“We know it’ll essentially be a gaming PC at its core”
- by Fraser Gilbert
With Xbox officially announcing today that its next Xbox console known as “Project Helix” will be integrating both console and PC games, there’s been a lot of discussion about what kind of PC games the console will actually support.
Jez Corden at Windows Central — someone who has led the rumours about the next Xbox console supporting PC games for a long time — has once again taken to the website today to state that Project Helix will be “the most open Xbox ever” due to its ability to support Windows and multiple storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.
He’s just reiterating what he’s said before, but it’s interesting stuff nevertheless:
“From our reporting, we know it’ll essentially be a gaming PC at its core, with the Xbox Full Screen Experience from the Xbox Ally handheld as its front-end. “
“As such, Xbox Helix will be the most open Xbox ever. You’ll be able to boot up the Windows Desktop from here, and install other PC stores such as Steam, Epic Games, GOG, Riot Client, Battle.net, and much more.”
Rumours of Windows integration for the next Xbox console began exactly a year ago, with Corden sparking off suggestions a few months later that Steam could be part of it. Xbox then officially promised to deliver “the next generation of graphics innovation” with its next-gen strategy while remaining committed to backwards compatibility in June, and Corden then followed up in October with a big report explaining that you could “exit out to Windows” on the system and access other storefronts.
Xbox has yet to officially confirm anything about how the PC side of things will work on Project Helix, but Corden mentions that they’re “working around the clock” to polish up the Xbox Full-Screen Experience user interface and make it as console-focused as possible.
Despite all of this info, we’d always suggest taking reports and rumours with a pinch of salt — simply because plans can change on a whim, especially when a new boss takes the reigns at Xbox! Let’s hope for more official details soon.
[source windowscentral.com]
Fraser is the News Editor at Pure Xbox, where he spends his time reporting on the biggest stories in the world of Xbox and beyond.
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Windows & Steam Support Will Make Project Helix ‘The Most Open Xbox Ever’, Says Report
Project Helix: Microsoft’s Next-Gen Xbox with Unmatched Openness
Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox console, known by its codename Project Helix, is quickly shaping up to be a revolutionary advancement in gaming. According to recent reports, Project Helix will support Windows and Steam gaming natively, making it ”the most open Xbox ever.” This strategic move is expected to broaden the horizons for gamers and developers alike by combining the best of Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems into one seamless platform.
What Does “Most Open Xbox” Mean?
Traditionally, Xbox consoles have been closed ecosystems focused mainly on games optimized for the platform. Project Helix seeks to break down these walls by embracing openness in multiple ways:
- Full Windows Compatibility: Allowing Xbox users to run Windows applications and games, effectively blurring the line between PCs and consoles.
- Native Steam Integration: Giving players access to steam’s massive game library directly on their Xbox console.
- Cross-Platform Play: Ensuring smooth gameplay across Xbox, PC, and potentially other devices.
- Open Advancement environment: Easing the process for studios and independent developers to create and port games to Project Helix.
Windows Support: Bringing a PC Experience to Console Gamers
With Project Helix running a version of Windows tailored for consoles, gamers will have access to an unprecedented level of software compatibility. This could mean:
- Launching traditional Windows apps alongside Xbox games
- Using familiar PC gaming tools and productivity software with a game controller or keyboard and mouse
- Leveraging cloud saves and cross-buy titles between Xbox and PC
- Utilizing the power of DirectX 13 for enhanced graphics fidelity
This integration promises to unify the PC and console worlds, making it simpler for gamers to switch between devices without losing progress or functionality.
Steam Support: Expanding the Game Library
One of the biggest hurdles for Xbox has been its relatively limited game store compared to PC platforms. By bringing Steam support directly to Project Helix, users gain instant access to:
- Thousands of games from indie hits to AAA blockbusters
- Community features like mods, friends lists, and Steam Workshop content
- Steam sales and seasonal discounts, making gaming more affordable
- Cloud saves and cross-platform multiplayer
This opens the door for players to experience a huge variety of titles without needing a separate PC or switching devices.
Benefits of Project Helix’s Open Approach
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Windows Compatibility | Run a vast selection of PC apps and games with ease |
| Steam Integration | Access a massive game ecosystem without extra hardware |
| Cross-Platform Play | Enjoy seamless multiplayer sessions across devices |
| Open Dev Environment | Encourages innovation and game availability |
| Enhanced Performance | Leverages next-gen hardware with powerful DirectX features |
Practical Tips for Gamers Using Project Helix
To make the most out of Project Helix’s openness, gamers should consider the following:
- Set up a Microsoft Account: sync progress and purchases across Xbox and Windows devices.
- Link Your Steam Account: Seamlessly integrate your steam library and friends list.
- Explore Controller Compatibility: Check compatibility settings for Steam games, many of which natively support Xbox controllers.
- Utilize Cross-Save Features: Take full advantage of games that support cloud saves on both PC and Xbox.
- Stay Updated: Regular system updates will enhance Windows and Steam integration on the console.
Case study: Early Developer access to Project Helix
During preliminary access given to select developers, early testers reported that the Windows-based architecture simplifies porting PC games to the console drastically. One developer noted:
“Project Helix reduces the friction for bringing our Steam titles to console. It’s like having a versatile gaming PC wrapped in an Xbox shell, opening a floodgate of opportunities for cross-platform content.”
This reflects Microsoft’s vision of Project Helix ushering in a new era of hybrid console-PC gaming.
First-Hand Experience: User Impressions
While full public access to Project Helix is yet to roll out, influencers and tech reviewers have praised the console’s openness and performance.Highlights from early impressions include:
- “Playing Steam games with an Xbox controller on a TV is surprisingly smooth and feels native.”
- “The ability to switch from Xbox Game Pass titles to Steam library in moments is a major win for convenience.”
- “Project Helix may finally remove the need for a dedicated gaming PC for most players.”
SEO Keywords to Note
For gamers and content creators optimizing around Project Helix, important SEO keywords and phrases include:
- Project Helix Xbox
- Windows support on Xbox
- Steam on Xbox Project Helix
- most open Xbox ever
- cross-platform gaming Xbox PC
- next-gen Xbox gaming console
- Xbox console Windows compatibility
- Project Helix game library
Summary Table: Project Helix vs Previous xbox Consoles
| Aspect | previous Xbox Consoles | Project Helix |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Custom Xbox OS | Windows-based hybrid OS |
| Game Library | Xbox Store exclusives + backward compatibility | Xbox Store + Native steam support |
| Developer Accessibility | Limited to certified dev tools | Open environment with Windows dev tools |
| Cross-Platform Play | Limited to Xbox & select PC titles | Wide support across Xbox, Windows, and Steam platforms |
| Performance | Next-gen AMD architecture | Enhanced DirectX 13 & custom hardware |
Final Thoughts on Project Helix’s Potential
Project Helix is poised to become a milestone in the gaming world by seamlessly merging the expansive Windows PC and Steam ecosystems with Xbox’s console mastery. This unique combination could revolutionize how gamers interact with their libraries, connect with communities, and experience cross-platform gaming like never before.
Stay tuned as Microsoft prepares to reveal more details and partnerships at upcoming industry events, where Project Helix will undoubtedly take center stage as a powerful, open, and versatile gaming machine.
Sources: GeekWire, Mashable, Tom’s Guide
