2027. Industry reports ~~indicate~~ suggest the Helix may feature 56 TFLOPS of raw GPU power, utilizing a large chiplet design. This represents approximately 40% more theoretical graphics power than the estimated 40 TFLOPS for the PlayStation 6, though analysts note that real-world performance will depend on architecture and software optimization. High component costs, particularly for RAM and DRAM, remain a concern, with some estimates suggesting retail prices could exceed $1,000. Amidst these hardware developments, the Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, including recent layoffs and studio shifts involving Activision, Bethesda, and Obsidian Entertainment.

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