Journalist Tom Warren shared the first slide of the presentation dedicated to the upcoming console codenamed Xbox Project Helix and also quoted statements from Xbox next-generation vice president Jason Ronald.
Key Technical Features:
- The console will officially run both Xbox and PC games
- A new custom chip from AMD, designed specifically for the next generation of DirectX
- A new next-generation AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution upscaler, FSR Next, based on machine learning with built-in frame generation
- Promised «multiple-fold» improvements in ray tracing performance, up to full Path Tracing
- Neural texture compression to help fit modern games of 200 GB or more onto SSDs
According to the revealed information, the new system will officially run both Xbox titles and PC games, continuing Microsoft’s push toward unifying console and PC ecosystems.
Among the key technologies is a new custom AMD chip created specifically for the next generation of DirectX. It is expected to be optimized for modern graphical capabilities and significantly improve ray tracing performance.
A major role in the new system will be played by the next-generation AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, known as FSR Next. It operates using machine learning and supports its own frame generation. The presentation also mentioned a substantial boost in ray tracing performance, up to full Path Tracing. After the show, AMD graphics lead Jack Huynh revealed in a separate post that FSR Next will be called FSR «Diamond». He also noted that Xbox Project Helix is the result of a multi-year engineering collaboration between AMD and Microsoft, indicating a gradual evolution of the technology with ongoing improvements over time.
Another important feature will be neural texture compression, which aims to reduce the size of modern games that often exceed 200 GB and make them easier to store on SSDs. Alpha development kits for Xbox Project Helix are planned to be sent to developers starting in 2027, suggesting a possible console launch toward the end of that year or later.
Is This New Xbox Even Really Just Xbox?
Another detail caught the attention of the community. Users noticed that Microsoft quietly removed references to the «This is an Xbox» marketing campaign from its website, which had previously faced considerable criticism. While the new leadership of Microsoft Gaming is only beginning to assess the current state of the division, the move seems logical and could be one of the first steps in revising the brand’s marketing strategy.
Hint at the Helix Devkit
Ahead of its presentation at the Game Developers Conference 2026, the official Microsoft Game Dev account on X posted a cryptic teaser featuring several images of the Xbox One development kit with the caption «Sneak Peek».
Fans quickly recognized the hardware, but many believe the post hints at something more than nostalgia for the previous generation. It is possible that the company was subtly teasing the Xbox Project Helix devkit.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that devkits almost always look different from the final console design, although the Xbox One was once a rare exception.
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