Microsoft is already preparing the next generation of Xbox consoles. During the Game Developers Conference, the company revealed several technical elements concerning Project Helix, the code name of the future machine which should succeed the Xbox Series X and Series S.
This new console marks an important step for the group’s gaming strategy. Microsoft wants to create a platform that can run both Xbox games and PC games, while offering significantly better graphics performance than the current generation.
Project Helix, the future new generation Xbox begins to be revealed
Project Helix represents the next big step for the Xbox ecosystem. Even if Microsoft has not yet officially announced its release date, several sources suggest a possible arrival around the end of 2027.
Before that, alpha versions of the console should be sent to developers next year so that they can adapt their games to the new technical capabilities. At the inaugural GDC conference, Jason Ronald, vice president of next generation at Microsoft, presented the vision behind this machine. He explains that the goal is to take a new step in console performance.
He declares: “The design of this console aims to usher in the next generation of console video games by advancing the state of the art and removing many barriers” The future console should also strengthen the links between the PC and Xbox ecosystem. Jason Ronald explains: “Project Helix is designed to run your games on Xbox console and PC, providing high performance and an optimal gaming experience.”
A console designed with AMD and the next generation of DirectX
To achieve this performance, Microsoft is working closely with AMD to design a completely custom system-on-chip. Jason Ronald confirms this strategic collaboration: “We are working closely with AMD to define the next generation of rendering and simulation.” The console will therefore be equipped with an SoC developed specifically for this architecture. He adds: “Project Helix is powered by a custom AMD-based SoC and it is co-designed for the next generation of DirectX.”
The goal is to leverage more of the GPU’s capabilities through intelligence built into the graphics pipeline. Jason Ronald explains: “Project Helix integrates intelligence directly into the graphics and compute pipeline, delivering revolutionary features and gains in efficiency, scale and visual ambitions.”
Microsoft also claims that the console will offer major improvements for ray tracing and overall performance. According to Jason Ronald: “includes an order of magnitude increase in performance and ray tracing capabilities, beyond what is currently possible with Xbox Series X and S”
He also specifies that the architecture will optimize the work of the graphics processor. He explains: “unlocks GPU-directed work graph execution, eliminating CPU bottlenecks, meaning the GPU can actually generate its own workload in real-time, delivering a massive performance improvement”
An architecture focused on neural rendering and artificial intelligence
The technical characteristics revealed by Microsoft show a clear direction towards artificial intelligence technologies. The console will notably integrate:
– a next-generation neural rendering system
– scaling based on machine learning
– multiframe ML technology
– neural texture compression
– AMD FSR Next integration
These technologies should make it possible to improve visual quality while reducing hardware load. Microsoft also relies on DirectStorage combined with Zstd compression to speed up loading and data management.
Microsoft could abandon the Series X and Series S model
One detail, however, intrigues industry observers. In the information presented by Microsoft, nothing suggests that a second, more affordable console is planned. The current generation is based on two different machines: the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. The latter is less powerful but offered at a more accessible price.
This model has often sparked criticism from certain developers who have cited the technical limitations of the Series S for certain games. If Microsoft chooses to launch a single console with Project Helix, it would represent a significant change in the brand’s strategy. The question of price then remains central. The Series S made it possible to attract new players thanks to a lower price. For now, Microsoft has not confirmed its final strategy for the next generation.